Andrew M. Pauwels

Andrew Pauwels is a litigation attorney who focuses on assisting with media law litigation, complex commercial litigation, and intellectual property litigation matters. He has experience litigating disputes in various state and federal courts, in Michigan, and throughout the country. Andrew represents clients in various phases of litigation and has significant experience drafting motions, including dispositive motions, and managing discovery issues. He serves the firm as a member of the Summer Associate Committee.

• Represents local and national print and broadcast media companies in defamation, media access, and other litigation
• Represents private equity firms and their portfolio companies in commercial litigation and internal investigations typically involving allegations of criminal or civil fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of contract
• Represents companies and individuals in contract disputes, supply chain litigation, business torts, class action defense, and other high stakes litigation

Representative Matters

Media Litigation

• Achieved dismissal, later affirmed on appeal, of a defamation suit brought against a local newspaper and its reporter by a controversial political figure 
• Obtained dissolution at Michigan Court of Appeals of probate court’s prior restraint on publication of news broadcast by local television station
• Obtained records for national broadcaster from public university under Michigan Freedom of Information Act

Other Experience

• Won summary judgment in Illinois state court on breach of fiduciary duty claims asserted by client plaintiff marketing firm against its former president for illicit competition
• Filed multiple amicus curiae briefs as counsel to various organizations, including the Legal Services Association of Michigan, in the Michigan Supreme Court and Michigan Court of Appeals

Awards

Michigan Super Lawyers, Recognized as a Rising Star, 2017-2019

Professional & Community Involvement

Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association

Federal Bar Association – Eastern District of Michigan Chapter

State Bar of Michigan

• Litigation Section
• Appellate Practice Section

American Bar Association

• Forum on Communications Law

Media Law Resource Center

• Next Generation Committee
• Pre-Publication/Pre-Broadcast Committee

Notre Dame Club of Detroit, Board of Directors, 2017-Present

Notre Dame Law School Alumni Mentorship Program, Volunteer Mentor, 2017-Present

ABA Forum on Communications Law, Moot Court Mentorship Program, Volunteer Mentor, 2018-2019