Sexual Assault Case Against Mike Morse Could Go To Arbitration

NOVI, MI — A ruling in a sexual assault case against attorney Mike Morse could affect a Novi woman’s lawsuit. An Oakland County Circuit judge ruled Tuesday that Hazel Park resident Samantha Lichon’s case will be settled via private arbitration instead of in a courtroom.

Renee Swain, of Novi, filed a $10 million civil lawsuit against Morse also alleging sexual assault. Morse has denied her claims as well as those of Lichon and several other cases. In her Tuesday ruling, Judge Shalina Kumar said Lichon signed an employment agreement requiring her to resolve disputes through arbitration.

"I find that this is a valid and enforceable arbitration agreement," Kumar said. "I'm sending all of the claims to arbitration."

The ruling means the parties will argue their cases privately before an arbitrator, typically a lawyer or a retired judge, who will decide if damages are warranted. A judge could later enforce the arbitrator's ruling. Morse's lawyer, Deborah Gordon, plans to make the same argument in a similar case filed by a former paralegal, Jordan Smits, who sued for $20 million claiming Morse groped her breasts at an office Christmas party.

For more, go to the Detroit Free Press.

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