Dean F.

Pacific

Partner

Although I’ve got a competitive nature and truly enjoy courtroom advocacy, sometimes “winning” for an employer means devising a strategy that prevents the matter from ever ending up in court at all. In close collaboration with my clients, I consider their business objectives, budget, public relations concerns, settlement position and many other factors. Then we can plot the best path forward.

Nationally recognized litigator Dean Pacific defends employers in cases of alleged discrimination, harassment, retaliation and wrongful discharge and in statutory employment-related claims. Focusing on Michigan-based organizations in his national practice, Dean draws on his deep intelligence and creativity to best serve clients. A judge who has presided over some of Dean’s cases called him “superb in every way.”

Won jury verdict in favor of trucking industry employer in lawsuit filed by former employee who alleged that his termination violated Michigan’s Whistleblower Protection Act.
Won jury verdict in favor of employer, a recreational motorsports dealer, in lawsuit by former employee alleging that he was terminated as a result of age discrimination.
Won jury verdict in favor of employer in former employee’s claim for allegedly unpaid overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Also won jury verdict in favor of the employer’s owner and President, who was sued individually.
Won jury verdict in favor of employer against former shareholder and management employees on claims of conversion and breach of fiduciary duty related to m

Won jury verdict in favor of trucking industry employer in lawsuit filed by former employee who alleged that his termination violated Michigan’s Whistleblower Protection Act.
Won jury verdict in favor of employer, a recreational motorsports dealer, in lawsuit by former employee alleging that he was terminated as a result of age discrimination.
Won jury verdict in favor of employer in former employee’s claim for allegedly unpaid overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Also won jury verdict in favor of the employer’s owner and President, who was sued individually.
Won jury verdict in favor of employer against former shareholder and management employees on claims of conversion and breach of fiduciary duty related to misappropriation of a business opportunity. Award recovered included treble damages and attorney’s fees.
Obtained injunction to prevent solicitation of clients by financial advisor who left employer to start competing business, then won money damages award in arbitration to compensate employer for the wrongful solicitation of clients and other damages.
Won summary judgment in favor of employer on race discrimination and retaliation claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and 42 U.S.C § 1981; judgment was affirmed by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Won denial of class certification in action under the employee background check rules of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Won summary judgment in pension benefits class action, involving claims under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and the Labor Management Relations Act, related to facility purchased in a bankruptcy sale.
Won award in favor of employer in AAA arbitration involving claim for severance pay by former company executive.
Won summary disposition in favor of employer on claims of religious discrimination and age discrimination.
Won entry of temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction and permanent injunction in action by employer to enforce covenant not to compete against former sales manager.
Won summary disposition in favor of employer on claims of race discrimination under Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and negligence, and also recovered an award of attorney’s fees in favor of the employer.
Won award in favor of employer in AAA Arbitration involving claims by former company President for benefits under Employee Stock Ownership Plan, claims of breach of fiduciary duty and breach of duty of disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, and common law claims.
Won summary judgment in favor of employer on claim for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act on the grounds that plaintiff was an administrative employee exempted from coverage under the FLSA.
Won denial of preliminary injunction, and later summary disposition of all claims, in action against surgeon for alleged breach of covenant not to compete.
Won summary judgment on claims of tortious interference with contract or business expectancy brought by former employer of company’s management employee; obtained dismissal of claims against the employee individually for alleged breach of confidentiality agreement and misappropriation of trade secrets.
Won summary disposition of claims under Whistleblower Protection Act and alleged discharge in violation of public policy.

Panelist: “Employment Matters: From Restrictive Covenant Changes to the PUMP Act,” West Michigan Chapter Federal Bar Association Bench Bar Conference, Sept. 18-20, 2024, Thompsonville, Michigan
“The Updated Legal Landscape of Noncompete Agreements,” Warner 2023 HR Seminar, May 16, 2023
“Tiptoeing Through the Minefield: L

