Vanessa L. Miller

Partner

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Vanessa L. Miller

Partner

[email protected]

Detroit 313.234.7130

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Practice Areas

Education

University of Denver College of Law (J.D., summa cum laude, 2004)
- Order of St. Ives
- General Editor, University of Denver Law Review
- Training Editor, Journal of International Law
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (B.A., with distinction, 2001)

Admissions

Michigan
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

Vanessa Miller is a litigation partner with �鶹ֱ�� & Lardner LLP and Chair of the firm’s national Automotive Team, as well as on the advisory committee of the firm’s Manufacturing Sector. She served as a former chair of the Detroit office’s Litigation Department. Vanessa’s practice focuses on a wide array of supply chain disputes, including breach of contract and warranty claims, automotive supply chain issues and maintaining continuity of supply, defending manufacturers against class actions, trade secret misappropriation claims and business torts. Recognized as a nationally ranked top lawyer by Chambers for Transportation: Road (Automotive) for the past two years, showcasing her deep expertise and leadership in the field.

Vanessa has successfully managed, litigated and tried cases in state and federal courts, as well as handled appellate proceedings. She has significant experience handling complex international arbitrations in various venues, including the Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the American Arbitration Association (AAA), the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services Inc. (JAMS) and the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC). Vanessa also has represented clients in commercial mediations, resulting in early resolution of legal disputes and creative business solutions for parties continuing to do business together.

In addition to her litigation, international arbitration and mediation experience, Vanessa regularly counsels clients on various commercial contracts, supply chain agreements, supply chain shortages, force majeure issues, pricing disputes and related negotiations.

Vanessa is the author of the executive handbook Law of the Automotive and Manufacturing Supply Chain: A Handbook for Success published in October 2023. Vanessa Miller authored Law of the Automotive and Manufacturing Supply Chain: A Handbook for Success, exploring the supply chain as the foundation of globalization. Divided into five sections, the handbook examines issues and strategies inherent in the automotive and manufacturing supply chain. Each section identifies and discusses the challenges faced by both the buyers procuring the components and materials necessary to make a company’s products and the sellers who promote and sell their products in the marketplace. To request a copy .

Prior to joining �鶹ֱ��, Vanessa was a law clerk to the Honorable Patrick J. Duggan, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Representative Experience

Served as the Interim General Counsel for approximately one year for Tier 1 supplier with annual sales of $1 billion, handling all aspects of in-house legal duties and commercial counseling.
Obtained dismissal of high-profile Jeep cyber-hacking class action lawsuit after five years of discovery and motion practice where class plaintiffs were claiming hundreds of millions of dollars in damages against vehicle and infotainment system manufacturers.
Obtained favorable resolution of Department of Justice (DOJ) False Claims Act investigation for automotive supplier.
Daily supply chain and commercial transactional counseling to U.S. motorcycle manufacturer.
Regularly litigates and arbitrates global supply chain warranty/recall disputes spanning complex discovery and technical issues across Asia, Europe and North America.
Routinely involved in obtaining or defending against temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions for manufacturers (over 60 cases).
Arbitrating complex breach of contract claim and misappropriation of trade secrets claim against Korean supplier before the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), resulting in award of millions of dollars in damages and future royalties.
Arbitrating massive warranty claim against Japanese supplier and leading international discovery that involved over 150 employees across three continents.
Prevailing on motion for summary judgment and obtaining dismissal of tens of millions of dollars in breach of warranty claims brought by original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for allegedly defective parts supplied by Tier 1 supplier.
Prevailing on motion for summary judgment and winning appeal on novel issues of law in six million dollar consignee liability and breach of contract claim brought against supplier by shipping company.
Obtaining summary judgment and award of costs for engine manufacturer in breach of warranty dispute; handling appeal before the Sixth Circuit, which affirmed the dismissal and award of costs.
Managing international electronic discovery and translation efforts in large-scale complex litigations and arbitrations involving over one million documents.

