Practice Contact(s)
Overview
They are amazing: they are our one-stop shop for employment matters
Chambers USA 2018
Honigman's Labor and Employment department is recognized for its breadth of capability, level of responsiveness, and ability to appreciate and meet client objectives. Serving both U.S. and foreign clients, we provide comprehensive counseling, strategic planning, and litigation services to a wide variety of industries.
We focus on gaining a clear understanding of the full context of each client’s situation and then on developing strategies to protect their interests and meet their business goals. We are proud to say that many of our clients are rated as among the best places to work in the country.
Our emphasis is on helping clients avoid and reduce exposure to employment claims. We function as full-service human resources counselors, assisting clients with federal, state, and labor law local compliance issues. We also provide workplace training on employment law, audit existing employment practices, and help clients to establish operations and good practices across the country during expansions. We regularly counsel clients on traditional labor issues as well, including union avoidance and collective bargaining agreements.
Beyond day-to-day counseling, we are known for our expertise advising clients on transactions of varying levels of complexity. We review deal agreements and diligence and help clients analyze and price employment law risks. We also negotiate executive and officer employment agreements and incentive arrangements, help transition key executive relationships, and assist with post-closing employee onboarding issues.
If litigation arises, we aggressively defend our clients in courts throughout the country, and we regularly achieve significant victories in doing so. We represent employers in noncompete and trade secrets disputes; class actions and collective actions under the Fair Labor Standards Act; and other discrimination, harassment, and retaliation lawsuits. We have successfully represented clients regarding a broad spectrum of federal, state, and local employment claims.
News & Resources
News
- Jack Vrett featured in article for joining the firm(November 20, 2019)
- Tara E. Mahoney quoted in Law 360 article "4 Tips for Conducting Effective Workplace Investigations"(November 29, 2017)
- Christopher R. Kazanowski is quoted in the SHRM article, "OSHA Further Delays Anti-Retaliation Enforcement, Issues Guidance"(October 26, 2016)
- Christopher R. Kazanowski is quoted in the SHRM article, “OSHA Delays Controversial Anti-Retaliation Enforcement”(July 26, 2016)
- Christopher R. Kazanowski is quoted in the Business Insurance article "Ruling may trigger more overtime suits"(April 10, 2016)
- Christopher R. Kazanowski is quoted in the Business Insurance article "'Donning and doffing' ruling in Tyson Foods case could spark litigation trend"(March 29, 2016)
- Stanley H. Pitts is quoted in the Human Resources Executive Online article “Fighting the Backlash”(March 22, 2016)
- Tara E. Mahoney is mentioned as counsel to the American Civil Liberties Union in the Law360 article “6th Circ. Says Michigan Jail Must Deliver ACLU’s Mail”(August 12, 2015)
- Sean Crotty is quoted in the Inside Counsel article “Netflix announces generous new leave policy for new parents”(August 6, 2015)
- Karen R. Pifer and Stanley H. Pitts are featured in the DBusiness article “Honigman Elects Partners to Board of Directors”(August 5, 2015)
- Matthew S. Disbrow is quoted in the Business Insurance article “Contractor rules expand employer risks”(August 2, 2015)
- Matthew S. Disbrow is quoted in the Inside Counsel article “New guidance about independent contractor vs. employee classification called ‘subjective’”(July 17, 2015)
- Matthew S. Disbrow is quoted in the Society for Human Resource Management article “DOL Narrows Independent Contractor Classification”(July 16, 2015)
- Matthew S. Disbrow is quoted in the Business Insurance article “Labor department guidance on independent contractors raises concerns”(July 16, 2015)