Panelist: “Employment Matters: From Restrictive Covenant Changes to the PUMP Act,” West Michigan Chapter Federal Bar Association Bench Bar Conference, Sept. 18-20, 2024, Thompsonville, Michigan
“The Updated Legal Landscape of Noncompete Agreements,” Warner 2023 HR Seminar, May 16, 2023
“Tiptoeing Through the Minefield: Lessons from an Employment Litigator,” Michigan Professional Insurance Exchange Webinar, May 11, 2021
“Protect Your Business with Non-Compete, Non-Solicitation & Confidentiality Agreements,” Warner Webinar, August 11, 2020
“Employment Law Update on Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and New Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act,” Warner Webinar, March 31, 2020
“Families First Coronavirus Response Act’s Impact to Employers and Employees,” Warner Webinar, March 24, 2020
“Emerging Trends in Employment Litigation: Hot Issues in a #MeToo World,” Michigan Defense Trial Counsel Summer Conference, June 21, 2019, Bellaire, Michigan
“Protecting Your Business Through Non-Compete, Non-Solicitation and Confidentiality Agreements,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 3, 2018, Grand Rapids, Michigan
“Myth or Truth: Labor & Employment Panel,” Warner Labor & Benefits Executive Panels, October 26, 2017, Kalamazoo, Michigan
“What’s on the Horizon with the New Administration,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 23, 2017, Grand Rapids, Michigan
“Managing an Evolving Workforce” and “Wage/Hour and FLSA Issues,” Warner Labor & Benefits Executive Panel, November 2, 2016, Novi, Michigan
“Social Media Issues in the Workplace,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, June 9, 2016, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Labor & Benefits Executive Panel, Warner Seminar, October 5, 2015, Traverse City, Michigan
“Protecting Your Business with Non-Compete, Non-Solicitation and Confidentiality Agreements,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, April 20, 2015, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Labor and Employment Panel Moderator, Labor and Benefits Executive Panel-Government Enforcement Initiatives, October 23, 2014, Kalamazoo, Michigan
“Background Checks: The Biggest Employment Litigation Risk You Aren’t Worrying About (But Should Be),” Warner Human Resources Seminar, April 22, 2014, Grand Rapids, Michigan
“HR and Benefits Executive Panel,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, October 15, 2013, Birmingham, Michigan
“Background Checks,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, April 29, 2013, Grand Rapids, Michigan
“Making the Tough Call: How to Document and Manage Discipline and Termination,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 2, 2012, Grand Rapids, Michigan
“Whistleblower/Retaliation,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 25, 2011, Grand Rapids, Michigan
“Social Media Issues in the Workplace,” presented to the 2010 Conference of MI-CUPA, the Michigan College and University Professional Association for Human Resources, on October 14, 2010.
“Workplace Privacy Issues,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, March 23, 2010, Grand Rapids, Michigan
“Labor and Employment Legal Update” and “Do You Text? Technology and Privacy in the Workplace,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, September 11, 2008, Grand Rapids
“Damages in Labor and Employment Litigation,” 2007 Michigan Defense Trial Counsel Summer Conference
“Whistleblower, Retaliation & Protected Concerted Activity,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 10, 2007, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Dean F.
Pacific

Partner

Panelist: “Employment Matters: From Restrictive Covenant Changes to the PUMP Act,” West Michigan Chapter Federal Bar Association Bench Bar Conference, Sept. 18-20, 2024, Thompsonville, Michigan
“The Updated Legal Landscape of Noncompete Agreements,” Warner 2023 HR Seminar, May 16, 2023
“Tiptoeing Through the Minefield: L

