Innovative Strategies. Vigilant Defense. Proven Results. The employment attorneys at Warner know that successfully representing employers requires more than technical knowledge of the myriad employment laws. Success requires innovative strategies for handling all aspects of a case, including effects on other employees and media relations. Success requires a vigilant defense that addresses all stages and issues in a case, including crafting strategies for maximizing settlement leverage, framing compelling narratives and minimizing plaintiffs’ claims for damages. Our employment litigation team has used that comprehensive approach to compile a long, exceptional record of proven results.
experience
Proven Success
Businesses of all sizes rely on our Employment Litigation team to manage employment-related disputes. Examples of our Employment Litigation team’s successes include:
Trial Victories
- 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 were 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 attorneys’ fees
- Won jury verdict in breach of contract case, in which former employees claimed breach of a severance agreement; judgment was affirmed by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in 452 Fed. App. 677
- Won jury redirect in favor of utility contractor employer in gender discrimination and retaliation case, resulting in “no cause” jury verdict for the employer
- Won jury verdict in favor of manufacturer in FMLA case
Pre-Trial Victories
- 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 bankruptcy sale
- 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 in race discrimination case under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, affirmed by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals 580 F.3rd 394 (6th Cir. 2009)
- Won summary judgment in Whistleblower Protection Act and sex discrimination case
- Won summary judgment in FMLA interference and retaliation case
Arbitration Victories
- 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 $26 million arbitration award in suit arising out of non-compete, non-solicit and trade secret claims. Report at 2008 WL 5386774; 2010 WL 3927661
- Won award in favor of employer in AAA arbitration involving claim for severance pay by former company executive
- 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, breach of duty of disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and common law claims
Testimonials
“Dean Pacific is a knowledgeable, passionate and attentive employment attorney. Over the last five years, Dean has assisted and advised SpartanNash on a number of employment-related issues and successfully represented its interest in employment related arbitrations and litigation.
“Whether engaged to provide legal advice or to represent our interests in arbitrations or litigation, Dean is always well prepared and passionate in his defense of our interests. He works hard to understand the facts of each legal question he is presented with, simplifies and explains the applicable law and listens attentively for the related business challenges. He works alongside us to find the right business solution to the legal challenge posed.
“Dean is prompt in his response to calls and e-mails and works hard at finding ways to minimize the business disruption that sometimes accompanies legal challenges. Whether it’s traveling to one of our business locations or arranging and coordinating a conference call, he understands and is sensitive to the everyday demands that come with operating a business. He works hard at accommodating the operational realities of business and incorporates our needs into his overall plan. I would highly recommend Dean Pacific for his legal acumen, preparation and attentiveness and overall sensitivity to the needs and demands of business.” – Jose C. Rosario, Director of Labor Relations, SpartanNash
“Amanda (Fielder) is a great labor attorney. She is very knowledgeable of the law, she keeps us informed every step of the way when we are involved in litigation, and she makes an uncomfortable situation – trying a labor dispute in court – seem very comfortable. She gives us peace of mind. Amanda also understands our corporate culture and perspective on labor issues, works hard to meet our needs and gets the best results for our company. On top of all that, she has educated our management team on labor issues so that we can avoid problems in the future.” – Human resources and safety manager at an industrial supply firm
“What I like about working with Warner Norcross & Judd is that I do not have to worry about minute details. I can rely on them to handle the details and I appreciate their explanations in laymen’s terms. Additionally I recognize their integrity for always wanting to do what is best for the client.” – Frank Rinderspacher, General Manager, Hark Orchids
“Dean Pacific has worked with us for a number of years and has proven to be a responsive, reliable and level headed advisor. We’ve had nothing but good experiences with him.” – General Counsel for a consumer goods manufacturer
Videos and Podcasts
eAlert and Law Shanty: Federal Court Invalidates Department of Labor Rule Increasing Salary Threshold for White Collar Overtime Exemptions
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Special eAlert and Law Shanty: Michigan Supreme Court Rules Legislature Action Unconstitutional, Reinstates Earned Sick Time and Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act
learn more
Court Enjoins FLSA Salary Threshold Increase – But Only for Employees of the State of Texas
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FTC Voids Noncompetes … Maybe
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SCOTUS Title VII Standard Eased for Employees
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Texas Judge Vacates NLRB Joint-Employer Rule and an Update to Red Bull’s Formula 1 Investigation
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Viral Firing Video: How to Fire an Employee the Right Way
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COVID-19 is Back – Where Have All the Rules Gone?
learn more
Covenants Not to Compete – A Special Extended Law Shanty
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Artificial Intelligence or How the Terminator Started
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What Elliott-Larsen Amendments Mean for Michigan Employers
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What To Do When You Suspect an Employee of Wrongdoing
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Play It Again Uncle Sam – One Final Update to the EEOC COVID-19 Guidance
learn more
Litigation Strengths: Subject Matter Expertise
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New Bill Ends Presidential National Emergency – What That Means for Employers
learn more
Title VII Lessons Learned from the Philadelphia Flyers
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Stare Decisis: Dress Codes, Union T-Shirts and the NLRB
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1984 in the Workplace — Is Employee Surveillance Trending?