Awards and Recognition

JD Supra, Readers’ Choice Awards, Top Author – No. 1 author in Transportation, 2025-2026
Named to DBusiness Top Lawyers (2025)
Named “2024 Notable Women in Law” by Crain’s Detroit
Recognized in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business
- Litigation: General Commercial in Michigan (2023-2026)
- Transportation: Road in USA – Nationwide (2024-2026)
Named “Top Women Attorneys” in Michigan by Super Lawyers® in 2018-2019
Awarded the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association Barristers “One to Watch” Award 2011-2012
Selected for inclusion in the Michigan Super Lawyers® – Rising Stars lists in 2013 and 2014
Received the 2014 Michigan Lawyers Weekly Woman in the Law Award

Affiliations

General Counsel, Board of Directors for the Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation (AWAF)
Member, Federal Bar Association

Books

Vanessa Miller published a book titled Law of the Automotive and Manufacturing Supply Chain: A Handbook for Success, Second Edition, which examines the issues, strategies, and challenges brought on by globalization in the supply chain. The handbook provides tips and takeaways for companies navigating the growing complexities in this new era. To request a copy, .
Author and Editor of “Michigan Contract Law, Third Edition” (2025 update), which the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) describes as the “most authoritative source on Michigan contract principles.”

Book cover titled "Michigan Contract Law," edited by Vanessa L. Miller, published by the Institute of Continuing Legal Education, with documents and a pen in the background.

