Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP | Professionals

Joined the firm in March 2004 after a distinguished 23-year-career in state government, serving as Chief Counsel of the Michigan Attorney General's Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division
Serves as Vice Chair of Honigman's Gaming and Hospitality Practice Group and represents a diverse clientele in litigation, gaming, liquor and governmental matters
Representative Litigation Experience:
- Tried several hundred civil and criminal jury trials, including class action trials, in state and federal courts throughout the United States
- Served as lead counsel in a multitude of complex high profile cases, including class action lawsuits, on behalf of state agencies, government leaders and state employees, including the Michigan Departments of Environmental Quality, Natural Resources, Transportation, State Police, Corrections, Family Independence Agency, and Treasury
- Selected to represent state trial court judges in tort litigation involving their judicial activities
- Handled numerous high profile administrative hearings before a host of state governmental agencies
- Recent representative trial work includes:
  - Defended a national pharmacy retailer in class action and qui tam litigation involving pharmacy pricing
  - Defended a beer importer/supplier in a dispute with a distributor over an alleged breach of a distribution contract
  - Represented family members in a dispute over the assets in a family trust, including defense of minority shareholder oppression claims
  - Defended a health care provider in litigation in federal court in Arizona, including such claims as business disparagement and interference with business opportunities
  - Represented a Native American tribe and environmental groups in a high profile dispute with a mining company over the placement of a sulfide mine in Northern Michigan
Representative Gaming Experience:
- Served as Chief Counsel:
  - Michigan Gaming Control Board from 1996-2004
  - Michigan Lottery Bureau 2002-2004
  - Michigan Horse Racing Commission 2002-2004
- Co-authored of amendments to the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, MCL 432.201, et seq. and the Michigan Gaming Control Board's Administrative Rules and Regulations
- Authored several formal opinions of the Michigan Attorney General related to casino gaming issues
- Represents licensed casinos, gaming and non-gaming related suppliers to casinos, and occupational licenses before the Michigan Gaming Control Board
- Recent representative gaming-related successes include:
  - Representation of multi-national food service supplier in a complex licensing case before the Michigan Gaming Control Board
  - Representation of a mid-size Detroit area staffing company in the restoration of the Company’s supplier license
  - Representation of casino occupational licensee in a Michigan Gaming Control Board investigation and compliance action
Representative Liquor Experience:
- Served as Chief Counsel for the Michigan Liquor Control Commission from 2002-2004
- Handles legal issues pertaining to state regulation of all forms of liquor licensing
- Represents a diverse clientele, including beer and wine importers, distributors, casinos, bars, restaurants and hotels involved in buying, transferring or selling liquor licenses within Michigan
- Recent representative work includes:
  - Liquor license transfers from and to bars, restaurants, hotels, gas stations, party stores, etc.
  - Administrative proceedings before the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, including appeal of license denials and enforcement violations
  - Representation of suppliers, distributors and retailers in litigation involving assigned territories and distribution agreements
General Government Related Experience:
- Assists clients in resolving a multitude of complex issues with state government
- Recent representative examples include:
  - Representation of an office supply company involved in a bid dispute with the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget
  - Representation of a multi-national pharmaceutical company in a product pricing investigation by state government, which was resolved without prosecution or civil fines
  - Representation of a national sporting goods supplier in a dispute with the Michigan Department of Transportation over outdoor advertising on a state highway
  - Representation of a Michigan company in a dispute with the Michigan Departments of Licensing and Administrative Affairs and Human Services over Medicaid payments

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Eric J. Eggan

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