- Stanley H. Pitts is quoted in the Michigan Lawyers Weekly article “Back Talk: Telling boss to stop harassment is Title VII protected activity”(May 11, 2015)
- Matthew S. Disbrow is quoted and mentioned as counsel to Jimmy John’s franchisee JS Fort Group in the Huffington Post article “Jimmy John’s ‘Oppressive’ Noncompete Agreement Survives Court Challenge”(April 10, 2015)
- Sean F. Crotty is quoted in the Crain’s Detroit Business article “30 years later, a noncompete ruling has been forged into law”(March 15, 2015)
- Christopher E. Tracy’s appointment to the Big Brothers Big Sisters board of directors is mentioned in the Detroit News section “Business leaders in the news”(March 15, 2015)
- Tara E. Mahoney is quoted in the Michigan Lawyers Weekly article “Getting to know you: How firms handle the on-campus interview”(October 27, 2014)
- Detroit Legal News announces Honigman's No. 1 ranking in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business 2009(June 24 & 29 Editions)
- Honigman Partner Stanley Pitts pictured with the newly elected officers of the D. Augustus Straker Bar Association in the Detroit Legal News(May 29, 2009)
- Honigman's Stanley Pitts quoted in the Crain's Detroit Business article "Labor law changes look likely"(January 12, 2009)
- Russell S. Linden quoted in "Match Penalty - Labor Experts Look At Where NHL Talks Went Offsides," Crain's Detroit Business, February 21-27, 2005(February 21, 2005)
Press Releases
- Honigman adds a partner in its Labor and Employment Department(October 26, 2015)
- Seven associates join Honigman in its Detroit and Bloomfield Hills offices(September 8, 2015)
- 130 Honigman attorneys named in the 2015 Michigan Super Lawyers(September 8, 2015)
- Two attorneys join Honigman’s Detroit office(April 27, 2015)
- Honigman’s board elects twelve new partners(January 19, 2015)
- Honigman’s Tara E. Mahoney elected to SafeHouse Center’s board(October 2, 2014)
- 129 Honigman attorneys named in the 2013 Michigan Super Lawyers(September 17, 2013)
- Honigman ranked nationally by U.S. News - Best Lawyers® 2013 “Best Law Firms”(November 12, 2012)
- 100 Honigman attorneys named in Best Lawyers® in America for 2013(September 20, 2012)
- Honigman attorneys named in Best Lawyers® in America for 2012(November 7, 2011)
- Honigman leads Michigan law firms with most Super Lawyers and "Rising Stars"(September 20, 2011)
- Christopher R. Kazanowski joins Honigman’s Labor and Employment Department(November 8, 2010)
- Michigan Super Lawyers 2010 recognizes 64 Honigman attorneys(October 22, 2010)
- Seventy-seven Honigman attorneys named Best Lawyers(August 23, 2010)
- Honigman elects 12 new partners(January 8, 2010)
- Honigman celebrates its office opening in Downtown Kalamazoo(December 14, 2009)
- Michigan Super Lawyers 2009 recognizes 59 Honigman Attorneys(October 21, 2009)
- Seventy-six Honigman attorneys named in 2010 edition of Best Lawyers®(September 16, 2009)
- Christopher E. Tracy and Mary L. Pate join Honigman's Kalamazoo office(January 27, 2009)
- L. A. Hynds - Hacking By Sacked Staff Costs US Firms Billions(August 1, 2001)
Events
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May 5, 2020
- The New FLSA White-Collar Exemptions, Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP, WebinarJune 2, 2016
- ADA, FMLA, and Worker's Compensation Seminar, Sterling Education Services, Inc., Troy, MIMarch 3, 2016
- Is Working Remotely More Than a Remote Possibility Under the ADA?, An Employee’s Physical Presence at Work as an Essential Function and Telecommuting as a Reasonable Accommodation Under the ADA, Honigman Labor and Employment Department, WebinarMay 15, 2014
- Keeping Your Business Ahead of the Digital Media Curve: Reducing legal risk in today’s social, mobile and emerging media, Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP, Detroit, MIApril 11, 2013
- What’s New With The EEOC?, Northwest Human Resources CouncilJanuary 2013
- Medical Marijuana, Michigan Rural Development Council, Annual Meeting, Mount Pleasant, MIOctober 2012
- Ins and Outs of EEOC Discrimination Charges, American Association of School Personnel AdministratorsOctober 2012
