How much does it cost to hire Brian for a general case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Brian walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Brian offer a free consultation?

Brian charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Brian's current terms during booking.

How long do general cases in Michigan typically take?

Simple general matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Brian gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Brian take my case if I'm outside Livonia?

Brian is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Brian will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Brian?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Brian will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Brian accepting new general clients right now?

Brian's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Brian W. Whitelaw, General Attorney in Livonia, Michigan

Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on General, Health Care, and Insurance · 4.6/5 rating from 6 verified client reviews

PartneratFoley, Baron, Metzger & Juip, PLLC

Livonia, MI

Practicing general in Livonia since 1981.

45+: Years practicing
4.6 ★: 6 client reviews
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

General Health Care Insurance Litigation Medical Malpractice Personal Injury

Are you Brian W. Whitelaw?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Brian W. Whitelaw is a partner based in Livonia, MI. The practice focuses on General, Health Care, and Insurance. Brian has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Foley, Baron, Metzger & Juip, PLLC. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.

Based in: Livonia, MI
Experience: over 45 years
Known for: General · Health Care · Insurance

Handles General, Health Care, and Insurance matters from Livonia, MI.
Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Brian takes on

Brian concentrates on general, health care, insurance, litigation, and medical malpractice. Each area below outlines the kind of case Brian handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

General cases in Livonia, Michigan

Brian takes general matters in Livonia, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Health Care cases in Livonia, Michigan

Brian takes health care matters in Livonia, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Livonia, Michigan

Brian takes insurance matters in Livonia, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Livonia, Michigan

Brian takes litigation matters in Livonia, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Medical Malpractice cases in Livonia, Michigan

Brian takes medical malpractice matters in Livonia, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Brian W. Whitelaw — general lawyer in Livonia

Brian Whitelaw is a Partner with Foley, Baron, Metzger, & Juip, PLLC. He has devoted over 35-years to defending health care professionals throughout the State of Michigan. He is preferred defense counsel for many of the insurance companies serving Michigan doctors. He has had over 70 jury trials with a 95% win rate.

Brian has successfully defended hospital systems, physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants in suits arising out of a variety medical specialties, including: emergency medicine, orthopedics, neurosurgery, general surgery, anesthesiology, allergy and immunology, ophthalmology, oculoplastics, retinal surgery, dermatology, pathology, family medicine, pain medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, cardiology, interventional cardiology, urology, dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, thoracic surgery, vascular surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, infectious diseases, neurology, chiropractic, oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, neuroradiology and interventional neuroradiology.

In 2018 Brian was selected as a Michigan Super Lawyer in the field of medical malpractice for the 11th year running, among only a handful of lawyers receiving that honor in the State of Michigan. He is also an elected member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). ABOTA is a highly selective, invitation-only organization that works to advance the jury system, support judicial independence and elevate standards of integrity, civility and professionalism in the legal profession. He is a member of the Michigan Bar Association, the American Bar Association (ABA), the Grand Rapids Bar Association, the Michigan Health Care Institute, the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel (MDTC), the Association of Defense Trial Counsel, the Michigan Society of Hospital Attorneys and sits on the Medical Liability Committee of the DRI.

Whitelaw is the author of many articles on medical and legal issues, including “The Tort Reform Act and Alternative Dispute Resolution,” published in the Michigan Bar Journal. Brian has also published in Medscape and WebMDregarding a variety of topics, including non-compete clauses in physician contracts, and so-called “never events,” such as patient falls or infections in hospitals.

Brian has given more than 70 presentations to healthcare practitioners on topics related to medical malpractice litigation. He has headed medical-legal residency rotations for emergency medicine and internal medicine and has been a featured speaker on Medical Malpractice Tort Reform at the Annual Meeting of the Michigan State Bar Association.

In addition to defending medical malpractice claims, Brian assists physicians and medical practices with contract and licensing issues.

How Brian handles general matters

The kind of cases Brian takes

Brian reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, health care, and insurance matters in Livonia and the surrounding Michigan area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Detroit College of Law
J.D. Honors · 1981
Michigan State University
B.S. · 1977

Jurisdictions

Brian's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1989 · ACTIVE
Michigan
1981 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1981 · ACTIVE

Brian studied at J.D. Honors in Detroit College of Law and B.S. in Michigan State University.

Law school and academic background

Brian completed J.D. Honors in Detroit College of Law and B.S. in Michigan State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Brian runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Brian has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Brian's professional memberships and bar associations

State Bar of Michigan
bar_fellowship

Locations

Brian W. Whitelaw's office in Livonia

Brian's primary office is at Cambridge Center, 38777 Six Mile Road, Suite 300, Livonia, MI, 48152. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Foley, Baron, Metzger & Juip, PLLC

Cambridge Center, 38777 Six Mile Road, Suite 300

Livonia, MI 48152

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Brian W. Whitelaw — 4.6/5 rating from 6 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Brian. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general attorneys in Livonia.

4.6

6 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Brian W. Whitelaw claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Brian W. Whitelaw — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Brian usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Brian charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Brian will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a general attorney in Livonia, Michigan

A short list to run through before you commit: How many general matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Brian

Brian discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every general matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Brian confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Brian's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Brian W. Whitelaw

How much does it cost to hire Brian for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Brian walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Brian offer a free consultation?
Brian charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Brian's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple general matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Brian gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Brian take my case if I'm outside Livonia?
Brian is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Brian will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Brian?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Brian will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Brian accepting new general clients right now?
Brian's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

General attorneys serving Livonia, Detroit and Grand Rapids in Michigan

Brian handles general matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Brian's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Livonia handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.