R.J. Cronkhite

R.J. Cronkhite, a trial attorney, is the founder and principal of Cronkhite Counsel PLLC, situated in Birmingham, Michigan. With a reputation spanning across the Detroit metro area and statewide, he is distinguished for his skilled handling of the following legal arenas and challenges:

•         Unfair competition litigation, incorporating the issues of trade secret misappropriation, patent and trademark infringement, and tortious interference with customer relationships and contracts

•         Employment counseling and lawsuits

•         Commercial real estate leases, evictions and collections

Mr. Cronkhite has earned recognition as a strategic partner and counselor to his valued clients spanning several industries, including automotive, finance, health care, leasing, property development, real estate development, staffing, technology and telecom. He prides himself on developing a comprehensive and intimate understanding of each client’s unique goals and obstacles. He also proactively and effectively applies his extensive legal capability to deliver targeted and appeals actionable legal advice.

Driven by passion and excellence, Mr. Cronkhite consistently exhibits zest and zeal in pursuing his clients' aims, constantly treating them as his own. He lives by his motto, “Allied in purpose. Unparalleled in commitment,” striving always to exceed expectations.

In addition to his remarkable ability as a strategic adviser, Mr. Cronkhite is an accomplished and formidable legal advocate, frequently acting as lead trial counsel when disputes escalate. His attention to detail, tenacity and unwavering professionalism place him at the forefront of his profession, earning him the respect and admiration of his clients, who value his ability to obtain cost-effective results by digging into the facts and leveraging favorable outcomes.

After completing his undergraduate degree cum laude in 2007 at Eastern Michigan University, Mr. Cronkhite enrolled at the University of Chicago Law School and received his J.D. in 2011. Obtaining his license to practice in Michigan (2014) and Illinois (2012), he was also admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th and 6th Circuits, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin, the U.S. District Court for the Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, the U.S. District Court for the District of Indiana and the U.S. Tax Court.

A well-respected figure in legal and local circles, Mr. Cronkhite has a wealth of experience, having previously chaired the State Bar of Michigan's 2,300-member Litigation Section.