A founding member and shareholder of the firm, Mr. Phifer also serves as the firm's managing director. Mr. Phifer’s practice focuses in the areas of insurance and ERISA issues, as well as general commercial litigation and internal corporate investigations. Additionally, Mr. Phifer has extensive experience in litigating and mediating issues involving governance of ecclesiastical organizations. His wide-ranging litigation experience encompasses expertise in the federal arena culminating in several seminal cases published in the federal reporters. In addition to his firm responsibilities, he is a certified mediator in Wayne County and a frequent lecturer for the American Bar Association and various community organizations. Mr. Phifer has also served as a state court-appointed receiver. An active member of the American Bar Association, Mr. Phifer has presented on life insurance and law office management issues. He served as a vice chairman of the ABA’s Life Insurance Subcommittee and as the associate editor for the ABA’s Tort & Insurance Law Journal. As an Adjunct Professor at the University of Detroit School of Law, Mr. Phifer gave instruction in legal writing and research. He has also conducted seminars and classes in various aspects of insurance law. Mr. Phifer is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and the University of Detroit School of Law. He was admitted to the practice of law in 1975.