The Architected Settlement Law Group (ASLG) has launched as a national business-to-business firm dedicated to helping trial attorneys manage the complex settlement distribution process that follows litigation victories. Founded by Michele Fuller, who served as Special Assistant to the Attorney General designing the settlement process for the historic $600 million Flint Water Crisis, the firm aims to shield attorneys from post-litigation liability while protecting vulnerable claimants and optimizing their financial results.
For trial attorneys, securing a verdict or settlement is often just the beginning of a new challenge. The "danger zone" of settlement distribution—involving Medicaid clawbacks, lien resolution, and tax liability—has become a primary source of legal malpractice exposure. The Architected Settlement Law Group positions itself as a "Settlement Architect," designing comprehensive legal blueprints to close complex injury, mass tort, and class action files safely. Fuller states that trial lawyers are warriors who fight for the win, but the administrative complexity of the finish line can threaten their firm's legacy and their client's future.
The firm's "Master Blueprint" process offers several key services. It provides liability insulation by protecting plaintiff firms from failure-to-advise claims regarding government benefits and offering tools to mitigate tax exposure on taxable interest or punitive damages. A core service is establishing Qualified Settlement Funds (QSFs), which give attorneys and claimants time to plan without immediate tax consequences. The firm also establishes Plaintiff Recovery Trusts (PRTs) to help mitigate taxable recoveries, such as interest and punitive damages. Additionally, it creates various specialized trusts—including special needs trusts, domestic asset protection trusts, and settlement preservation trusts—tailored to meet clients' specific goals, ensuring that justice in the courtroom translates to justice in life.
Michele Fuller's methodology is battle-tested in high-pressure environments. Beyond her pivotal role in the Flint Water case, she has served as co-counsel for minor patient claimants in the $13 million Hawthorn class action matter. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Court-Appointed Neutrals, a renowned author and speaker contributing to Trial Magazine, and co-hosts national symposiums on special needs planning. Her national capability is bolstered by her experience as a national expert and advisory board member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners, allowing ASLG to handle cases across jurisdictions. The firm operates separately from Fuller's existing practice at Michigan Law Center, which focuses on Special Needs Trusts for families, with ASLG serving exclusively as a B2B partner for litigation firms. Trial attorneys can learn more about the firm's services by visiting https://architectedsettlement.com.
The launch of The Architected Settlement Law Group addresses a significant gap in the legal industry. By providing specialized post-verdict support, the firm helps reduce malpractice risks for attorneys, which could lead to more stable practices and lower insurance costs. For claimants, particularly vulnerable populations, the structured settlement planning ensures long-term financial security and preserves crucial government benefits. This service is especially impactful in mass tort and class action cases, where distribution complexities are magnified. The firm's national focus and proven leadership in high-profile settlements like the Flint Water Crisis position it as a critical resource for attorneys navigating the increasingly complex landscape of litigation finance and settlement administration, potentially raising industry standards for client protection and firm risk management.
