John Pirich
John Pirich
John Pirich is a well-known attorney in Lansing. He specializes in litigation, appellate advocacy, securities and corporate governance litigation, insurance, gaming and hospitality operations, lobbying and government relations as well as business law.
He is a past president of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on the board of directors for MSU United Way. Additionally, he serves on the Parish Councils at St. Thomas Aquinas and St. John Student Parishes in East Lansing.
Early Life and Education
John Pirich wasn’t on the fast track to becoming a lawyer, but his early interest in government and politics helped him on his journey. Now an associate at Honigman Law Offices in Lansing, Pirich earned an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Michigan before teaching high school English for six years and attending law school at Wayne State University.
Pirich serves as co-chairman of Honigman’s Appellate Advocacy Practice Group and adjunct professor at Michigan State University College of Law, where he directs the Geoffrey Fieger Trial Practice Institute. Established in 2001 with a $4 million gift from Fieger, this two-year program emphasizes skills training, case theory development, analysis of litigation strategies, civility and ethics. Along with his wife Marybeth they enjoy overseas travel – Australia/New Zealand; South America including Chile (home to their adopted daughter); and South Africa where they went on Safari at Kalahari Game Reserve as well as visited Cape Town (with Table Mountain).
Professional Career
John Pirich has been practicing insurance law in Detroit, MI for 50 years. As a partner at Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn, he is also an active member of the American Bar Association.
He has extensive experience handling high-profile cases, such as representing former Governor Rick Snyder in fighting recall petitions. Additionally, he served as Assistant Attorney General for Michigan from 2005-07.
He is also an active volunteer for Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s campaign. Since 2017, he has contributed $4,750 to her cause and participated in debate negotiations during the 2018 election.
Achievements and Honors
John Pirich is an esteemed litigator with extensive experience in state and federal courts. As a partner at Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn, his practice areas include commercial litigation, insurance law, environmental law and administrative law.
He has received numerous awards and honors, including being named a Michigan State University College of Law Leaders in the Law honoree as well as being included on American Bar Association’s list of AV Preeminent attorneys.
He and his wife Marybeth are active participants in Ele’s Place, a nonprofit organization that assists children cope with the loss of a loved one. Additionally, they serve on the board of Sparrow Hospital where he serves as chair.
Personal Life
Pirich has been married to Patty Wagner for over 55 years and they have two children and three grandchildren.
He loves reading escapist fiction and listening to modern music when he has time. Additionally, he enjoys traveling extensively.
He and his wife are involved with Ele’s Place, a nonprofit that assists children cope with the death or terminal illness of a loved one.
He has donated $4,750 to Whitmer’s campaign since 2017 and helped her team with debate negotiations during the 2018 race; however, he wasn’t paid for his services.
