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Jonathan P. "Jon"
Kok

  • Partner
jkok@wnj.com
Grand Rapids
T 616.752.2487
F 616.752.2500

My admin

Whether it’s a union issue or a thorny problem with a current or former employee, my clients want it handled and resolved without having to babysit their outside counsel. I take problems off their plates, make them my own and solve them.

Jon’s reputation as a high caliber, high stakes attorney has created demand for getting him to the table to manage a variety of disruptive labor and employment issues: labor negotiations, arbitrations, discrimination and harassment claims, unfair competition, disability and leave issues, executive compensation agreements and the like. From local Michigan operations, to global giants in the U.S., China and Germany – there isn’t a leash on where Jon goes to advocate for his clients. Regardless of size, Jon’s greatest pleasure is found in accepting and fixing a client’s problems.

"Responsiveness and clarity are my top priorities. I respond to all of my client inquiries within hours, regardless of where I am at the time – and I do so with clear and concise direction, not legalese."

industries

practices

  • Represents major employers in all industries in collective bargaining negotiations and labor relations.
  • Represents employers in EEOC and state agency proceedings.
  • Assists in employment compliance issues with ADA, FMLA, NLRA, FCRA, FLSA, WARN and other federal and state labor and employment laws.
  • Assisted a leading international insurance provider in the design and negotiation of their executive team’s employment agreements.
  • Represents employers in litigation, including discrimination, retaliation, payment of wage and hours, harassment, defamation and unfair competition claims.
  • Represented Michigan health care facility in successful appeal of supervisory determination under the National Labor Relations Act.</
  • Represents major employers in all industries in collective bargaining negotiations and labor relations.
  • Represents employers in EEOC and state agency proceedings.
  • Assists in employment compliance issues with ADA, FMLA, NLRA, FCRA, FLSA, WARN and other federal and state labor and employment laws.
  • Assisted a leading international insurance provider in the design and negotiation of their executive team’s employment agreements.
  • Represents employers in litigation, including discrimination, retaliation, payment of wage and hours, harassment, defamation and unfair competition claims.
  • Represented Michigan health care facility in successful appeal of supervisory determination under the National Labor Relations Act.
  • Successfully represented several hospitals and health care institutions in collective bargaining negotiations.
  • Represented large Michigan hospital in successful union decertification election.
  • Regular speaker at seminars and civic functions on various employment-related issues, including ADA/FMLA, labor relations, harassment and discrimination, non-competition law and wage and hour issues
  • “ADA, FMLA and Sick Leave Issues,” Warner 2023 HR Seminar, May 16, 2023, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Presenter, “Leave Law Compliance and Best Practices Update,” Warner 2022 HR Seminar In-Person Event, May 4, 2022, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Presenter, “The Biden Administration and Legal Impacts in the Wo
  • Regular speaker at seminars and civic functions on various employment-related issues, including ADA/FMLA, labor relations, harassment and discrimination, non-competition law and wage and hour issues
  • “ADA, FMLA and Sick Leave Issues,” Warner 2023 HR Seminar, May 16, 2023, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Presenter, “Leave Law Compliance and Best Practices Update,” Warner 2022 HR Seminar In-Person Event, May 4, 2022, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Presenter, “The Biden Administration and Legal Impacts in the Workplace,” ACC Michigan Virtual Program, May 13, 2021
  • Presenter, “COVID-19 Safeguards for Staying Back at Work and Avoiding Litigation,” OESA Webinar, August 18, 2020
  • Presenter, “COVID-19 Safeguard Requirements for Your Workplace,” ACC Webinar, July 23, 2020
  • Presenter, “Requirements for Your Workplace as Michigan Reopens,” Warner Webinar, May 26, 2020
  • Presenter, “Strategies and Pitfalls for Retaining, Terminating and Returning Employees to Work in the World of COVID-19,” Warner Webinar, April 24, 2020
  • Presenter, “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
  • Presenter, “Families First Coronavirus Response Act’s Impact to Employers and Employees,” Warner Webinar, March 24, 2020
  • Moderator, “Employee Benefits Panel” and “Labor and Employment Panel,” Warner 2019 HR Executive Panels, October 16, 2019, Kalamazoo, Michigan
  • “Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Issues,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 7, 2019, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Moderator, “Employee Benefits Panel” and “Labor and Employment Panel,” Warner HR Executive Panels, October 12, 2018, Kalamazoo, Michigan
  • “Legal Issues of Performance Management,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 3, 2018, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • 10 Common Mistakes Managers Make Webinar, March 21, 2018
  • “Myth or Truth: Labor & Employment Panel,” Warner Labor & Benefits Executive Panels, October 6, 2017, Midland, Michigan
  • “Wage & Hour / FLSA,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 23, 2017, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Moderator, “Managing an Evolving Workforce” and “Wage/Hour and FLSA Issues,” Warner Labor & Benefits Executive Panel, October 18, 2016, Kalamazoo, Michigan
  • “Legislative Update” and “The Policies Your Company Needs,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, June 9, 2016, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • FLSA Briefing – New Regulation Update, The Employers Association Seminar, June 1, 2016, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Labor & Benefits Executive Panel, Warner Seminar, October 5, 2015, Traverse City, Michigan
  • “Hot Topics in Labor and Employment” and “Recent Changes to the FMLA, ADA,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, April 20, 2015, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Labor and Employment Panel Moderator, Labor and Benefits Executive Panel-Government Enforcement Initiatives, October 2, 2014, Southfield, Michigan
  • “FMLA/ADA and Workers’ Comp,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, April 22, 2014, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • “HR and Benefits Executive Panel,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, October 9, 2013, Midland, Michigan
  • “The Challenges of FMLA and ADA,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, April 29, 2013, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • “An Aging Workforce: Navigating the Perfect Storm,” Employment Outlook & Strategy Seminar, October 2, 2012, Birmingham, Michigan
  • “An Aging Workforce: Navigating the Perfect Storm,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 2, 2012, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • “FMLA/ADA Update” and “An Uptick in Union Organizing?,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 25, 2011, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • “FMLA Update,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, March 23, 2010, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • “The Importance of Positive Employee Relations for Non-Union Employers,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, September 11, 2008, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • “Whistleblower, Retaliation & Protected Concerted Activity,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 10, 2007, Grand Rapids, Michigan