- Ethical Lessons from a Famous Whistleblower Case, Thomas Cooley Law School, Auburn Hills, MIJune 28, 2012
- Ins and Outs of EEOC Discrimination Charges, Illinois Association of School Personnel AdministratorsJune 2012
- Essential Functions, Qualification Standards, and Production Standards, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Training Institute: Reasonable Accommodation and the ADA, Detroit, MIJune 2012
- Medical Marijuana: What It Means to Affordable Housing Landlords, Michigan Housing Development Authority, Building Michigan Communities Conference, Lansing, MIApril 23, 2012
- Special Day Behind the Scenes - A Litigator’s Perspective, Federal Bar Association Eastern District of Michigan Diversity CommitteeMarch 2012
- Medical Residents, Students and Faculty: ADA Accommodation Issues and Challenges, American Health Lawyers Association, Washington, D.C.January 2012
- Ins and Outs of EEOC Discrimination Charges, Illinois Association of School Personnel AdministratorsJune 2011
- ADAA Regulations Update, Webinar, Honigman Miller Schwartz and CohnMay 4, 2011
- What You Need to Know: A Labor and Employment Legislative Update, Bloomberg BNA, WebinarFebruary 2010
- The New Amendments and ADA Compliance, Maryland Association of Affirmative Action OfficersSeptember 2009
- What the New Administration and Congress Mean for Labor Relations: Preparing for the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) and the New NLRB, Webinar, Honigman's Labor and Employment DepartmentFebruary 19, 2009
- The New FMLA Regulations - Best Practices to Ensure FMLA Compliance, Labor & Employment Webinar, Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP, Detroit, MIJanuary 2009
- Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, Michigan Public Employee Labor Relations Association Annual Conference
- Understanding the Attorney Discipline Process, Bingham Office Center, D. Augustus Straker Bar AssociationNovember 19, 2008
- The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 – Important New Changes to the Federal Disability Law That Employers Need to Know, Honigman Labor & Employment Department, WebinarNovember 2008
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April 8, 2008
- Workplace Health and Safety Issues, Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn SeminarApril 2008
- Reductions in Force, Michigan Public Employee Labor Relations Association Annual Conference
- The Latest Developments in Labor and Employment Law SeminarNovember 6, 2007
- Workplace Privacy: Monitoring Your Employees, Honigman Labor & Employment Seminar, Troy, MINovember 2007
- Opportunities Within the Legal Profession, The Black Undergraduate Law Association, University of Michigan, Membership Meeting, Ann Arbor, MINovember 2007
- The Employment Rights of Handicapped Workers, Michigan Public Employee Labor Relations Association Annual Conference
- Minimum Wage and Overtime Update, Employment Law Seminar, Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLPSeptember 2006
- FMLA Update, Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn Seminar2004
- Fair Labor Standards Act Update: The Fair Pay Rules, Employment Law Seminar, Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLPOctober 2004
- EEO/EEOC Update, Council on Education in Management2004
- Legal Update/Defense Bar Perspective, EEOC Technical Assistance Program Seminar2002 and 2004
Publications
- Could Your Employee Participation Program Be Illegal?(June 9, 2016)Society for Human Resource Management
- Supreme Court: Representative Evidence Can Prove Classwide Liability for Wage-And-Hour Violations(April 2016)Westlaw Journal Employment, Vol. 30, Issue 19
- Social Media Do's and Don'ts: Without guidelines, employers can get into trouble in a hurry(June 2015)Chicago Lawyer Magazine
- 6th Circ. Is Making Sure Misclassification Goes To Trial(April 23, 2015)Law360
- Monkeys and Elephants and Koalas, Oh My! Is Originality Still the Touchstone of Authorship in United States Copyright Law?(2015)97 Journal of the Patent & Trademark Office Society 736
