As an associate in the firm's Casualty Department, Michael has experience defending a wide array of cases, including products liability, construction litigation, municipal liability, premises liability, contractual claims, motor vehicle, and other personal injury cases. In his career, Mr. Detweiler has obtained numerous defense verdicts and summary judgments in both the Pennsylvania state courts and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Prior to joining Marshall Dennehey, Michael was Assistant City Solicitor with the City of Philadelphia Law Department for two years. He defended police officers, corrections officers, and various City of Philadelphia employees and agencies in civil lawsuits.
Michael graduated magna cum laude from Dickinson College in 1998 and from Boston College Law School in 2002. He is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Significant Representative Matters
Motion for compulsory non-suit at trial granted in case in which Plaintiff alleged local school failed to supervise students and was, therefore, responsible for actions of third-party student. Successfully argued that school failed to breach any duty owed to Plaintiff.
Co-chair on case in which Plaintiff alleged negligence on part of gym instructor and alleged ten years of medical treatment as a result of alleged injuries. Defense verdict obtained after argument that Plaintiff failed to prove that gym instructor violated any standard of care.
Summary judgment granted in case in which Plaintiff alleged breach of contract and false arrest as to officials of local college. Preliminary objections granted as to Plaintiff's false arrest claim pursuant to Tort Claims Act, and summary judgment granted where evidence of record demonstrated no contractual duty breached by local college.
Defense verdict in federal court in which Plaintiff alleged police officers used excessive force outside a night club. Jury determined that force employed by officers was reasonable and necessary under the circumstances.
Defense verdict in federal court in which Plaintiff alleged she was wrongfully arrested by police officer following marital dispute. Jury determined that police officer had probable cause to arrest Plaintiff.
Defense verdict in federal court in which Plaintiff alleged he was wrongfully arrested and subjected to excessive force by police officers when he was arrested at gas station following 911 call. Jury determined that police officers had probable cause to arrest Plaintiff and employed reasonable and necessary force to apprehend Plaintiff under the circumstances. 
Michael L. Detweiler 
