July 2024 Pacesetter Martin Hogg
Miller & Tischler, PC, Farmington Hills

What motivated you to become a trial lawyer? I became an MAJ member shortly after becoming licensed in 2012, because that was a requisite for the attorneys at the three-attorney firm where I practiced. At that time, I was only interested in providing top legal work for the firm’s clients, mostly through brief writing. Inspiration to become a trial lawyer really came from other MAJ members sharing their experiences. As a young attorney, my boss would conduct all the firm’s trials. In one of those trials, the insurer had so many “IME” experts that the judge had to reduce the number due to the opinions being so cumulative. This was on top of the “biomechanical expert” who had opined there was no way the accident could have caused the injury. The verdict was quite large, and it was an awesome win. On the MAJ List Server, we often hear similar post-verdict stories from fantastic trial attorneys. They have all served as inspiration for me.

When did you become a member of MAJ? Why did you decide to join? I joined MAJ without knowing much about the organization. I soon became aware of what a fantastic organization it is and what it does for Michiganders and their attorneys. The continuing education aspect is a tremendous benefit provided by MAJ – which is really the result of the members willing to dedicate their time to educate colleagues. I take great pride in being involved in the organization.

Why do you feel it is important for trial lawyers to be a part of MAJ? It’s more than important – it’s necessary in my opinion. I had this discussion recently with a fellow MAJ member. I am not sure how any attorney (particularly those in smaller law firms or solo practitioners) can feel comfortable taking an auto case and not be an MAJ member. No law seems to change the way our No-Fault auto insurance system does – and that doesn’t even take into account the undeveloped law surrounding the 2019 No-Fault amendments. In my opinion, our No-Fault laws require expertise. If an attorney is not fully engulfed in that world, the attorney must at a minimum have access to MAJ resources like the List Server. Otherwise, the attorney is stuck in a sea of defense attorney sharks with nothing but a paddle boat.

Please describe the extent of your MAJ participation (offices held, committees, AAJ, etc.) I would say my largest contributions to MAJ have been sharing my work (briefs, depositions, general thoughts, etc.) to members on the List Server. I had been appointed by the DIFS Commissioner to sit on the board of governors for the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan. The idea was that one person representing the public with the six insurance appointed governors might help ensure prompt payment of claims. Unfortunately, it has become nearly impossible to work in my field without naming the MAIPF/MACP as a Defendant, so I was politely asked to resign. I have not, as of yet, held any office positions within MAJ.

You have made a strong commitment to the Justice PAC. Why do you feel supporting the JPAC is important? JPAC works on behalf of Michiganders to try to put the individual on equal footing with very large industry interests, who have seemingly endless financial resources. JPAC works to ensure individuals will have their day in Court, and that is extremely important.

What is distinctive about your practice? And your firm? If I had a specialty, it would be highly contested No-Fault coverage disputes. My favorite cases are auto injury cases that have indisputably significant injuries but, for one reason or another, there is a dispute over insurance coverage. At Miller & Tischler, we pride ourselves on understanding the nuances of the No-Fault Act, and I try to maintain that well-earned reputation.