Panelist: “Employment Matters: From Restrictive Covenant Changes to the PUMP Act,” West Michigan Chapter Federal Bar Association Bench Bar Conference, Sept. 18-20, 2024, Thompsonville, Michigan
“The Updated Legal Landscape of Noncompete Agreements,” Warner 2023 HR Seminar, May 16, 2023
“Tiptoeing Through the Minefield: Lessons from an Employment Litigator,” Michigan Professional Insurance Exchange Webinar, May 11, 2021
“Protect Your Business with Non-Compete, Non-Solicitation & Confidentiality Agreements,” Warner Webinar, August 11, 2020
“Employment Law Update on Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and New Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act,” Warner Webinar, March 31, 2020
“Families First Coronavirus Response Act’s Impact to Employers and Employees,” Warner Webinar, March 24, 2020
“Emerging Trends in Employment Litigation: Hot Issues in a #MeToo World,” Michigan Defense Trial Counsel Summer Conference, June 21, 2019, Bellaire, Michigan
“Protecting Your Business Through Non-Compete, Non-Solicitation and Confidentiality Agreements,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 3, 2018, Grand Rapids, Michigan
“Myth or Truth: Labor & Employment Panel,” Warner Labor & Benefits Executive Panels, October 26, 2017, Kalamazoo, Michigan
“What’s on the Horizon with the New Administration,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 23, 2017, Grand Rapids, Michigan
“Managing an Evolving Workforce” and “Wage/Hour and FLSA Issues,” Warner Labor & Benefits Executive Panel, November 2, 2016, Novi, Michigan
“Social Media Issues in the Workplace,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, June 9, 2016, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Labor & Benefits Executive Panel, Warner Seminar, October 5, 2015, Traverse City, Michigan
“Protecting Your Business with Non-Compete, Non-Solicitation and Confidentiality Agreements,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, April 20, 2015, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Labor and Employment Panel Moderator, Labor and Benefits Executive Panel-Government Enforcement Initiatives, October 23, 2014, Kalamazoo, Michigan
“Background Checks: The Biggest Employment Litigation Risk You Aren’t Worrying About (But Should Be),” Warner Human Resources Seminar, April 22, 2014, Grand Rapids, Michigan
“HR and Benefits Executive Panel,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, October 15, 2013, Birmingham, Michigan
“Background Checks,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, April 29, 2013, Grand Rapids, Michigan
“Making the Tough Call: How to Document and Manage Discipline and Termination,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 2, 2012, Grand Rapids, Michigan
“Whistleblower/Retaliation,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 25, 2011, Grand Rapids, Michigan
“Social Media Issues in the Workplace,” presented to the 2010 Conference of MI-CUPA, the Michigan College and University Professional Association for Human Resources, on October 14, 2010.
“Workplace Privacy Issues,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, March 23, 2010, Grand Rapids, Michigan
“Labor and Employment Legal Update” and “Do You Text? Technology and Privacy in the Workplace,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, September 11, 2008, Grand Rapids
“Damages in Labor and Employment Litigation,” 2007 Michigan Defense Trial Counsel Summer Conference
“Whistleblower, Retaliation & Protected Concerted Activity,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 10, 2007, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Won jury verdict in favor of trucking industry employer in lawsuit filed by former employee who alleged that his termination violated Michigan’s Whistleblower Protection Act.
Won jury verdict in favor of employer, a recreational motorsports dealer, in lawsuit by former employee alleging that he was terminated as a result of age discrimination.
Won jury verdict in favor of employer in former employee’s claim for allegedly unpaid overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Also won jury verdict in favor of the employer’s owner and President, who was sued individually.
Won jury verdict in favor of employer against former shareholder and management employees on claims of conversion and breach of fiduciary duty related to m

Won jury verdict in favor of trucking industry employer in lawsuit filed by former employee who alleged that his termination violated Michigan’s Whistleblower Protection Act.
Won jury verdict in favor of employer, a recreational motorsports dealer, in lawsuit by former employee alleging that he was terminated as a result of age discrimination.
Won jury verdict in favor of employer in former employee’s claim for allegedly unpaid overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Also won jury verdict in favor of the employer’s owner and President, who was sued individually.
Won jury verdict in favor of employer against former shareholder and management employees on claims of conversion and breach of fiduciary duty related to misappropriation of a business opportunity. Award recovered included treble damages and attorney’s fees.
Obtained injunction to prevent solicitation of clients by financial advisor who left employer to start competing business, then won money damages award in arbitration to compensate employer for the wrongful solicitation of clients and other damages.
Won summary judgment in favor of employer on race discrimination and retaliation claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and 42 U.S.C § 1981; judgment was affirmed by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Won denial of class certification in action under the employee background check rules of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Won summary judgment in pension benefits class action, involving claims under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and the Labor Management Relations Act, related to facility purchased in a bankruptcy sale.
Won award in favor of employer in AAA arbitration involving claim for severance pay by former company executive.
Won summary disposition in favor of employer on claims of religious discrimination and age discrimination.
Won entry of temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction and permanent injunction in action by employer to enforce covenant not to compete against former sales manager.
Won summary disposition in favor of employer on claims of race discrimination under Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and negligence, and also recovered an award of attorney’s fees in favor of the employer.
Won award in favor of employer in AAA Arbitration involving claims by former company President for benefits under Employee Stock Ownership Plan, claims of breach of fiduciary duty and breach of duty of disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, and common law claims.
Won summary judgment in favor of employer on claim for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act on the grounds that plaintiff was an administrative employee exempted from coverage under the FLSA.
Won denial of preliminary injunction, and later summary disposition of all claims, in action against surgeon for alleged breach of covenant not to compete.
Won summary judgment on claims of tortious interference with contract or business expectancy brought by former employer of company’s management employee; obtained dismissal of claims against the employee individually for alleged breach of confidentiality agreement and misappropriation of trade secrets.
Won summary disposition of claims under Whistleblower Protection Act and alleged discharge in violation of public policy.

Dean F.
Pacific

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Pacific

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watch my videos

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Testimonials

Dean F. Pacific

My admin

practices

speaking engagements

watch my videos

events

news

publications

other publications

Testimonials

Dean F.
Pacific

Dean F.
Pacific