JOHNSON LAW PLC V FREMONT INSURANCE COMPANY

Court of Appeals, State of Michigan
ORDER
JOHNSON LAW PLC V FREMONT INSURANCE COMPANY
Docket No. 379559
LC No. 24-120314-CB
Christopher M. Murray
Presiding Judge
Michelle M. Rick
Sima G. Patel
Judges
The application for leave to appeal is GRANTED IN PART, limited to Issue I raised in defendant’s
application for leave to appeal. In all other respects, the application for leave to appeal is DENIED for failure to
persuade the Court of the need for immediate appellate review. The time for taking further steps in this appeal runs
from the date of the Clerk’s certification of this order. MCR 7.205(E)(3).
The motion to seal is GRANTED IN PART insofar as defendants seek to prevent public access to
the documents in Attachment A-1. This Court finds good cause to seal the documents in Attachment A-1 based on
the confidential nature of the attorney-client documents, and determines there are no less restrictive means to
adequately and effectively protect the interest asserted. MCR 7.211(C)(9)(e). The Clerk shall disclose or provide
copies of any order or opinion entered in this appeal, MCR 8.119(I)(5); MCR 7.211(C)(9)(c), but sealed pleadings
or other contents of the file shall not be disclosed or made available for public viewing.
However, insofar as defendants attempt to use a motion to seal under MCR 8.119 to “maintain the
status quo” and to preclude plaintiff Johnson Law, PLC’s access to documents, the motion is DENIED. MCR 8.119
governs public access to records. See Jenson v Puste, 290 Mich App 338, 342; 801 NW2d 639 (2010). As a party
to this case, plaintiff’s right to discovery of the documents in question is governed by the trial court’s discovery
order, and this Court’s decision to grant leave does not stay the effect of that order. See MCR 7.209(A).
The Clerk is directed to forward a copy of this order to the Clerk of the Supreme Court and to the
State Court Administrative Office. MCR 8.119(I)(7); MCR 7.211(C)(9)(c).
_______________________________
Presiding Judge
A true copy entered and certified by Jerome W. Zimmer Jr. , Chief Clerk, on
Date
April 22, 2026

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