Presentations and Publications

Co-author, “FCA v. Kamax: Michigan Supreme Court Dismisses Appeal and Leaves Uncertainty for Automotive Manufacturers,” �鶹ֱ�� Manufacturing Industry Advisor (April. 2026).
Co-author, “,” LexisNexis (March, 2026).
Author, “,” Journal of Corporate Renewal (November 2025)
Author, “,” Modern Distribution Management – Distribution Intelligence (September 2024)
Author, “,” SupplyChainBrain (November 2024)
Author, “Christmas Came Early: Justice Delivered in Supplier Dispute Over Unjust Enrichment,” �鶹ֱ�� Manufacturing Industry Advisor (December 2024)
Presenter, “Requirements Contracts: Recent Legal Developments,” Strafford (December 2024)
Author, “Back to (North) America: Companies Reassess Their Supply Chain Strategies,” SupplyChainBrain (November 2024)
Presenter, “Word Matter: How to Improve Your Supply Chain Contracts,” �鶹ֱ�� National CLE Week (November 2024)
Presenter, “Latest Updates in Automotive and Supply Chain Law,” Legal Horizons: Navigating the Latest Trends and Challenges (ACC-Michigan) (November 2024)
Podcast, “Post-Election Results and Implications for the Auto Industry,” MEMA Supplier Conference – Interview with Jason Stein (November 2024)
Author, “Proposed Rule Targeting Connected Vehicles Will Impose Major New Supply Chain Compliance Requirements on Automotive Companies that Source from Russia or China,” �鶹ֱ�� Insights (October 2024)
Keynote Speaker, “Power Shifts: The Trump-Harris Election and the Auto Industry’s Future,” Industria Nacional de Autopartes (INA) International Automotive Conference (October 2024)
Author, “Everything You Wanted to Know about Force Majeure Provisions,” Modern Distribution Management – Distribution Intelligence (September 2024)
Presenter, “Supply Chain Disruptions for In-House Counsel: Drafting Contract Clauses to Mitigate Risks, Navigate a Breach, and Avoid Litigation,” In-House Connect (September 2024)
Author, “Changing Requirements: Recent Disruptions to the Law of Requirements Contracts,” �鶹ֱ�� 2024 End-to-End Manufacturing Manual (July 2024)
Author, “Sixth Circuit Finds Automotive Supplier’s ‘Blanket Contract’ Did Not Create Requirements Contract, Citing Airboss,” �鶹ֱ�� Dashboard Insights (June 2024)
Moderator, “Deep Dive: Markets & Analysis,” CTi Symposium (May 2024)
Program Chair & Presenter, “Annual Supply Chain Agreements Program,” Practising Law Institute (PLI) (April 2024)
Panelist, “Is There a Role for Thailand in Your China +1 Strategy?,” Thai Board of Investments and East West Associates (April 2024)
Presenter, “Preparing for the Future: The Legal Horizon for Manufacturers,” Manufacturers Alliance, (April 2024)
Podcast, “Legal Perspectives for Manufacturers to Guard Against Economic Uncertainty,” Institute for Supply Chain Management (ISM) Unfiltered Podcast (April 2024)
Presenter, “Supply Chain Disruptions: Mitigating Risks via Contracts,” Strafford (April 2024)
Presenter, “Global Counsel Training: Supply Chain Disputes in Michigan and Germany,” [Confidential Tier 1 Supplier] (March 2024)
Presenter, “Automotive Sales Team Training,” [Confidential Tier 1 Supplier] (March 2024)
Presenter, “U.S. Legal Update & In-House Commercial / Supply Chain Training,” [Confidential Tier 1 & 2 Supplier] (February 2024)
Author, “Simultaneous Obstructions to the Suez and Panama Canals Threaten the Global Supply Chain,” �鶹ֱ�� Insights (February 2024)
Presenter, “Six Future Supply Chain Obstacles on the Horizon and What You Should Be Doing About Them Now,” Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) – Michigan (November 2023)
Panelist, “The Future of Automotive Recall,” Vehicle Service & Warranty Lifecycle Summit (October 2023)
Panelist, “Supply Chain Resiliency Discussion: Last Call to Place Your Bets—Where is the EV Automotive Supply Chain Betting and Why?,” �鶹ֱ�� Automotive Forum (September 2023)
Author, “Key Issues for Suppliers to Consider in Preparing for an Impending Strike by the UAW,” �鶹ֱ�� Insights (September 2023)
Author, “Michigan Supreme Court Overrules Longstanding Interpretation of ‘Blanket’ Purchase Orders for Supply Contracts,” �鶹ֱ�� Insights (July 2023)
Speaker, “Mobilizing into the Future: Migrating to Electric Vehicles on Both Sides of the Border,” Industria Nacional de Autopartes (INA), Mexico City (April 2023)
Author, “Warranty and Pricing Disputes Between Suppliers and OEMs,” �鶹ֱ�� Insights (February 2023)
Panelist, “Reimagining Supply Chain Agreements and Dispute Resolution Practices to Better Manage Uncertainty,” ICC NY Conference (September 2022)
Speaker, “Navigating Current Supply Chain Challenges and Future Outlook Seminar,” Amcham Denmark Conference (September 2022)
Speaker, “Legal Strategies for Managing Ongoing Challenges in the Supply Chain,” Collins County, TX Bar Association (June 2022)
Speaker, “The Future of the Automotive Supply Chain – Lessons Learned,” CLAUT—CEO Conference, Monterrey, MX (June 2022)
Author, “Inflation Woes: Four Key Ways for Companies to Address Inflation in the Supply Chain,” �鶹ֱ�� Supply Chain Disruption Series (May 2022)
Panelist, “Navigating the New Supply Chain: Perspectives on the Challenges Ahead,” MICPA Forensic Accounting and Valuation Conference (May 2022)
Panelist, “Supply Chain Litigation,” ABA Litigation Conference, Miami (May 2022)
Author, “Preparing for the Supply Chain of the Future: Negotiating and Drafting Supply Chain Contracts in 2022 and Beyond,” Practising Law Institute (PLI) Chronicle (March 2022)
Presenter & Panelist, “Break Bread, Not the Supply Chain: Improving Food Service Equipment & Supplies in 2022,” North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM) Annual Meeting (March 2022)
Author, “War. What Is It Good For? Absolutely Nothing In The Supply Chain,” �鶹ֱ�� Insights (February 2022)
Presenter, “CMA Insights: Mitigating Supply Chain Risks,” Council of Manufacturing Associations (CMA) (February 2022)
Author, “USMCA’s Panel on Automotive Rules of Origin and What It Could Mean to Manufacturers in the Region,” �鶹ֱ�� Insights (February 2022)
Chair & Presenter, “Expect the Unexpected: Approaching Raw Material Shortages, Labor Issues and Freight Increases and Delays in 2022,” Association of Corporate Counsel-Michigan (February 2022)
Author, “Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act – Comment Period Open until March 10, 2022,” �鶹ֱ�� Insights (January 2022)
Author, “Supplier Alert: Key Changes in Stellantis/FCA New Terms and Conditions,” �鶹ֱ�� Insights (January 2022)
Author, “President Signs Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act – Next Steps for Compliance,” �鶹ֱ�� Insights (December 2021)
Author, “Forced Labor Update – Possible Complete XUAR Import Ban,” �鶹ֱ�� Insights (December 2021)
Presenter, “Supply Chain Disruptions: Shortages, Risk Mitigation and Litigation Strategies,” �鶹ֱ�� & Lardner Annual CLE Week Conference (December 2021)
Panelist, “Leveraging Mexico to Enhance Your Automotive Supply Chain,” �鶹ֱ�� & Lardner and East West Associates Webinar (November 2021)
Presenter, “Legal Strategies for Managing Ongoing Challenges in the Supply Chain,” �鶹ֱ�� & Lardner and Association of Corporate Counsel-Michigan Webinar (November 2021)
Presenter, “Structuring Termination Clauses in Commercial Contracts: Force Majeure, Impossibility, Frustration of Purpose, Damages,” Strafford Publications Webinar (October 2021)
Presenter, “Getting Back to Business – Strengthening the Supply Chain to Navigate Shortages and Unpredictability,” 30th Annual Law of Product Distribution & Franchise Seminar (October 2021)
Author, “Legal Implications of Blockchain in Supply Chain: What’s Law Got to Do With It?,” �鶹ֱ�� Insights (October 2021)
Presenter, “Supply Chain: Lessons Learned The Hard Way – Navigating COVID-19 and Other Obstacles,” 2021 Women In Manufacturing Summit (October 2021)
Author, “Eighth Circuit Keeps Two Product Liability Class Actions Off the Road,” �鶹ֱ�� Insights (September 2021)
Chair and speaker, “Supply Chain Agreements: Manufacturing and Market Disruption,” Practising Law Institute Webinar (July 2021)

