Blake Ringsmuth knew from the ninth grade that he wanted to become a trial lawyer—someone people looked to when their lives turned upside down and they needed an advocate to stand up for them. “In college, I watched trial attorneys Dean Robb and Mike Dettmer try a heart-wrenching wrongful death case, and that sealed it,” said Ringsmuth. 

 Becoming an MAJ member more than a decade ago, Ringsmuth “joined because I believe our voice is stronger when we speak in unison and in numbers,” he said. “Also, it can be pretty stressful and lonely fighting the good fight every day, and it is nice to be around—and supported by—   like-minded folks who know what we go through.”

 Involved as a speaker at several different MAJ functions, and attendee of many more, Ringsmuth believes MAJ is important because of the resources we offer—including insight, support, and formal educational programming.

 “The organization supports a fantastic group of leadership and staff that have done excellent work for the people of Michigan and the lawyers who do battle on behalf of the little guys,” he said. “MAJ is the tip of our state’s trial lawyer spear, and for that I am thankful.” 

Having made a strong commitment to MAJ’s Justice PAC (JPAC), Ringsmuth believes it’s important to support our efforts on this front. “Supporting JPAC is important because it takes money to bring about justice reforms in this state,” he said. “Look at what is spent on Supreme Court elections alone, and there is just too much at stake not to do what I can to undo some of the special interest-driven law that still exists in Michigan.”

Currently one of the principal trial attorneys at RingsmuthWuori, PLLC, Ringsmuth enjoys the mix of injury, employment, and civil rights cases his practice takes on. “I am lucky to have cases that not only interest me, but are important to our community and not solely based upon financial considerations,” he stated. “I look at my law license as being deputized to make my community a better and safer place—or as I like to say, ‘mess with the bad guys.’”

His most memorable and satisfying case was a sexual harassment suit against MDOT. The department knew the supervisor had been terrorizing his female subordinate but promoted him anyway. After more than 20 depositions all over the state, MDOT removed the case to the Court of Claims and sought dismissal—arguing that there was no right to a jury trial against the State under the Michigan Civil Rights Act. “It lost, but appealed,” reminisced Ringsmuth. “After going to the Michigan Supreme Court and losing, MDOT settled for $2.75M, all of which was solely non-economic damages.” Ringsmuth and his firm also made law in the state in a published opinion. Doe v MDOT, 324 Mich App 226; 919 NW2d 670 (2018). 

Ringsmuth is also currently involved in a First Amendment retaliation case against a local county commissioner who brandished a high-powered rifle at a citizen for exercising their right to free speech at a public meeting. The case and incident have garnered national attention.

Outside his practice of law, Ringsmuth enjoys playing guitar, fly fishing, traveling, and being with his wife and two dogs. “And the occasional trip to Ann Arbor to see my kids rounds out my life nicely. Go Blue!” he said. 

When asked if he had anything else to share, Ringsmuth said, “Being a trial lawyer is a privilege. As long as I keep that fact in the forefront of my mind, I stay focused, grateful, and persevere.”