Martin J. Vittands

Martin Vittands joined Chapman Law Group in 2012 following a distinguished career as an assistant attorney general for the State of Michigan.

Martin began his career in 1976 working for the State of Michigan Civil Rights Division, litigating civil rights claims and advising the Michigan Department of Civil Rights on statutory issues. He litigated the first cases arising under the new Michigan Handicapper’s Civil Rights Act and can take credit for eliminating several pre-employment physical qualifications that excluded significant numbers of employment applicants from various jobs.

In 1985 Martin moved to the Michigan Corrections Division and continued to develop his expertise in civil rights litigation, defending all significant medical and a substantial number of other correctional civil rights claims in Federal Court. Mr. Vittands earned the trust and confidence of the Michigan Department of Corrections advising the Director, wardens and medical staff on statutory and constitutional issues affecting the department.

In 1989 Martin was transferred to the Michigan Labor Division's Unemployment Unit. For the remainder of his career he concentrated on administrative law representing the Unemployment Insurance Agency in a variety of complex tax and labor issues. In 2007 Martin became the primary attorney prosecuting employers for SUTA (State Unemployment Tax Act) dumping.

Martin’s experience as an assistant attorney general for over 35 years combined with his MDOC civil rights and extensive administrative law background makes him uniquely qualified to provide legal counsel to our correctional law and healthcare clients. Martin is dedicated to defending all civil rights claims as well as the hard working men and woman in all areas of corrections. His administrative background also makes him uniquely qualified to assist healthcare professionals facing administrative licensing actions. With hundreds of administrative hearings under his belt, Martin knows how to navigate the many challenges facing any administrative complaint. Martin’s experience also makes him qualified to assist with Medicare and Medicaid audits and administrative hearings.

Martin has raised four daughters and one son, and has a handful of grandchildren. He is a semi-professional photographer, an avid reader, and enjoys playing golf and other outdoor activities.