- Protecting Your Business from Disloyal Employees(December 2014)National Law Review
- Vacation Policy Pitfalls for Illinois Employers(November 2014)National Law Review
- Don't Let Texting Destroy Your Company: Marketing and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act(October 2014)National Law Review
- Employment Claims in Release Agreements: Michigan(March 31, 2013)Practical Law Company
- 2013 Midwinter Treatise Supplement: The Fair Labor Standards Act(February 2013)American Bar Association Section of Labor and Employment Law Fair Labor Standards Act Subcommittee
- Ethical Duties and Standards in Disqualifying, Retaining, and Communicating with Expert Witnesses(2013)ABA's The Brief (Vol. 43, 2013)
- Congress mulls bill to increase financial adviser oversight(January 2, 2013)The Daily Journal
- Background Check Laws: Michigan(August 15, 2012)Practical Law Company
- Financial advisors potentially subject to greater oversight(August 15, 2012)BenefitsPro
- Independent Contractors: Michigan(July 11, 2012)Practical Law Company
- Hiring Requirements: Michigan(March 28, 2012)Practical Law Company
- 2012 Midwinter Treatise Supplement: The Family and Medical Leave Act(February 2012)American Bar Association Section of Labor and Employment Law Fair Labor Standards Act Subcommittee
- Amending the EEOC’s Disability Discrimination Regulations to Protect Employees with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(2012)80 Geo. Wash. L. Rev. 1546
- Wage and Hour Laws: Michigan(September 2011)
- Leave Laws: Michigan(September 2011)Practical Law Company
- Trade Secret Laws: Michigan(September 2011)Practical Law Company
- Managing the Relationship(April 2009)CPA Insider
- Michigan Judge’s Guide to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act(2009)Service to Soldiers: Legal Assistance Referral Program, Thomas M. Cooley Law School’s Center for Ethics, Service, and Professionalism
- Violations of Freedom of the Press in Cuba: 1952-1969(2006)Cuba in Transition 2006, 16th Annual Meeting of the Association for the Study of the Cuban Economy
- Summary of Elezovic v. Ford Motor Co.(June 6, 2005)
- Federal Credit Reform Act Summary(May 27, 2005)
- Summary of the Social Security Number Privacy Act(May 13, 2005)
- Frequently Asked Questions About the FMLA(December 1, 2004)
- Fair Labor Standards Act Update: The Fair Pay Rules(December 1, 2004)
- Military Leaves of Absence(December 1, 2004)
- U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES NEW OVERTIME REGULATIONS(April 28, 2004)
- Union Perspective of Drug Testing of Public Employees(1988)The Journal of Law and Education
Alerts
- Department of Labor Issues “Final” Rule on Employee Status(January 8, 2021)
- EEOC Issues New COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance(December 18, 2020)
- MIOSHA Increases COVID-19 Workplace Safety Enforcement Measures(November 12, 2020)
- Michigan Enacts New Legislation Regarding COVID-19 in the Workplace(November 6, 2020)
- MIOSHA Issues COVID-19 Emergency Rules for Employers(October 19, 2020)
- The Uncertainty Regarding Michigan’s COVID Executive Orders(October 3, 2020)
- DOL Proposes New Rule Clarifying Independent Contractor Status(September 30, 2020)
- California Expands Paid Sick Leave for Workers Dealing with COVID-19(September 21, 2020)
- DOL Issues New Rule Interpreting the FFCRA(September 17, 2020)
- Michigan Issues Updated Guidance about COVID-19 Symptoms(September 2, 2020)
- DOL Releases New Guidance For Employers Tracking Remote Hours(August 28, 2020)
- Supreme Court Rules Civil Rights Law Protects LGBTQ Workers(June 16, 2020)
- Employment Law Issues When Safely Reopening Businesses(May 4, 2020)
- OSHA Eases COVID-19 Reporting Obligations(April 17, 2020)
- Updated Guidance for Small Businesses and New Leave Laws(April 1, 2020)
- Employers Must Post the FFCRA Workplace Poster by April 1(March 30, 2020)
- New Guidance on COVID-19 Leave Laws(March 25, 2020)
- Oakland County, Michigan, Tightens Restrictions on Local Businesses(March 24, 2020)
- Congress Passes New Leave Laws for COVID-19(March 18, 2020)
- Employment Law Essentials for COVID-19(March 12, 2020)
