Firm History
Sullivan, Ward, Asher & Patton, P.C., an AV rated firm, is one of the largest business and general services law firms in Michigan. Our accomplished attorneys have earned wide respect for their ability to provide effective client representation in a full range of business and professional matters. In addition to a long history of comprehensive trial work that spans two generations of practice, we have decades of experience in serving individuals and families.
Robert E. Sullivan and Edward M. Ranger founded the firm in Detroit in 1951. Richard G. Ward joined them shortly thereafter. Sullivan and Ranger had years of legal and executive experience in the insurance industry. Their new law practice focused on the areas of commercial activity that they knew thoroughly; the effective legal defense of medical and hospital malpractice suits and the representation of design professionals, engineers, accountants, attorneys and insurance agents in professional liability and malpractice cases.
By the mid-1980s, strategic additions of four other partnerships doubled the size of Sullivan Ward and changed the firm name to Sullivan, Ward, Bone, Tyler & Asher, P.C. Each merger contributed expertise in additional areas of commercial law. The firm numbers more than 45 attorneys, who are supported by an extremely competent staff of 62 employees. In May, 2003, Sullivan, Ward, Bone, Tyler & Asher, P.C. changed it's name to Sullivan, Ward, Asher & Patton, P.C.
Sullivan, Ward, Asher & Patton, P.C. attorneys are not merely "book-trained" lawyers. Many came to the practice of law after years of experience as owners and officers of family businesses, large and small corporations and entrepreneurial companies, whose products range from original equipment manufacturing to the most innovative high-technology industries. Several had worked for insurance companies, banks and other financial institutions, served in municipal government, state legislature and legislative agencies, were commissioned and non-commissioned officers in the military, and others had been managers and directors of health care providers and charitable organizations. They understand business and the needs of business organizations because they are business oriented.
The firm's attorneys embody a work ethic and dedication that matches that of the most hard-working of their clients. This drive to accomplish great things is not new in their lives. Nearly 60% of the attorneys in the firm attended law school while fully employed in other areas of endeavor.
The firm hires newly graduated attorneys who demonstrate academic excellence and whose commitment to the ethical practice of law is as strong as that of the firm's partners and associates, its history and culture. Senior attorneys counsel the new lawyers as mentors, guiding their continuing education in the law, community citizenship and Sullivan, Ward, Asher & Patton, P.C. client service. And so the tradition continues.
