VEN JOHNSON

For nearly 40 years, Ven Johnson has been going toe-to-toe against insurance giants, corporate behemoths, and government monoliths—and winning big on behalf of his clients in courtrooms across the country. As a plaintiff’s personal injury attorney, Ven represents victims in both state and federal courts, specializing in civil rights, police misconduct, product liability, trucking and automobile negligence, premises liability, medical malpractice cases and more.

Over the course of his career, Ven has achieved national recognition and solidified a reputation as one of America’s fiercest trial lawyers. His remarkable track record includes more than $1.5 billion in jury verdicts and settlements, with 30+ verdicts in excess of $1 million and multiple decisions ranging from $10 million to almost $25 million.

His landmark victory in 2022—a $100 million verdict in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia in the precedent-setting Edwards v Grubbs excessive force case—is the largest of its kind in U.S. history.

Demonstrating a fervent commitment to justice, Ven has not shied away from challenging, high-profile cases. He has fought for families impacted by the Oxford (Michigan) High School shooting; he’s stood up for hundreds suffering from the 2020 mid-Michigan dam failures; and he has held law enforcement agencies responsible for the deaths of victims like Patrick Lyoya, Riley Doggett, and Samuel Sterling to name a few. Ven has fought particularly hard against governmental immunity, laws designed to prevent individuals from suing government entities for wrongdoing. His passion for the cause boils down to one deeply held principle: No one is above the law.

Beyond the courtroom, Ven is a sought-after authority, frequently called upon by local, regional, and national media to showcase his legal acumen and dispense expert commentary on prominent issues. He has been featured regularly by CNN, CBS News, ABC News, FOX News, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Forbes, among others.

After completing his undergraduate degree from Kalamazoo College and his Juris Doctor at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Ven worked for civil defense firm Kohl Secrest before joining Fieger, Fieger, and Schwartz in 1995. He spent 16 years working alongside renowned plaintiff attorney Geoffrey Fieger, becoming a partner at the firm in 2001. In 2011, Ven opened his own personal injury law firm in Detroit’s historic Buhl Building and has since expanded the footprint of Ven Johnson Law, PLC to Flint and Kalamazoo to better serve citizens across Michigan.

Numerous national legal organizations and publications have recognized Ven for his achievements. Ven received the “Advocate” distinction from the American Board of Trial Advocates, as well as the State Bar of Michigan’s “Respected Advocate Award,” bestowed by the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel (i.e., opposing counsel) to honor superb client representation and adherence to the highest ethical standards. In 2022, he was inducted into both the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame and the Inner Circle of Advocates, an organization comprising the top 100 plaintiff trial lawyers in the United States. 

Ven is also the proud owner of cherished tributes from each of his alma maters: the 2009 Distinguished Service Award from Kalamazoo College, and the 2021 University of Detroit Mercy College of Law’s Alumni Achievement Spirit Award. He continues to be consistently named to the Michigan Super Lawyers and DBusiness Magazine’s Top Lawyers lists.

An active member of the legal community, Ven has served as past president of the Michigan Association for Justice (2014-2015), past chairperson of the State Bar of Michigan Negligence Law Section (2016-2017), and as a member of the American Association for Justice Leaders Forum, State Bar of Michigan, and Detroit Bar Association.

Committed to the communities in which he works, Ven actively supports local organizations, including Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo College Variety Children’s Charity of Detroit, University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Downtown Boxing Gym, Detroit Palmer Park Tennis Academy, and the Detroit USTA Boys National Championships.

Inner Circle of Advocates Inductee – 2022

Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame – 2022

American Board of Trial Advocates “Advocate” Distinction – 2021

University of Detroit Mercy College of Law Alumni Achievement Spirit Award – 2021

Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame – 2020

Top 50 Motor Vehicle Accident Verdicts in the U.S. – 2020

State Bar of Michigan Respected Advocate Award – 2017

State Bar of Michigan Negligence Law Section Executive Committee Chairperson – 2016-2017

Super Lawyers Top 100 – 2016-Present

Michigan Association for Justice Executive Board President – 2014-2015

DBusiness Magazine Top Lawyers – 2012-Present

Kalamazoo College Distinguished Service Award – 2009

Super Lawyers – 2007-Present

President – Ven Johnson Law, PLC. – 2011-Present

Partner – Fieger, Fieger, Kenney, Johnson & Girox, P.C. – 1995-2011

Senior Trial Attorney – Kohl, Secrest, Wardle, Lynch, Clark & Hampton, P.C. – 1987-1995

Associate Attorney – Gromek, Bendure & Thomas – 1986-1987

Kalamazoo College – Bachelor of Arts, Political Science – 1983

University of Detroit Mercy Law School – Juris Doctor – 1986