Speaker, “Supply Chain Insider, Episode 2:Expect the Unexpected with �鶹ֱ�� & Lardner’s Vanessa Miller,” Material Handling & Logistics Podcast (July 2021)
Author, “Supply Chain Disputes, Defenses to Performance & Risk Mitigation in Manufacturing,” Bloomberg Law (July 2021)
Presenter, “Key Changes to Ford’s Terms & Conditions,” Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) Sales Executive Council Meeting (June 2021)
Presenter, “Supply Chain Shortages: Short and Long-Term Strategies for Mitigating Risk,” National Association of Manufacturers Webinar (May 2021)
Author, “Immediate and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on automotive suppliers,” Los Angeles Daily Journal (May 2021)
Presenter, “CPSC Compliance Drilldown,” Practising Law Institute Consumer Product Safety Commission Webinar (April 2021)
Author, “Supplier Alert: Key Changes in Ford’s New Terms and Conditions,” �鶹ֱ�� Dashboard Insights (April 2021)
Presenter, “Assessing the Supply Chain in a Post-Pandemic World,” Fox Valley CLE Conference (November 2020)
Speaker, “Cybersecurity: Risk Mitigation for Liability,” OESA Advanced Technology Council (November 2020)
Presenter, “Global Supply Chain Disruption and Future Strategies Update,” Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) Webinar (November 2020)
Chair and speaker, “Navigating to Recovery: How Leading Companies are Positioning for Success,” ACC-Michigan (November 2020)
Presenter, “Advance Planning: Supply Chain Considerations and Risk Mitigation for Continuity of Supply,” Webinar (November 2020)
Author, “COVID-19 is Prompting Supply Chain Executives to Prioritize Resilience Over Cost – Here’s How to Get Started,” Supply Chain Management Review (November 2020)
Presenter, “Cybersecurity: Risk Mitigation for Liability,” Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) Mobility Supplier Forum Webinar (October 2020)
Presenter, “Bullet-Proofing Your Supply Chain & Mitigation Risk,” Distribution & Franchise Seminar (October 2020)
Author, “How COVID-19 Is Changing Thinking Around Supply Chains,” Industry Today (October 2020)
Presenter, “Supply Chain Agreements: Consequential Damage Disclaimers, Indemnity, Force Majeure, Termination, Warranty Provisions,” Strafford Continuing Legal Education (September 2020)
Author, “Accelerating Trends: Assessing the Supply Chain in a Post-Pandemic World,” �鶹ֱ�� Insights

(September 2020)

