Michael W. McDermott joined Berger Harris as a partner in August 2011. He concentrates his practice in the areas of Business Litigation and Counseling, including the general representation of Delaware business entities.  Before joining Berger Harris, Mike practiced corporate litigation at Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor and was a partner at Parkowski,Guerke & Swayze, one of Delaware’s premiere full service law firms with recognized practices in administrative/regulatory law, civil litigation and land use.  He also served as Law Clerk to the Honorable Myron T. Steele, Chief Justice of the Delaware Supreme Court.

Mike’s practice includes representation and advice to Delaware corporations, directors, officers, stockholders and other law firms and involves advice regarding the structure and negotiation of corporate transactions as well as the defense of (and challenges to) corporate transactions in the courtroom.  His experience includes the prosecution and defense of litigation involving contests for corporate control, director and officer indemnification and advancement, alternative entity (i.e., partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies) issues, and other corporate and alternative entity disputes in the Delaware courts.  Mike has represented a variety of clients before the Delaware Court of Chancery and other Delaware Courts and has advised clients on issues involving Delaware corporate law and Delaware alternative business entities.

Mike’s practice also includes general representation as Outside “In-House” Counsel to Delaware-based businesses on matters involving Formation, Governance and Business Litigation, Commercial Contracts and Transactions, Collections, Regulatory Compliance, Human Resources and Employment, Intellectual Property, Licensing, Internal Investigations, Administrative Law and Government Affairs.

Education

• J.D., Widener University School of Law (cum laude)
• B.A., Washington College 

Admitted to Practice

• Delaware
• Pennsylvania
• U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware
• United States Supreme

• Court

Membership

• American Bar Association, Member
• Delaware State Bar Associations, Member
• Helping Hand Foundation Fund, Scholarship Chair
• Office of the Child Advocate, State of Delaware (Guardian Ad Litem)
• Pennsylvania Bar Association, Member
• Richard S. Rodney Inn of Court
• St. Patrick's Center, Inc, Chairman, Board of

• Directors

Publications

• David C. McBride & Michael W. McDermott, The Rights and Duties of Controlling Shareholders: Learning to Dance with the 800 Pound Gorilla (Feb. 23, 2005) (unpublished manuscript).