Fieger's partner Schwartz splits

After 10 years together, 'I've just got to leave,' but he doesn't say why
Detroit News - June 8, 2001

BY JOE SWICKARD
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Southfield attorney Michael Schwartz -- who went from being the legal profession's barracuda who lunched on wayward lawyers to the man defending Geoffrey Fieger's outbursts and antics -- pulled the plug Thursday on his 10-year relationship with the fiery Fieger.

"After much thought, I've decided that I have to leave," Schwartz said. "It doesn't give me much pleasure, but I've just got to leave."

Schwartz, 53, said he is ending the legal partnership and will no longer be representing Fieger or the firm. Fieger has two complaints pending against him before the state Attorney Discipline Board for his characterizations of a prosecutor and state appellate judges.

Schwartz declined to offer an explanation for his resignation. He said he spoke with Fieger Wednesday night and again Thursday morning before making his final decision, and that Fieger had asked him to remain.

"I'm not going to engage in any Fieger-bashing," Schwartz said. "I have no interest in making any negative statements at all. I made my decision after a lot of thought and I don't want to go beyond that. I wish Geoffrey every future success and I don't want to comment further."

Fieger was traveling Thursday and could not be reached for comment.

Mayer Morganroth, a lawyer who has worked closely with Schwartz and Fieger, said the departure had been discussed for several weeks.

"We all knew that an amicable ending was coming about," Morganroth said. "We knew Michael wanted to pare down his activities. He had taken some time off and went to Arizona. I spoke with Geoffrey and he said he respects him and always felt that Michael was a valued friend and colleague."

The Schwartz-Fieger team seemed an odd coupling of temperaments and images.

Schwartz, as administrator for the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission, earned the nickname "Barracuda" for his pursuit of errant lawyers. His somber suits matched his no-fireworks style.

Fieger, by contrast, is a brash litigator and someone who loudly challenges the limits of attorney conduct.

Yet the men formed a highly effective legal tag-team, successfully defending Dr. Jack Kevorkian on charges stemming from a string of assisted suicides. Schwartz was also on hand when official complaints were filed against Fieger.

Southfield lawyer John P. Jacobs, a frequent Fieger adversary, said Schwartz is "a terrific guy. He added a great deal of intellectual stature and talent to that office."

Schwartz said only his short-term plans are set at this time. "I'm going on a trip to China," he said. "I understand they serve thousand-year-old eggs and I want to get there while they are still fresh. I'll decide what I'm going to do when I get back."