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The Clean Slate Act’s Impact on Employers
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What Would Sherlock Do?
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A Busy Week in the Courts — ESTA and ELCRA
learn more
July 21, 2022 17:14
Michigan Court of Claims Reinstates Earned Sick Time Act and Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act As Originally Adopted
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NLRB and Union Activity Is on the Rise
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A “Dope” Shanty Episode
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How Flexible Work Arrangements Can Protect Employers From the Great Resignation
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Just Don’t Ask
learn more
They Did What? (How Not to Handle a Sexual Harassment Complaint)
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Give Me My Stuff Back!
learn more
Don’t Let the Great Resignation Cause a Big Mistake
learn more
Updates on the OSHA ETS Litigation and CDC Isolation and Quarantine Guidelines
learn more
What the Sixth Circuit’s OSHA ETS Decision Means for Employers
learn more
OSHA ETS Remains in Limbo: What Does This Mean for Employers and Employees?
learn more
Today Is the Day that OSHA Published Its Emergency Temporary Standard
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EEOC Guidance Updates and Additions for Vaccine Mandates
learn more
Helping Your Employees Through Mental Health Challenges
learn more
At Will vs. Just Cause: How to Protect Yourself from Wrongful Discharge Lawsuits
learn more
Non-Compete vs. Non-Solicitation Agreements: “The Devil’s In the Details”
learn more
- eAlert and Law Shanty: Federal Court Invalidates Department of Labor Rule Increasing Salary Threshold for White Collar Overtime ExemptionsWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- Special eAlert and Law Shanty: Michigan Supreme Court Rules Legislature Action Unconstitutional, Reinstates Earned Sick Time and Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage ActWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- Court Enjoins FLSA Salary Threshold Increase – But Only for Employees of the State of TexasWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- FTC Voids Noncompetes … MaybeWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- SCOTUS Title VII Standard Eased for EmployeesWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- Texas Judge Vacates NLRB Joint-Employer Rule and an Update to Red Bull’s Formula 1 InvestigationWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- Car Wreck – Formula 1 Red Bull CEO AllegationsWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- Viral Firing Video: How to Fire an Employee the Right WayWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- COVID-19 is Back – Where Have All the Rules Gone?Warner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- Teleworking and FLSA and FMLA – Give Me a BreakWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- Covenants Not to Compete – A Special Extended Law ShantyWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- Artificial Intelligence or How the Terminator StartedWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- What Elliott-Larsen Amendments Mean for Michigan EmployersWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- What To Do When You Suspect an Employee of WrongdoingIn the Know: Warner's Litigation Spotlight
- Play It Again Uncle Sam – One Final Update to the EEOC COVID-19 GuidanceWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- The PUMP Act – Creating Reasonable Accommodations for Mothers at WorkWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- Litigation Strengths: Subject Matter ExpertiseIn the Know: Warner's Litigation Spotlight
- New Bill Ends Presidential National Emergency – What That Means for EmployersWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- The Right to Work or Not?Warner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- MIOSHA Awakens to Enforce Form 300A Posting and Submission RequirementsWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- Is an FMLA Leave Request a Protected Activity Even If the Employee Doesn’t Qualify for FMLA?Warner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- ESTA Is Gone (for Now)Warner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- Title VII Lessons Learned from the Philadelphia FlyersWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- Consensual With Consequences: Breaking Company Policies Without Breaking the LawWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- Stare Decisis: Dress Codes, Union T-Shirts and the NLRBWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- 1984 in the Workplace — Is Employee Surveillance Trending?Warner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- The Clean Slate Act’s Impact on EmployersWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- What Would Sherlock Do?Warner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- A Busy Week in the Courts — ESTA and ELCRAWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- Michigan Court of Claims Reinstates Earned Sick Time Act and Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act As Originally AdoptedWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- NLRB and Union Activity Is on the RiseWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- A “Dope” Shanty EpisodeWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- How Flexible Work Arrangements Can Protect Employers From the Great ResignationWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- Just Don’t AskWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- They Did What? (How Not to Handle a Sexual Harassment Complaint)Warner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- Give Me My Stuff Back!Warner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- Don’t Let the Great Resignation Cause a Big MistakeWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- Updates on the OSHA ETS Litigation and CDC Isolation and Quarantine GuidelinesWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- What the Sixth Circuit’s OSHA ETS Decision Means for EmployersWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- OSHA ETS Remains in Limbo: What Does This Mean for Employers and Employees?Warner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- Today Is the Day that OSHA Published Its Emergency Temporary StandardWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- EEOC Guidance Updates and Additions for Vaccine MandatesWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- Helping Your Employees Through Mental Health ChallengesWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- At Will vs. Just Cause: How to Protect Yourself from Wrongful Discharge LawsuitsWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- Non-Compete vs. Non-Solicitation Agreements: “The Devil’s In the Details”Warner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- How to Minimize the Risk of Employment Litigation for Your Cannabis BusinessWarner’s Legal News For the Cannabis Industry
- Managing Your Risk of COVID-19 Employment Litigation: Webinar Questions AnsweredWarner Employment News from the Law Shanty
- Association of Human Resources Management 2024 Legal Update: Hot Topics for Employment Law in 2025
- ASE’s Employment Law Briefing ̶ Muskegon
- DisruptHR Denver 17.0
- Guided Tour of ‘New’ Wage & Paid Sick Leave Laws
- Earned Sick Time Act and Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act Reinstated – What You Need to Know
- SBAM Webinar: Understanding and Navigating Revised Independent Contractor Rules
- 29th Annual Health Law Institute
- Automotive Roundtable Series Qtr 1: Hot Topics in Labor Law
- Grand Rapids Chamber’s OUTPRO Forum: Beyond the Politics
- The Employers’ Association 2023 Annual Business Meeting
- Warner 2023 HR Seminar
- Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame Luncheon
- TAHRA Monthly Meeting: Ethics – Standards for Employee Investigations
- Webinar — The Return of the Earned Sick Time Act as Originally Adopted
- White Collar Exemptions – Labor Law Updates
- Mike Ilitch School of Business – Automotive Summit 2022
- Webinar ─ Internal Investigations: Best Practices and Strategies to Protect Your Business
- Webinar — A Return to the Earned Sick Time Act and Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act as Originally Adopted
- Warner 2022 HR Seminar In-Person Event
- Webinar: Cannabis Labor and Employment Issues in the Workplace
- OESA 2022 Automotive Supplier Legal Trends
- November HR Legal Panel
- Warner Virtual Automotive Executive Roundtable Series: HR Challenges and Issues
- Webinar: COVID-19 One Year Later: Employment Issues
- Webinar: Managing Your Risk of COVID-19 Employment Litigation
- Webinar: Employment Litigation After COVID-19
- Webinar: Labor and Employment Update: Returning Employees to Work After COVID-19
- 2018 HR Seminar
- Partners Ed Bardelli and Amanda Fielder and associate Margaret Jozwiak present on The Flip Side: Best Practices to Reduce Risks of Employment Litigation (MISHRM Annual Conference)
- Partner Andrea Bernard and client Ann Harten of Haworth present on Increasing Your FLSA Budget, the Government Did (MISHRM Annual Conference)
- Anatomy of a Discharge Case
- Warner Partner Amanda Fielder Named One of ‘Leaders in the Law’ by Michigan Lawyers Weekly
- Nancy Samir-Haddad Derleth Joins Warner
- FTC’s Ban on Noncompetes? Warner Partner Says to Expect a Challenge
- Warner Welcomes Experienced Litigator John MacKenzie as Partner
- Warner Names Eight Attorneys as Partners
- Warner Ranked National Litigation Standout by BTI Consulting
- Warner Selected Top-Tier Law Firm by Best Lawyers®
- Geetha Selvam Joins Warner’s Detroit Office
- Michael J. Bovill Joins Warner
- Zainab Hazimi Selected for Leadership Detroit 44
- Danica Hosaka Appointed to West Michigan Asian American Association Board of Directors
- Two Warner Partners Honored by Grand Rapids Bar Association and Justice Foundation of West Michigan
- Daniel S. Brookins Joins Warner
- Two Warner Partners Named to Crain’s 2023 Notable West Michigan Lawyers
- Jarrod H. Trombley Appointed MDTC New Regional Co-chair of Grand Rapids
- Warner Partner Andrea J. Bernard Honored by Inclusion in Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2023 Hall of Fame
