Overview

Butzel's labor and employment team represent employers in federal and state courts and administrative agencies at all levels. We handle all types of employment-related claims and litigation, including involvement in class action disputes.

Our attorneys possess a wide range of litigation experience. We represent clients in statutory claims, including those brought under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Title VII, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the state law counterparts involving allegations of age, race, sex, religion, disability, national origin, height, weight, marital or familial status, veteran status, family and medical leave, and other protected classifications. We also defend clients in matters relating to employment torts, such as whistleblower, invasion of privacy, negligent hiring, supervision, and wrongful discharge.

Our team also has substantial experience litigating federal and state claims based on public policy, contract, covenants of good faith and fair dealing, intentional infliction of emotional distress, fraud and defamation, non-competition agreements, nondisclosure agreements, trade secrets, Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and MIOSHA violations, wage claims, and ERISA claims.

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Experience

  • Race discrimination; summary judgment in promotion case
  • Represented a community based health center in successful defense of charges by former personnel director of discrimination against employees based on age and retaliation against him personally
  • Complex employment litigation arising under the Americans with Disabilities Act
  • A summary disposition was affirmed in an age discrimination and retaliation case
  • Represented an individual defendant in second case against him and employer alleging sex discrimination, harassment and retaliation
  • Defended EEOC charges across the country for one of the world's largest business outsourcing companies.
  • Defended and won summary judgment in favor of a national insurance company, dismissing claims of breach of contract and wrongful termination brought up by former employee.
  • Race discrimination; dismissal in Federal Court bench trial
  • Obtained directed verdict at trial on behalf of defended corporation in employment whistleblower action.
  • Represented an individual defendant in case alleging sex discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Companion case to action brought by EEOC against employer
  • Represented defense industry company in alleged employment discrimination
  • Represented a national parking facility operator in case brought by two individuals alleging overtime and discrimination claims on the basis of national origin and sex and sexual harassment
  • Represented national parking facility operator in class and collective action for overtime and discrimination on basis of national origin. Achieved narrowing of class to one shift at one garage on overtime issues and dropping of the discrimination class.
  • Defend corporation in employment discrimination action
  • Sex discrimination; no cause in state court jury trial
  • As lead counsel in labor, employment discrimination, public contract law, education law cases
  • In case of first impression, obtained summary judgment in favor of cargo airline carrier of claim for retaliatory discharge in violation of the Railway Labor Act, based on statute of limitations.
  • Successfully represented national service provider in overturning trial judgment for plaintiff in claim for race discrimination - failure to promote before Michigan Court of Appeals.
  • Obtained summary disposition in favor of major University on claims for sexual harassment and breach of employment contract, affirmed, Michigan Court of Appeals.
  • Trial verdict in favor of major University on claim alleging wrongful discharge/breach of employment contract.
  • Defended corporation in employment whistleblower action
  • Obtained favorable case evaluation settlement on behalf automotive supplier in employment whistleblower action.
  • Obtained summary disposition in favor of national media client on claims for gender discrimination, retaliation and violation of Sales Representative Commission Act.
  • Obtained summary judgment on behalf of retailer clothing chain in employment wrongful discrimination action.
  • Defended corporation in employment whistleblower action
  • Obtained summary disposition in favor of national retailer on claims for race discrimination, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence.
  • Obtained a no cause jury verdict for a McDonald's franchisee in a religious discrimination case.
  • Breach of employment contract; no cause in Federal Court jury trial
  • Jury trial verdict in favor of major University in gender discrimination case. Affirmed by Michigan Court of Appeals.
  • Successful defense of numerous cases asserting discrimination based on gender, age and disability
  • Obtained summary disposition in favor of major University on claims for gender discrimination and retaliation.
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