watch my videos

      • “The Old Workforce Just Ain’t What It Used To Be,” Michigan Lawyers Weekly, 9/23/2011
      • “The Old Workforce Just Ain’t What It Used To Be,” Michigan Lawyers Weekly, 9/23/2011

      Testimonials

      “I have worked with Jon for the past few years on employment-related issues our company has faced. Jon provides concise, thoughtful and practical advice. He has been especially helpful in coming up with reasonable approaches on difficult matters where there is no “right” answer. He has always been able to cut through the chatter and get to the core of the issue. Also, Jon is strategic in his thinking and with our company’s national presence in many states, we need that kind of thinking. Very smart guy! I would recommend Jon without hesitation.” – Assistant General Counsel, Fortune 400 Retail and Food Distribution Company
      * * *
      “Jon handles things efficiently but without sacrificing any litigation edges. He also has a characteristic that many other attorneys lack: the ability to take on a new matter that is going to a hearing or trial in the near future, and to do so calmly. That means a lot to clients. So does his excellent written work product, which needs no editing and which allows me to focus on the matters on my desk instead of having any concern about the matters that I’ve put on his desk.” – Senior Labor and Employment Counsel, Fortune 500 Energy Company
      * * *
      “Jon is responsive, knowledgeable and he lays out the issues in terms that everyone can understand. He always puts our interests first and he has saved us a tremendous amount of money.” – Human Resources executive at a leading provider of inspection, engineering, training and consulting services
      Image for Jonathan P. “Jon” Kok

      Jonathan P. "Jon"
      Kok

      • Partner
      jkok@wnj.com
      Grand Rapids
      T 616.752.2487
      F 616.752.2500

      My admin

      Biography|
      Credentials

      Whether it’s a union issue or a thorny problem with a current or former employee, my clients want it handled and resolved without having to babysit their outside counsel. I take problems off their plates, make them my own and solve them.

      Jon’s reputation as a high caliber, high stakes attorney has created demand for getting him to the table to manage a variety of disruptive labor and employment issues: labor negotiations, arbitrations, discrimination and harassment claims, unfair competition, disability and leave issues, executive compensation agreements and the like. From local Michigan operations, to global giants in the U.S., China and Germany – there isn’t a leash on where Jon goes to advocate for his clients. Regardless of size, Jon’s greatest pleasure is found in accepting and fixing a client’s problems.

      "Responsiveness and clarity are my top priorities. I respond to all of my client inquiries within hours, regardless of where I am at the time – and I do so with clear and concise direction, not legalese."

