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Sullivan, Ward, Patton, Gleeson & Felty PC

United States 2025

Overview

Founded in 1951, Sullivan, Ward, Patton, Gleeson & Felty, P.C. is a business and litigation law firm serving national corporations, businesses of all sizes, families and individuals in a wide variety of legal matters. We assist clients across the country from our offices in Southfield and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our firm numbers nearly 25 attorneys, supported by 25 staff and legal professionals.

Sullivan Ward has earned the prestigious AV rating for legal excellence by Martindale Hubbell. Several of our members are nationally recognized as among the top practitioners in their fields by The Best Lawyers in America® (Woodward/White, Inc.), Thomson Reuters (publishers of Michigan “Super Lawyers” and Michigan “Rising Stars”), DBusiness Magazine and many others. Sullivan Ward has also achieved Tier One Status in the US News and World Report Ranking.

We are known for the diverse backgrounds and broad work experience of our attorneys. Combined with our legal acumen and training, these attributes bring an industry insider’s perspective to the practice of law. It is the hallmark of our firm, and a reflection of our founders’ philosophy of “doing what we know best.”

Our attorneys possess experience beyond book training, including real-world work experience and accumulated knowledge relevant to their areas of practice. Before practicing law, many of us owned, operated or directed family businesses, oversaw corporations, founded start-ups and ran entrepreneurial enterprises. We worked for engineering firms, insurance companies, banks and other financial institutions. Our attorneys previously served in municipal government, state legislature and legislative agencies; were commissioned and non-commissioned officers in the military; and managed and directed healthcare institutions and charitable organizations.

At Sullivan Ward, we surround ourselves with like-minded people who appreciate our roll-up-the-sleeves environment. From attorneys to staff, each day we re-dedicate ourselves to the success of our clients. Their hard work inspires, motivates and challenges us to demand equal measure of ourselves. For every one of us, it is the very reason we do what we do.

Founded:
1951
Size:
25
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Practice Areas:
8
Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
Best Lawyers Recognized:
4

Rankings

National

Tier
3
National Ranking
Litigation - Construction

Regional

Detroit

Tier
1
Detroit
Construction Law
Tier
1
Detroit
Litigation - Construction
Tier
1
Detroit
Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
Tier
2
Detroit
Commercial Litigation
Tier
2
Detroit
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier
3
Detroit
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Firm Leadership

Lee Patton
President

Highlighted Client Comments

These featured testimonials reflect a sampling of client experiences. As every legal matter is unique—comments are personal opinions, not guarantees of future results.
Commercial Litigation
I have been working with Sullivan, Ward, Asher & Patton attorney John Simmerer, Esq. on defense of insurance agent's professional liability claims for the past 12 years. John is more than the average or typical defense attorney; John goes the extra mile to get a complete understanding of the individuals involved as well as the issues. John is a pleasure to work with. I have also had several cases with Christopher McMahon, Esq. of the firm who is also extremely capable.
 
Construction Law
Sullivan, Ward, Asher & Patton is an excellent firm. They never fail to dig into the pertinent details.
 
Litigation - Construction
I have had several cases with Sullivan, Ward, Asher & Patton over the years and have had excellent results in all of the attorneys.
 
Litigation - Construction
It has been a while since I worked with Sullivan, Ward, Asher & Patton (as I am no longer in a claims role at Zurich), but I recall that Kevin Gleeson and Chris McMahon were always very helpful, even providing some assistance to me in explaining some engineering terms and concepts that I found confusing.
Doug Cohen
Zurich North America

Rankings

National

Tier
3
National Ranking
Litigation - Construction

Regional

Detroit

Tier
1
Detroit
Construction Law
Tier
1
Detroit
Litigation - Construction
Tier
1
Detroit
Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
Tier
2
Detroit
Commercial Litigation
Tier
2
Detroit
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier
3
Detroit
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Practice Areas

Sullivan, Ward, Patton, Gleeson & Felty PC has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 6 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
  • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Construction Law
  • Litigation - Construction
  • Litigation - Environmental
  • Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
  • Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Sullivan, Ward, Patton, Gleeson & Felty PC proudly has 4 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
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Client Comments

A strong relationship between a client and their law firm is key to achieving the best possible outcomes. Open communication, trust, and collaboration ensure that attorneys understand each client’s unique goals and needs. Choosing the right firm means finding a team with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to guide you through every stage of the legal process.
Client comments reflect personal opinions and individual experiences. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Past results and testimonials do not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters. For personalized legal advice, consult directly with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and provide tailored guidance.
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Awards

Sullivan, Ward, Patton, Gleeson & Felty PC is honored to be recognized for excellence by Best Law Firms and other leading legal industry organizations. Our rankings and awards reflect the dedication, skill, and results our attorneys deliver across a wide range of practice areas. In addition to our Best Law Firms awards, Sullivan, Ward, Patton, Gleeson & Felty PC has earned accolades from respected national and regional publications for outstanding legal service and professional achievement. Explore our awards below to learn more about how Sullivan, Ward, Patton, Gleeson & Felty PC continues to set the standard for quality legal representation.
2018 Michigan Super Lawyers
Martindale Hubbell Bar Register Preeminate Lawyers

2018 "Best Law Firms" Rankings

National Tier 3

Metropolitan Tier 1 Detroit

Metropolitan Tier 2 Detroit

Metropolitan Tier 3 Detroit

The Best Lawyers in America, 2018
America's Top 100 High Stakes Litigators for 2017
dBusiness Magazine 2017 Top Lawyers in Detroit

2017 Leading Lawyers Magazine, Michigan Edition

Best's Recommended Insurance Attorneys

Offices & Contacts

Southfield, MI
400 Galleria Officentre, Suite 500
Southfield, MI 48034-2179
United States
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