Tom Branigan is a trial lawyer who understands the auto industry. He has worked in or for the industry for over 43 years. Born, raised and educated in the “Motor City,” automotive is in his DNA. Tom is recognized as one of the leading Trial Lawyers in America today for motor vehicle product liability litigation and one of Michigan's leading lawyers. Through his national trial practice, he has tried major cases to prominent defense verdicts for numerous OEMs and suppliers from coast to coast. He has appeared as Trial or Lead Counsel in over 30 states and in Canada.
Tom’s clients have described him as “a top choice nationally for our cases due to his technical mastery of emerging technology and approachability with both juries and corporate executives.” A Lawyer who “has tirelessly worked to not just understand the technology but also represent car companies to defend against these claims and present the extraordinary benefits of ADAS to juries.”
His record is proof that he and his teams work aggressively and tirelessly to cost-effectively manage all facets of complex and high-exposure litigation including “bet the company,” class action, multidistrict, appeals, arbitrations and mediations throughout North America to resolution in line with his client’s objectives. He is routinely retained as Lead Counsel in “bet the company” cases, and he has been Counsel in many of the largest automotive related class action and MDL matters in history. Tom is currently an elected member of Bowman and Brooke’s Executive Committee, Co-Chair of the Automotive Practice Group and he has also served as the Managing Partner of the Detroit office and Chair of its Policy Committee.
Tom was named a 2025 Lawyer of the Year by Michigan Lawyers Weekly and recognized as a Leader in the Law honoree. He is also listed in The Best Lawyers in America and is regularly recognized by Legal 500. He has also been named in Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine every year since its inception in 2006.