Labor Relations

We are one of the few law firms in Michigan with experience negotiating hundreds of collective bargaining agreements on behalf of public and private sector clients.  We are also one of the few Michigan law firms that has successfully represented employers before the Michigan Employment Relations Commission, the National Labor Relations Board in an Act 312 arbitration.

Employment Litigation

We have decades of experience representing individuals, corporations, and municipalities in state and federal court.  We have won over 80% of the cases that have been heard by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals or the Michigan Court of Appeals.  Our litigation experience includes employment discrimination, wrongful termination, sexual harassment, non-compete agreements, collections, and contract interpretation.  We have successfully represented clients in hundreds of matters involving the EEOC, Michigan Department of Civil Rights, MIOSHA, federal and state Wage and Hour Divisions, and the Unemployment Insurance Agency.

Employment Arbitration

To avoidance the extreme cost of litigation, numerous employers have elected to have arbitration as the forum to resolve disputes with their employees.  We have written employment arbitration agreements and have represented employers in arbitrations involving termination, discrimination, and other employment-related disputes.

Employee Handbooks, HR Policies

Our firm has written or edited at least 300 employment manuals.  We assist clients update their employment policies, particularly in rapidly evolving areas such as the pandemic, social media and leaves of absences.  We provide a cost-effective approach to preparation of employment policies, as a tool for better communication with employees and avoidance of litigation.

Grievance and Individual Employee Claims

We have won approximately 80% of the individual grievances brought against our public and private sector clients.  We take a practical approach to evaluating the merits of pending grievances and the most appropriate way to bring them to resolution.

Non-Compete Agreements

Michigan law is complicated regarding the parameters of an organization’s legal right to restrict future employment and competition by an employee.  We have represented both employers and employees in crafting and negotiating non-compete agreements. We have also represented employees and employers in court over enforcement of non-compete agreements.

Severance Agreements

We have helped several hundred white collar executives negotiate severance agreements when they are faced with layoff or termination.  Our expertise assists individuals make appropriate decisions regarding whether to accept or negotiate a severance agreement, as well as understand the nuances of unemployment compensation, COBRA, job searches and trade secrets.

City Managers in Transition

We have assisted dozens of city managers and other public sector managers negotiate new employment agreements with their municipalities.  We have also negotiated and counseled city managers who are in transition and are negotiating a severance package.  We help city managers navigate through troubled waters.