Gerald H. Acker

Founding Partner - (248) 286-8100

Gerald H. Acker is the founder and managing partner of Goodman Acker P.C. Since the founding of the firm in 1993, he has been instrumental in its development, growth, and continued success, including successful resolutions of countless cases and numerous million-dollar outcomes for injured clients.

Acker’s practice focuses on representing a wide range of personal injury matters, including:

• Catastrophic injury in motor-vehicle accidents
• Premises liability
• First-party insurance disputes
• Legal malpractice

A Michigan native, Acker received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in 1977 and then got his J.D. from Wayne State University Law School in 1981. He took a job as an associate in a plaintiff’s personal injury firm and then after two years there, he decided to strike out on his own as a solo practitioner. Ten years later, he joined forces with Barry J. Goodman. Since then, the firm has grown steadily in size and influence with a continuing emphasis on personal injury litigation.

Acker’s experience and dedication has earned him several prestigious honors, including:

• Michigan SuperLawyer (2008-Present)
• AV Rating by Martindale-Hubbell
• Wings of Justice Award, Oakland County Democratic Party
• American Patriot Award, Michigan Veterans Foundation
• Leaders in the Law 2014, Michigan Lawyers Weekly
• 10.0 Superb AVVO Rating
• Best 2015 Client Satisfaction, AIPIA
• 20-Year AV Preeminent Rating™ Anniversary

Experience in the Political Arena

As an undergraduate, Acker interned in the office of Congressman Jim Blanchard, where he developed a love of politics that has never dissipated. Since then, he has been active in the political arena, working on behalf of candidates who support continued access to justice for individuals. He served on the national finance committee for the several political figures, including:

• President Obama (2008, 2012)
• Presidential candidate John Kerry (2004)
• Gov. Jennifer Granholm (2002, 2006), vice chair of the finance committee
• U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (2000, 2006), chair and co-chair of the finance committee

Acker has also been extremely active with professional organizations. He has served as a past president for the state’s top trial-lawyer organization, the Michigan Association for Justice. As past president, he focused much of his attention on providing improved educational opportunities for members so that they could better serve their clients.

Outside the Courtroom

When he is not practicing law or being active in the political arena, you will find him playing basketball, cheering on the U of M basketball team and all other Michigan team sports, and spending time with his family. He is happily married to his wife of 35 years, has two children, and has recently become a first time grandfather to his new granddaughter. He also enjoys running, and has ran in several half-marathons all over the state.

However, Acker’s biggest enjoyment is practicing as a Detroit personal injury lawyer and the satisfaction he derives from working with his clients. “We fix families one case at a time,” he says. “It’s gratifying to me when I can spend the time that’s needed with each family and make sure they get what they need to start rebuilding their lives. I have the chance to change people’s lives, and that’s a pretty cool thing to do.”

Memberships:

• Member, Michigan Bar
• District of Columbia Bar
• Former President, Michigan Association for Justice

Education:

• Wayne State University Law School, J.D., 1981
• University of Michigan, 1977