      industries

      practices

      • Regular speaker at seminars and civic functions on various employment-related issues, including ADA/FMLA, labor relations, harassment and discrimination, non-competition law and wage and hour issues
      • “ADA, FMLA and Sick Leave Issues,” Warner 2023 HR Seminar, May 16, 2023, Grand Rapids, Michigan
      • Presenter, “Leave Law Compliance and Best Practices Update,” Warner 2022 HR Seminar In-Person Event, May 4, 2022, Grand Rapids, Michigan
      • Presenter, “The Biden Administration and Legal Impacts in the Wo
      • Regular speaker at seminars and civic functions on various employment-related issues, including ADA/FMLA, labor relations, harassment and discrimination, non-competition law and wage and hour issues
      • “ADA, FMLA and Sick Leave Issues,” Warner 2023 HR Seminar, May 16, 2023, Grand Rapids, Michigan
      • Presenter, “Leave Law Compliance and Best Practices Update,” Warner 2022 HR Seminar In-Person Event, May 4, 2022, Grand Rapids, Michigan
      • Presenter, “The Biden Administration and Legal Impacts in the Workplace,” ACC Michigan Virtual Program, May 13, 2021
      • Presenter, “COVID-19 Safeguards for Staying Back at Work and Avoiding Litigation,” OESA Webinar, August 18, 2020
      • Presenter, “COVID-19 Safeguard Requirements for Your Workplace,” ACC Webinar, July 23, 2020
      • Presenter, “Requirements for Your Workplace as Michigan Reopens,” Warner Webinar, May 26, 2020
      • Presenter, “Strategies and Pitfalls for Retaining, Terminating and Returning Employees to Work in the World of COVID-19,” Warner Webinar, April 24, 2020
      • Presenter, “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
      • Presenter, “Families First Coronavirus Response Act’s Impact to Employers and Employees,” Warner Webinar, March 24, 2020
      • Moderator, “Employee Benefits Panel” and “Labor and Employment Panel,” Warner 2019 HR Executive Panels, October 16, 2019, Kalamazoo, Michigan
      • “Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Issues,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 7, 2019, Grand Rapids, Michigan
      • Moderator, “Employee Benefits Panel” and “Labor and Employment Panel,” Warner HR Executive Panels, October 12, 2018, Kalamazoo, Michigan
      • “Legal Issues of Performance Management,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 3, 2018, Grand Rapids, Michigan
      • 10 Common Mistakes Managers Make Webinar, March 21, 2018
      • “Myth or Truth: Labor & Employment Panel,” Warner Labor & Benefits Executive Panels, October 6, 2017, Midland, Michigan
      • “Wage & Hour / FLSA,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 23, 2017, Grand Rapids, Michigan
      • Moderator, “Managing an Evolving Workforce” and “Wage/Hour and FLSA Issues,” Warner Labor & Benefits Executive Panel, October 18, 2016, Kalamazoo, Michigan
      • “Legislative Update” and “The Policies Your Company Needs,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, June 9, 2016, Grand Rapids, Michigan
      • FLSA Briefing – New Regulation Update, The Employers Association Seminar, June 1, 2016, Grand Rapids, Michigan
      • Labor & Benefits Executive Panel, Warner Seminar, October 5, 2015, Traverse City, Michigan
      • “Hot Topics in Labor and Employment” and “Recent Changes to the FMLA, ADA,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, April 20, 2015, Grand Rapids, Michigan
      • Labor and Employment Panel Moderator, Labor and Benefits Executive Panel-Government Enforcement Initiatives, October 2, 2014, Southfield, Michigan
      • “FMLA/ADA and Workers’ Comp,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, April 22, 2014, Grand Rapids, Michigan
      • “HR and Benefits Executive Panel,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, October 9, 2013, Midland, Michigan
      • “The Challenges of FMLA and ADA,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, April 29, 2013, Grand Rapids, Michigan
      • “An Aging Workforce: Navigating the Perfect Storm,” Employment Outlook & Strategy Seminar, October 2, 2012, Birmingham, Michigan
      • “An Aging Workforce: Navigating the Perfect Storm,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 2, 2012, Grand Rapids, Michigan
      • “FMLA/ADA Update” and “An Uptick in Union Organizing?,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 25, 2011, Grand Rapids, Michigan
      • “FMLA Update,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, March 23, 2010, Grand Rapids, Michigan
      • “The Importance of Positive Employee Relations for Non-Union Employers,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, September 11, 2008, Grand Rapids, Michigan
      • “Whistleblower, Retaliation & Protected Concerted Activity,” Warner Human Resources Seminar, May 10, 2007, Grand Rapids, Michigan

      watch my videos

          • “The Old Workforce Just Ain’t What It Used To Be,” Michigan Lawyers Weekly, 9/23/2011
          • “The Old Workforce Just Ain’t What It Used To Be,” Michigan Lawyers Weekly, 9/23/2011

          Testimonials

          “I have worked with Jon for the past few years on employment-related issues our company has faced. Jon provides concise, thoughtful and practical advice. He has been especially helpful in coming up with reasonable approaches on difficult matters where there is no “right” answer. He has always been able to cut through the chatter and get to the core of the issue. Also, Jon is strategic in his thinking and with our company’s national presence in many states, we need that kind of thinking. Very smart guy! I would recommend Jon without hesitation.” – Assistant General Counsel, Fortune 400 Retail and Food Distribution Company
          * * *
          “Jon handles things efficiently but without sacrificing any litigation edges. He also has a characteristic that many other attorneys lack: the ability to take on a new matter that is going to a hearing or trial in the near future, and to do so calmly. That means a lot to clients. So does his excellent written work product, which needs no editing and which allows me to focus on the matters on my desk instead of having any concern about the matters that I’ve put on his desk.” – Senior Labor and Employment Counsel, Fortune 500 Energy Company
          * * *
          “Jon is responsive, knowledgeable and he lays out the issues in terms that everyone can understand. He always puts our interests first and he has saved us a tremendous amount of money.” – Human Resources executive at a leading provider of inspection, engineering, training and consulting services