Chair and speaker, “Supply Chain Agreements: Manufacturing, Trade Wars, and Covid-19,” Practicing Law Institute – Live Webcast (July 2020)
Author, “Survey Results Confirm �鶹ֱ�� & Lardner LLP’s Prediction Regarding Uptick in Class Action Lawsuits,” �鶹ֱ��’s Coronavirus Resource Center (July 2020)
Author, “Force Majeure Tug-of-War: Competing Interests of Buyers and Sellers Negotiating Force Majeure Protections in Supply Chain Contracts,” �鶹ֱ��’s Coronavirus Resource Center (July 2020)
Author, “Practices and Precautions for Commercial Landlords for Reopening After COVID-19,” �鶹ֱ��’s Coronavirus Resource Center (May 2020)
Webinar, “Impacts of COVID-19 on the Renewable Energy Industry,” (April 2020)
Webinar, “Mastering Coronavirus & COVID-19 Legal Issues,” Rossdale Group (April 2020)
Webinar, “Managing the Commercial Impact of the Coronavirus,” (March 2020)
Author, “Managing the Impact of the Coronavirus – What Claims In-House Counsel Should Expect,” �鶹ֱ��’s Coronavirus Resource Center (March 2020)
Author, “Managing the Impact of the Coronavirus – Implications for the Energy Industry,” �鶹ֱ��’s Coronavirus Resource Center (March 2020)
Author, “Managing the Impact of the Coronavirus – Update Regarding Corporate Travel Restrictions,” �鶹ֱ��’s Coronavirus Resource Center (March 2020)
Author, “Managing the Impact of the Coronavirus – An Effective Supply Chain Response Plan,” �鶹ֱ��’s Coronavirus Resource Center (February 2020)
Author, “Managing the Impact of the Coronavirus – Force Majeure Declarations,” �鶹ֱ��’s Coronavirus Resource Center (January 2020)
Author, “2020 Automotive Update: State of the Market, Cost Recovery, and Market Disruption Opportunities,” Panel Discussion (February 2020)
Author, “Top Legal Issues Facing the Automotive Industry in 2020: Impact of Emerging Technologies on Global Automotive Supply Chains,” �鶹ֱ�� Automotive Industry Team (January 2020)
Author, “Risk Mitigation in the Global Supply Chain,” The Future of World Transportation Conference 2019, Vienna (December 2019)
Author, “The International Trade War: An Overview of the Current and Ever-Changing Tariff Regime & Related Commercial Strategies,” Association of Corporate Counsel-Michigan (November 2019)
Author, “The International Trade War: Coping Strategies for Automotive Companies Dealing with Section 232 and 301 Tariffs, International Trade Litigation and Heightened Customs Enforcement,” (October 2019)
Author, “Managing Supply Chain Risk: Best Practices to Avoid Liability for Your Supplier’s Freight Costs,” Michigan Bar Journal (October 2019)
Author, “Optimizing Supply Chains for Climate Change,” Industry Today (September 2019)
Distribution & Franchise Seminars: “When Your International Distribution Contract Goes South,” (May, September and October 2019)
Author, “State of Automotive Recall and Warranty Summit: Automotive Recall Regulatory Update and Technology Considerations,” Society of Automotive Analysts (SAA) Recall Summit (March 2019)
Author, “Supply Chain Agreements: Selected Provisions,” Association of Corporate Counsel-Milwaukee (September 2018)
Author, “Force Majeure Best Practices – Hurricane Florence,” �鶹ֱ�� Dashboard Insights (September 2018)
Author, “Contractual Strategies for Navigating Volatile Commodities Markets and Government Regulations,” Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) Commodities Program (August 2018)
Author, “Supply Chain Agreements: Red Flag Provisions,” Strafford Continuing Legal Education (June 2018)
Author, “State of Automotive Recall and Warranty Summit: Legal Trends and Risk Management Strategies,” Society of Automotive Analysts (SAA) Recall Summit (March 2018)
Author, “International Arbitration: Contracting and Strategies,” Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) Legal Issues Council (January 2018)
Author, “Key Legal Issues in the Manufacturing Supply Chain: Managing Risk and Enhancing Value,” (December 2017)
“Recall and Warranty Claims: Strategies for Mitigating Risk in Commercial Contracting,” Michigan Association of Corporate Counsel (November 2016)
Author, “The Pros and Cons of Arbitration,” Michigan Association of Corporate Counsel (November 2015)
Author, “Best Practices in Drafting U.S. Government Subcontract Terms and Conditions,” (June 2015 and October 2014)
“Force Majeure Clauses: An ‘Out’ for Suppliers Facing Shortages and Supply Chain Disruptions from West Coast Labor Dispute,” �鶹ֱ�� Dashboard Insights (February 2015)
Author, “Disputes in the Manufacturing Supply Chain,” Michigan Bar Journal (October 2014)
Author, “Tug-of-War: Attorney Client Privilege vs. Deposition,” Law360 (October 2014)
Author, “10 Tips to Effectively Manage E-Discovery Projects,” Michigan Association of Corporate Counsel (September 2014)
Author, “Timing May Be Everything in Breach of Warranty Claims,” �鶹ֱ�� Dashboard Insights (July 2024)
Author, “How Auto Suppliers Can Prepare For Recalls,” Law360 (May 2014)
Author, “Auto Suppliers Prepare for Barrage of Recalls,” �鶹ֱ�� Dashboard Insights (April 2014)
Author, “State of the Law Update: Contract and Commercial Transactions Law,” Michigan Association of Corporate Counsel (April 2012 and April 2013)
Author, “Distribution and Franchise Successor Liability Examined,” Detroit Legal News (June 2012)