Paul M. Mersino

For nearly two decades, Paul Mersino has represented clients that include public and private companies in a variety of sectors. He has developed expertise both bringing and defending matters in Michigan and throughout the US in areas including complex commercial litigation, contract disputes, non-competition and trade secret disputes, automotive supplier disputes, construction litigation, and First Amendment litigation. He has consistently achieved successful results for his clients, prevailing in numerous high-stakes litigation matters and on appeal. Mr. Mersino also represents and advises startup companies. His startup clients depend on his expertise and assistance with a broad range of legal needs, including matching them with potential venture capital funding. Mr. Mersino has served as a mentor, consultant, and on the board of several startup companies.

Paul Mersino is skilled in the handling of appellate matters in the Michigan Court of Appeals, Michigan Supreme Court, and in federal courts across the country. He is admitted to the state of Michigan, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, Supreme Court of the United States, and has been admitted on a temporary basis in several state and federal courts throughout the nation.

Prior to joining the firm's Board, Mr. Mersino served as Chair of Butzel’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Department. Widely acknowledged for his leadership skills and exceptional business and legal acumen, he has been sought for a variety of positions to lend guidance and direction to several organizations. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Detroit Bar Association, as an advisor to the Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education Litigation Advisory Board, is a Trustee of the Butzel Long Charitable Trust, and is on the Board of Directors of the Detroit Regional Chamber.

Mr. Mersino has been recognized during his career by numerous respected legal industry publications for his expertise in the areas of Construction Law, Commercial Litigation, and Trade Secrets Law. He frequently gives of his time to share his knowledge to educate clients, fellow lawyers, and others regarding updates in the law and other subjects pertinent to the industries he serves. He has presented nationally on topics such as the Defend Trade Secrets Act in Washington, D.C., Orlando, Florida, and Chicago, Illinois, and internationally in Milan, Italy. He has also served as a speaker and moderator on numerous expert panels discussing startup enterprises.

All Related Practice Areas

Education

Northwood University 2005, B.A.

Ave Maria School of Law 2008, J.D.

Admissions

Memberships

• American Bar Foundation, Fellow
• Michigan State Bar Foundation, Fellow
• Detroit Bar Association, Board of Directors
• Detroit Lawyer Magazine, Editorial Board
• Leadership Oakland XXV
• Leadership Detroit XXXIX
• State Bar of Michigan 
• American Bar Association 
• Delta Mu Delta (Honorary Business Fraternity)
• American Inns of Court (Past Member)
• Institute of Continuing Legal Education, Litigation Advisory Board

Awards & Recognitions

Michigan Lawyers Weekly – Leaders in the Law, Class of 2023

The Best Lawyers in America® - Commercial Litigation, 2024, 2025

Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Stars – Business Litigation (2022)

DBusiness – Detroit 500 – Most Powerful Business Leaders in Metro Detroit (2023 & 2024)

DBusiness - Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit – Construction Law, Litigation-Commercial, Trade Secrets

Crain's Detroit Business “40 Under 40” - Class of 2021

Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 Under 40 - Class of 2015