Kerry Lynn Rhoads
Principal
krhoads@dmclaw.com |
Direct: 313-308-2046
120 Kercheval Avenue
Suite 200
Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236-3619
Main: 313-308-2030
Fax: 888-811-7144
Kerry Lynn Rhoads is a principal of Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C. She concentrates her practice in the areas of employment law, insurance coverage litigation, insurance defense, and tort defense, with a particular emphasis in transportation law.
Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Rhoads practiced at another Detroit-area law office representing insurance companies and their insureds. Her extensive experience encompasses providing timely advice to clients and representing clients at all stages of litigation, including depositions, motions, court conferences, facilitation hearings, trials, and appeals.
Professional Accomplishments
- The Best Lawyers in America® 2024: Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
- Michigan Leading Lawyers by Leadinglawyers.com (2018–present)
- Case Evaluator appointments:
– Oakland County
– Oakland County District Courts
– Wayne County
– Special Defense Panelist for No-Fault Cases - State Bar of Michigan appointments
– Civil Procedure and Courts Committee (2019–2020)
– District I Character and Fitness Committee (2016–2019)
– Professional Ethics Committee (2019–2024) - Appointed to the Detroit Bar Association Judicial Candidate Evaluation Committee
- Judge, 2017 National Trial Competition, Regional Competition, sponsored by the Michigan State University College of Law and the Texas Young Lawyers Association
- Judge, 2009 National Trial Competition, Regional Competition, sponsored by the American College of Trial Lawyers and the Texas Young Lawyers Association
- Judge, 2008 National Trial Advocacy Competition, sponsored by the Michigan State University College of Law
Bar Admissions
- Michigan
- Ohio
Education
- Wayne State University Law School, J.D. (1996)
- Michigan State University, B.A. (1993)
Representative Matters
- Obtained dismissal of EEOC/Michigan Department of Civil Rights claim involving allegations of religious discrimination
- Obtained Sixth Circuit victory for insurer in homeowners insurance coverage matter
- Obtained appellate victory in Michigan no-fault case involving a driver who did not have permission to operate the insured’s vehicle at the time of the accident
- Counsels a major nonprofit charitable organization on employment law and professional liability matters
- Obtained dismissal of a Michigan Department of Civil Rights claim involving allegations of disability discrimination against a nonprofit corporation
- Received summary disposition on behalf of a premises owner in a general negligence claim
- After appeal by the plaintiff, obtained summary judgment and award of attorney fees and costs on behalf of a mortgage broker who was sued by a wholesale lender in a commercial dispute
- Achieved dismissal of $100,000-plus breach of contract claim involving a services contract
- Obtained dismissal of an EEOC/Michigan Department of Civil Rights claim involving allegations of race discrimination against a mental health provider
- Obtained summary disposition and an award of costs and fees from a third party for a commercial transportation client in a case with a seven-figure demand
- Obtained dismissal of an EEOC/Michigan Department of Civil Rights claim involving allegations of disability discrimination and HIPAA violation against a mental health provider
- Obtained dismissal of an EEOC/Michigan Department of Civil Rights claim involving allegations of race and disability discrimination on behalf of a medical facility
- Obtained summary disposition in a UCC/Warranty/Magnuson Moss/Consumer Protection Act matter on behalf of an automobile company supplier
- Obtained $0 case evaluation awards in UCC/Warranty/Magnuson Moss/Consumer Protection Act matters on behalf of an automobile company supplier on two separate occasions
- Obtained $0 case evaluation award on behalf of client in a commercial negligence matter
- Obtained dismissal of a Michigan Department of Civil Rights/EEOC complaint involving allegations of race discrimination against a machine shop
- Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a client in a transportation negligence action
- Successfully represented various employers, including union shops, in EEOC claims involving allegations of age, race and disability discrimination
- Obtained a defense verdict in a transportation negligence case where the plaintiff asked for $600,000
- Successfully handled numerous appellate matters, including briefing and oral arguments before the Michigan Court of Appeals, the Michigan Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
Publications
- “Supreme Court Ruling Requires More Rigor from Employers for Employee Requests for Religious Accommodations” (Co-Author), HR Daily Advisor, 9/8/2023
Admissions and Licenses
- Michigan Bar Admission
- Ohio Bar Admission
- United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan
- United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
Memberships
- Defense Research Institute
- Detroit Bar Association
- Michigan Defense Trial Counsel
- Oakland County Bar Association
- Ohio State Bar Association
- State Bar of Michigan
– Insurance & Indemnity Law Section
– Labor & Employment Law Section
– Negligence Law Section
Community
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Education
- Wayne State University Law School, J.D. (1996), cum laude; Moot Court; Top 10 Oralist; Top 20 Brief Writer; Free Legal Aid Clinic; Student Attorney
- Michigan State University – James Madison College, B.A. (1993), with honors