Michael R. Carey

Member


There are two stories to tell in every products liability case, and few trial lawyers can craft compelling, understandable, and persuasive narratives as well as Michael Carey.

His creativity and ability to authentically connect with juries, combined with his talent for maximizing the effectiveness of expert witnesses, have made Michael one of the country's premier defense lawyers in automotive liability and other products liability matters.

While Michael is known for his powerful courtroom advocacy, he recognizes that success in products cases is built upon a foundation of technical knowledge, meticulous preparation, and the right expertise. He is constantly formulating, adjusting, and implementing defense strategies best-suited to each case's facts, plaintiffs' motivations, and his clients' larger business interests.

By assembling the right teams and deploying the resources needed to put his clients in the strongest possible positions, Michael has obtained favorable verdicts and outcomes in state and federal courts across the country.

Co-leader of the firm's electric and autonomous vehicles (E/AV) and advanced mobility team, Michael counsels mobility industry clients on proactive risk mitigation strategies for emerging automated driving technologies. As editor of The Open Road, Dykema's automotive blog, he is frequently called on to publish and present on legal issues and advances in the automotive field. Michael also serves as Dykema’s Minneapolis Office Managing Member.

Outside of litigation, Michael's clients and colleagues also turn to him to craft liability, indemnity, warning, and other language in agreements or transactional matters, benefiting from the perspective and insights he's gained successfully trying countless products liability cases. 

Strategy in products liability cases is not static. You need to be able to adjust and adapt your approach to changes in facts or circumstances so that when you get before a jury, you are armed with the best possible arguments.
    • William Mitchell College of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2007
    • St. John's University, B.A., 2002
  • Bar Admissions

    • Minnesota, 2007
    • North Dakota, 2010
    • South Dakota, 2016
  • Court Admissions

    • U.S. District Court, E.D. Michigan
    • U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit
    • Named a Nationwide Leading Lawyer in Transportation: Road (Automotive) (listed as a Notable practitioner) by Chambers USA, 2024

    • Recognized by The Legal 500 United States as a Next Generation Partner and Leading Lawyer (Top 10 Lawyers Nationally) for Product Liability, Mass Tort and Class Action - Defense: Automotive/Transport, 2020, 2022-2024; named a Key Lawyer for Automotive Litigation, 2022; named a Key Lawyer for Rail and Road - Litigation and Regulation, 2020-2021 and 2024

    • Under 40 Hot List, Benchmark Litigation, 2016-2020

    • Rising Star, Minneapolis Super Lawyers Magazine, 2013-2019

    • Up and Coming Attorney, Minnesota Lawyer Magazine, 2012

    • Recipient of The Burton Award for Legal Achievement, Distinguished Legal Writing Award, 2009

    • Minnesota State Bar Association Civil Litigation Section Council, Member
    • MSBA Certified Civil Trial Specialist

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