Dirk H. Beckwith

Dirk Beckwith practices in the areas of commercial litigation, transportation and logistics, construction and insurance defense. He represents clients in state and federal courts across Michigan and has successfully argued appeals in both Michigan and U.S. Appellate Courts. He also serves as a mediator, case evaluator in Michigan Circuit and District Courts, and is an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association.

Dirk has a wealth of experience representing transportation companies, motor carriers and railroads. He is known for his responsiveness and for immersing himself in understanding his clients’ business. He has litigated cases involving the interpretation of transportation contracts, the application of tariffs and shipments moved pursuant to bills of lading.

He also vigorously defends trucking companies in cargo claim litigation and against claims for personal injury. He was recently involved in several landmark decisions for the trucking and railroad industries. Additionally, he has handled both regulatory and administrative matters before the FMCSA and STB for those engaged in the transportation industry.

He also has significant success handling Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) claims as well as representing owners, general contractors and suppliers in disputes arising out of construction contracts.

Dirk is a past president of the Transportation Lawyers Association (TLA) and currently serves as a voting past president for TLA. Dirk previously served as a regional vice president of the Association for Transportation Law Professionals. He is also a member of the Trucking Insurance Defense Association and the Defense Research Institute.

He actively participates in each of these associations as well as the Transportation Loss Prevention and Security Association and the Conference of Freight Counsel. Dirk is a frequent speaker and attendee at all of these organizations’ meetings and attends DRI trucking seminars and TIDA sponsored events.

Education:

• Wayne State University Law School, J.D., 1983
• University of Michigan, B.A., 1980

Bar and Court Admissions:

• Michigan
• U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
• U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
• U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
• U.S. Supreme Court