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Mark Brewer

Mark Brewer, a distinguished attorney at Goodman Acker, P.C., stands as a testament to the power of public education, having graduated proudly from Mount Clemens High School. His academic journey led him to earn an A.B. with honors from Harvard College in 1977 and a J.D. from Stanford University Law School in 1981, where he notably served on the Law Review.

Following his academic achievements, Brewer embarked on a remarkable legal career. He began by clerking for a judge of the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and later for Michigan Supreme Court Justice Charles Levin. Admitted to practice in Michigan in 1983, Brewer’s professional journey flourished. Initially as an associate and later as a partner, he contributed significantly to the firm formerly known as Sachs Waldman from 1983 to 1995.

In 1995, Brewer’s commitment to public service took a political turn when he was elected Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP), a position he held until 2013, marking the longest tenure in MDP history. Concurrently, he served as a member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) from 1995 to 2013, including a pivotal period from 2005 to 2009 when he presided as President of the Association of State Democratic Chairs. During this tenure, he collaborated closely with DNC Chair Howard Dean to execute the highly successful “50-State Strategy,” instrumental in electing President Obama in 2008. Brewer’s dedication to the Democratic cause also manifested in his role as a delegate to five Democratic National Conventions, where he chaired the Michigan Delegation each time.

Brewer’s roots in a family of union members, farmers, and military veterans inform his legal practice, which primarily focuses on union-side labor, election, campaign finance, and non-profit law. He has been a pivotal figure in numerous election cases since the 1980s, spanning issues such as redistricting, presidential primaries, recalls, and voting rights. Brewer’s expertise extends to drafting ordinances, statutes, and state constitutional amendments in areas ranging from campaign finance to ethics reform.

Getting to Know Mark

Beyond his professional pursuits, Brewer has dedicated significant time to pro bono legal work for various state and national organizations, notably the ACLU of Michigan and the League of Women Voters of Michigan. His pro bono efforts have encompassed a wide array of cases, from defending free speech to advocating for voting rights. Brewer’s commitment to justice has earned him prestigious accolades, including the Champion of Justice Award from the Michigan Association for Justice and the Distinguished Service Award from the Michigan Education Association. Recognized by both the State Bar of Michigan and the ACLU of Michigan for his pro bono contributions, Brewer’s legacy is one of unwavering advocacy and service to his community.

PODCAST

Brewer has a podcast with former Executive Director of the Michigan Republican Party Jeff Timmer. With episodes released every week, “A Republic, If You Can Keep It” features an insider’s analysis of Michigan’s political and social climate as well as Michigan’s impact on national politics. You can also follow him on Twitter: @MarkBrewerDems

LISTEN TO PODCAST

Awards & Memberships:

• Member, Michigan Bar, 1983
• Michigan Democratic Party, 1978-present
• Leaders in the Law 2017, Michigan Lawyers Weekly

Education:

• Stanford University Law School, J.D., 1981
• Harvard College, A.B., 1977

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