Michele Fuller Launches National Firm to Protect Trial Attorneys from Post-Litigation Liability

For trial attorneys, securing a verdict often marks the beginning of new challenges rather than the end of a case. The complex process of settlement distribution—involving Medicaid clawbacks, lien resolution, and tax liability—has become a significant source of legal malpractice exposure. Michele Fuller, the attorney who served as Special Assistant to the Attorney General designing the settlement process for the historic $600 million Flint Water Crisis, has launched a new standalone firm called The Architected Settlement Law Group (ASLG) to address these post-litigation risks.

Distinct from Fuller's existing practice at Michigan Law Center, which focuses on Special Needs Trusts for families, The Architected Settlement Law Group operates as a dedicated business-to-business partner for trial lawyers nationwide. The firm serves as a "Settlement Architect," designing comprehensive legal blueprints required to safely close complex injury, mass tort, and class action files. Fuller explains that while trial lawyers fight for victories, the administrative complexity of the "finish line" can threaten both their firm's legacy and their client's future.

The firm's "Master Blueprint" process offers multiple services designed to protect both attorneys and claimants. These include liability insulation to protect plaintiff firms from failure-to-advise claims regarding government benefits, establishment of Qualified Settlement Funds (QSFs) to give attorneys and claimants time to plan without immediate tax consequences, and creation of Plaintiff Recovery Trusts (PRTs) to help mitigate taxable recoveries. The firm also establishes various specialized trusts including special needs trusts, domestic asset protection trusts, and settlement preservation trusts to meet clients' specific goals.

Fuller's methodology has been tested in high-pressure environments, most notably through her leadership in the Flint Water case where she helped design the settlement process for the $600 million resolution. She has also served as co-counsel for minor patient claimants in the $13 million Hawthorn class action matter. The firm leverages Fuller's experience as a national expert and advisory board member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners to handle cases across jurisdictions, providing trial attorneys with a specialized partner to handle the complex settlement phase.

The launch of The Architected Settlement Law Group addresses a critical gap in the legal industry where trial attorneys often lack specialized expertise in settlement distribution mechanics. By focusing exclusively on this post-verdict phase, the firm aims to protect vulnerable claimants from losing benefits due to settlement mismanagement while simultaneously shielding law firms from malpractice claims. This specialized approach allows trial attorneys to concentrate on litigation while ensuring that hard-won settlements translate into long-term security for clients. Trial attorneys can learn more about these services by visiting https://architectedsettlement.com.