- NLRB's Final Joint-Employer Rule(February 26, 2020)
- Update - No More EEO-1 Pay Data Reporting(February 13, 2020)
- New DOL Rule on Joint Employer(January 14, 2020)
- Michigan Takes Action to Raise Overtime Pay Threshold(October 25, 2019)
- Illinois Bans Compensation History Inquiries(September 13, 2019)
- The NLRB Proposes Rule Tweaks for Union Elections(September 5, 2019)
- The NLRB Upholds Mandatory Arbitration Agreements(August 28, 2019)
- Employers May Not Be Forced Into Class Arbitration(May 1, 2019)
- Employers Cannot Delay or Extend FMLA Leave(March 27, 2019)
- Are Employers Required To Submit Pay Data In The 2018 EEO-1 Report?(March 21, 2019)
- DOL Reveals New Proposed Overtime Salary Requirement(March 8, 2019)
- NLRB Independent Contractor Decision Addresses 21st Century Workplace(February 14, 2019)
- Michigan Revises Paid Sick Leave Mandate and Minimum Wage Increases(December 17, 2018)
- Proposed Minimum Wage Increase and Paid Sick Leave Laws for Michigan Employers(September 11, 2018)
- "Whistleblower" Definition Under Dodd-Frank Narrowed by Supreme Court(February 21, 2018)
- Stay of EEO-1 Pay Data Reporting Requirement(August 31, 2017)
- Federal Court Blocks New Overtime Rule(November 23, 2016)
- A new Michigan minimum wage went into effect January 1, 2016(January 4, 2016)
- Employer-sponsored holiday parties(December 3, 2015)
- Salary threshold for exempt employees poised to double(June 30, 2015)
- It is time to replace your FMLA forms(June 8, 2015)
- What to expect when your employee is expecting(March 31, 2015)
- The DOL Redefines “Spouse” under the FMLA(February 25, 2015)
- Who’s paying for lunch?(January 12, 2015)
- Employees can use employer email systems for protected concerted activity(December 12, 2014)
- Employees not entitled to compensation for time spent at security screenings(December 11, 2014)
- President Obama announces executive actions aimed at immigration reform(November 21, 2014)
- OSHA issues new injury reporting and recordkeeping requirements(September 19, 2014)
- The NLRB to alert charging parties of potential OSHA and FLSA violations(August 18, 2014)
- The EEOC approves new guidance on Pregnancy Discrimination Act(July 16, 2014)
- Michigan’s minimum wage receives first boost in eight years(May 28, 2014)
- Telecommuting might be a reasonable accommodation(April 25, 2014)
- NLRB finds “negativity” and “discourtesy” employee rules illegal(April 9, 2014)
- The President orders salaried workers eligible for overtime(March 14, 2014)
- NLRB attempts to resurrect rule for expedited union election process(February 14, 2014)
- USCIS Issues New Form I-9 for Immediate Use(March 12, 2013)
- Employers Are Required to Display New FMLA Poster By March 8, 2013(February 13, 2013)
- Michigan Becomes the 24th State to Pass “Right-to-Work” Laws(December 12, 2012)
- Employer-Sponsored Holiday Parties(November 27, 2012)
- Recent Events Remind Employers of the Importance for Workplace Training(November 13, 2012)
- Potential Significant FICA Refund Opportunity On Severance Payments(October 9, 2012)
- NLRB Issues First Facebook Decision(October 4, 2012)
- “Shedding Light” on Hidden OSHA Issues(September 28, 2012)
- Employers Should Continue Using Current Form I-9 After August 31, 2012(August 21, 2012)
- NLRB Update(January 31, 2012)
- Are Employees Protected When Using Social Media?(December 6, 2011)
- Labor Alert Update: NLRB Posting of Employee Rights Requirement(October 12, 2011)
- IRS Gives a Break on Payroll Taxes… But Beware(September 29, 2011)
- Health Care Reform: W-2 Reporting Obligations(April 14, 2011)
- EEOC Issues GINA Final Regulations(December 9, 2010)
- Criticism of Boss on Facebook is Protected Speech?(November 11, 2010)
- Health Care Reform: Breaks for Nursing Mothers(March 29, 2010)
- E-Verify Required For Certain Federal Contractors(January 14, 2009)
- Voting Leave on Election Day(October 21, 2008)
- President Bush Signs The ADA Amendments Act(September 30, 2008)
- Monitoring an Employee's Email and Internet Use(August 6, 2008)
- Executive Order Adds Requirement for Federal Contractors(June 10, 2008)