Donald E. Barris is a founder and the senior member of Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker. He is one of the deans of the legal community in southeastern Michigan. Don has practiced law in Detroit since 1940 and has a well-earned reputation as a highly-skilled, tenacious business litigator. Don has successfully tried many significant zoning, construction, real estate, corporate, partnership and probate matters. Among his clients are a wide variety of churches, synagogues and other non-profit organizations who have turned to him for counsel, guidance and his litigation skills in dealing with municipalities over land use, building permit and zoning issues.

Don's allegiance to his clients is legendary. Many have relied upon him as a valued business and financial counselor for more than 65 years. He has represented the metropolitan Detroit meat, fish and poultry industries in labor negotiations for over 35 years. Don has also been called upon by both employers and labor unions as an impartial mediator or arbitrator in resolving labor disputes.

Representative Cases/Transactions
Represented estates involving millions of dollars as fiduciary and attorney.

Represented major builders in the metropolitan Detroit area.

Education
B.A., Wayne State University

J.D., Wayne State University Law School

Honors and Awards
Don was awarded a gold key in recognition of his scholastic achievement upon graduation from Wayne State University Law School.

Don has been recognized by the Wayne State University Law School for his generosity in providing funds for the development of a computer laboratory, a student lounge and the Donald E. Barris Trial Practice Program.

Professional Affiliations
State Bar of Michigan

American Bar Association

Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association

Oakland County Bar Association