Fair Housing Law and Litigation Training
November 9, 2026 @ 9:00AM — 4:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar
Washtenaw Community College: 4800 E Huron River Dr Morris Lawrence Building Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Get Directions
An optional two-day training in fair housing case analysis and litigation practice, led by national expert Steve Tomkowiak for current and prospective cooperating attorneys.
The Fair Housing Center of Southeast & Mid Michigan invites you to join us for a fair housing litigation training for current and future FHC cooperating or pro bono attorneys, presented by national expert Steve Tomkowiak. Tomkowiak served as Executive Director of the Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit from 2018 to 2026. Tomkowiak has specialized in litigating and trying mortgage lending and fair housing at all trial and appellate court levels since 1990. He served as lead counsel in numerous fair housing, fair lending, landlord-tenant, consumer protection, and real estate cases for a variety of clients, including one of the nation's largest mortgage lenders and its subprime division and captive insurers; a government enterprise (GSE); the Mortgage Electronic Registration System (MERS); property management systems; small businesses; real estate appraisers; churches; and individuals. Tomkowiak has served as an independent cooperating attorney for several fair housing centers.
Tomkowiak has also served as an instructor and course developer for HUD's National Fair Housing Training Academy (NFHTA) since 2004. He authored courses on litigating fair housing cases in administrative and court proceedings, legal writing for investigators, and advanced courses on lending discrimination and predatory lending. He has also trained on fair housing testing and conciliation.
Attendees will learn what works, and what doesn't work, in fair housing enforcement.
Topics will include: Basics of fair housing litigation, from case analysis and fee agreements to forum selection, complaint drafting, Rule 26 disclosures, discovery, testing evidence, damages, attorney fees, motion practice, trial, and negotiating settlements.
Two Days:
- Day 1: Fair Housing Case Analysis
Monday, November 9, 9 AM - 4 PM
Learn how to conduct a high-level analysis of fair housing claims and master the best practices for remedial enforcement and litigation.
- Day 2: Cooperative Attorney Training
Monday, November 16, 9 AM - 4 PM
Designed for current and prospective cooperating or pro bono attorneys serving local fair housing centers.
Attendees: Current and prospective cooperating or pro bono attorneys (Optional: MDCR Staff Attorneys), other interested attorneys
Cost: $100 per day, or $150 for both days; continental breakfast and lunch provided
Location: Washtenaw Community College, Morris Lawrence Building, seminar rooms