"Mike has a track record of producing record-setting results and a wealth of knowledge in groundbreaking state and national regulatory matters," said Rex E. Schlaybaugh, Jr., Dykema's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We are very pleased to welcome Mike to Dykema and are confident that he will be an invaluable resource for our clients navigating today's fast-changing and compliance-driven state and federal regulatory environments."

     A national leader in the Affordable Care Act of 2010 debate, Cox brings a broad range of health care experience directing innovative cases in the state of Michigan. Among his successes as Attorney General include fighting to maintain competition in the individual health insurance market and contending with the myriad issues surrounding the conversion of the non-profit hospital system Detroit Medical Center into a for-profit structure with Vanguard Healthcare – at $1.5 billion, the largest such conversion yet in the nation.

      At Dykema, Cox will focus his practice on health care fraud compliance and white collar defense issues where he will advise clients on navigating the complexities and risks of government investigations. On the health care front, he will help clients develop strategies in response to increased compliance and tougher anti-fraud policies stemming from the Affordable Care Act of 2010, Stark Law violations, False Claims Act violations and qui tam cases, as well as responding to inquiries from the Office of the Health Services Inspector General. Cox also will provide counsel on high-stakes government and regulatory matters such as product safety in addition to counseling clients on commercial litigation, securities litigation, antitrust cases, energy and utility regulation, climate change and gaming matters.

     "Dykema is the most forward-thinking law firm in the state. While other firms have been losing ground in the Michigan economy over the past few years, Dykema has been expanding its footprint on the state and national legal stage," said Cox. "I believe the work I've done for the people of Michigan as Attorney General dovetails well with the work I'll be doing at Dykema for clients who need to understand many new state and federal regulations. I'm excited to be a part of Dykema's talented team of lawyers."

     Added Len Wolfe, director of Dykema's Regulated Industries Department: "As demonstrated in the Affordable Care Act of 2010, the era of dramatically increased regulatory compliance in health care has begun. Mike has a number of arrows in his quiver for our clients navigating the healthcare act, looking at complex M&A issues in the industry, examining new fraud prevention regulations and managing traditional health care issues."

     With Cox at the helm, the Department of Attorney General recovered a record $3.2 billion for Michigan consumers and saved the state's taxpayers more than $1.7 billion in defense of state lawsuits. Cox went to court and testified before Congress to defend the Auto Industry, and those whose jobs depend on it, from efforts to impose huge, additional costs on domestic carmakers. Cox also created a Mortgage Fraud unit which has helped more than 50,000 people receive mortgage assistance.

     With more than 160 attorneys actively engaged in all aspects of business, commercial and product liability litigation, Dykema has one of the most experienced, sophisticated and successful litigation and trial practices in the nation. Representing a diverse client base in nearly every substantive area of the law, through trial and appeal, highly experienced litigators practice in state and federal courts throughout the country. Dykema also represents clients in administrative proceedings, arbitration tribunals and other alternative dispute resolution forums.

     Before earning a B.A. and a J.D. from the University of Michigan, Cox served as a Marine for three years with distinction, where he earned the Navy Achievement Medal and Command Marine of the Year Designation. Prior to his election as Attorney General, Cox served in the Oakland and Wayne County Prosecutors Offices.

     During his terms as Attorney General, Cox held leadership positions in both the National Association of Attorneys General and Republican Attorneys General Association.