Tommy's Boats Owner Sued Former Attorneys
The legal action follows a massive $65 million judgment tied to a loan default.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Professional Services
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The owner of Tommy's Boats has filed a lawsuit in Michigan state court against former attorneys at Miller Johnson Snell & Cummiskey. The suit alleges the firm failed to secure a vital buy-back provision in a supplier agreement.
Why it matters
The legal move serves as a push to mitigate personal liability for a $65 million judgment currently held against the owner. This follows a high-stakes loan default that prompted the initial court decision.
The lawsuit concerns a $65 million judgment issued against the boat company owner following a loan default. The legal action specifically challenges the firm's failure to document inventory buy-back requirements.
The players
Miller Johnson Snell & Cummiskey
This is a Michigan-based law firm that provided professional legal services to the owner of Tommy's Boats.
Tommy's Boats
This is a marine dealership business whose owner is the plaintiff in the recent Michigan state court filing.
The details
The complaint claims that attorneys at Miller Johnson Snell & Cummiskey did not include a necessary clause that would have compelled a supplier to purchase unsold inventory. This alleged omission is presented as the primary factor in the owner now facing personal liability for the multi-million dollar judgment.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: The owner of Tommy's Boats filed the lawsuit.
Market Landscape
This litigation follows a pattern set by post-recession corporate loan default lawsuits where business owners pursue professional liability claims after failing to meet debt obligations. It highlights the significant financial risks firms face when legal oversight fails in high-value supply chain agreements.
Business owners in Michigan may view this as a reminder to ensure all supplier contracts include explicit buy-back provisions to protect against inventory liabilities. For customers, the ongoing legal dispute underscores the potential for operational changes within regional dealership entities.
The takeaway
This case emphasizes the critical necessity for comprehensive legal review in inventory-heavy commercial agreements. Business operators should periodically verify that their counsel has addressed all contingency clauses that could impact personal asset liability.
Further reading
For more on the legal sector, visit our Professional Services section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Law360.
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