- Zainab Hazimi Appointed to Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan’s Rising Achievers Advisory Board
- Warner Attorney DeAndre’ Harris Selected for Leadership Grand Rapids 2023 Cohort
- Warner Attorney DeAndre’ Harris Joins Boys and Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Board
- Robert Dubault and Anne Steen Provide Legal Perspective in MiBiz Article on New State Laws Phasing Out Employer Liability Protections Enacted During Pandemic
- Robert Dubault Quoted in MiBiz Article on Court Ruling Upending Business Model for Restaurants and Bars
- Robert Dubault Interviewed by MiBiz on Adopt-and-Amend Ruling; Warn of Restaurant and Lodging Closures
- Warner Partner Allyson R. Terpsma Honored by Michigan Lawyers Weekly
- Kelsey M. Dame Joins Board of Women’s Resource Center
- 105 Warner Attorneys Rated Best Lawyers in America©
- Amanda M. Fielder and Jonathan P. Kok to Co-chair Warner Labor and Employment Practice Group
- Amanda M. Fielder Named American Bar Foundation Fellow
- 35 Warner Attorneys Rated 2021 Top Lawyers by Grand Rapids Magazine
- Warner Ranked Top-Tier Law Firm by Best Lawyers, U.S. News & World Report
- Eight Warner Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers Ones to Watch List
- Amanda M. Fielder Named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2020 Women in the Law
- Two Warner Partners to Participate in Grand Rapids Chamber Leadership Programs
- Businesses forced to rethink ‘normal’ operations amid COVID-19: Preparing for worklife after the ‘Stay Home’ order lifts
- Two Warner Partners Honored Among Top 50 Most Influential Women
- Warner Ranked Top-Tier Law Firm by Best Lawyers, U.S. News & World Report 2020
- Three New Partners Elected to Warner Management Committee
- Warner Names Eight Attorneys as Partners
- Two Warner Partners Named to Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 List
- Three Warner Partners Elected to Management Committee
- Warner Partner Andrea J. Bernard Selected as 2016 Leader in the Law
- Two Warner Attorneys Honored Among 50 Most Influential Women
- Warner Partner Amanda M. Fielder Honored by Michigan Lawyers Weekly
- Warner Selected as USLAW NETWORK Member Firm
- eAlert and Law Shanty: Federal Court Invalidates Department of Labor Rule Increasing Salary Threshold for White Collar Overtime Exemptions
- FTC Noncompete Rule Set Aside with Nationwide Effect
- Special eAlert and Law Shanty: Michigan Supreme Court Rules Legislature Action Unconstitutional, Reinstates Earned Sick Time and Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act
- Court Enjoins FLSA Salary Threshold Increase – But Only for Employees of the State of Texas
- FTC Voids Noncompetes … Maybe
- FTC Bans Noncompete Clauses in the Employment Context and DOL Imposes Substantial Increase to Salary Threshold for FLSA White Collar Exemptions
- SCOTUS Title VII Standard Eased for Employees
- Texas Judge Vacates NLRB Joint-Employer Rule and an Update to Red Bull’s Formula 1 Investigation
- Car Wreck – Formula 1 Red Bull CEO Allegations
- Viral Firing Video: How to Fire an Employee the Right Way
- No Good Deed Goes Unpunished: Uptick in FLSA Litigation Over Attendance Bonuses
- COVID-19 is Back – Where Have All the Rules Gone?
- Teleworking and FLSA and FMLA – Give Me a Break
- Preparing for Health Plan Anti-Gag Clause Attestation
- Covenants Not to Compete – A Special Extended Law Shanty
- Artificial Intelligence or How the Terminator Started
- What Elliott-Larsen Amendments Mean for Michigan Employers
- What To Do When You Suspect an Employee of Wrongdoing
- Play It Again Uncle Sam – One Final Update to the EEOC COVID-19 Guidance
- The PUMP Act – Creating Reasonable Accommodations for Mothers at Work
- Zainab Hazimi Talks Federal Ban on Noncompetes with Crain’s Detroit Business
- Litigation Strengths: Subject Matter Expertise
- Michigan Attorney General Supports FTC’s Proposed Ban on Noncompete Agreements
- New Bill Ends Presidential National Emergency – What That Means for Employers
- Employers: Proceed with Caution when Offering and Enforcing Severance Agreements
- The Right to Work or Not?
- MIOSHA Awakens to Enforce Form 300A Posting and Submission Requirements
- Is an FMLA Leave Request a Protected Activity Even If the Employee Doesn’t Qualify for FMLA?
- Delaware Court Extends Oversight Duty to Officers in McDonald’s Case
- ESTA Is Gone (for Now)
- The Earned Sick Time Act and Increase to Minimum Wage are Gone (for Now)
- Title VII Lessons Learned from the Philadelphia Flyers
- FTC Issues Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Prohibit Noncompete Clauses
- IRS Significantly Increases Many Benefit Plan Limits for 2023
- What’s Old Is New Again: DOL Proposes a Sort-of-New Employee v. Independent Contractor Rule
- Consensual With Consequences: Breaking Company Policies Without Breaking the Law
- Stare Decisis: Dress Codes, Union T-Shirts and the NLRB
- 1984 in the Workplace — Is Employee Surveillance Trending?
- The Clean Slate Act’s Impact on Employers
- What Would Sherlock Do?
- A Busy Week in the Courts — ESTA and ELCRA
- Michigan Court of Claims Reinstates Earned Sick Time Act and Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act As Originally Adopted
- Supreme Court Decisions Leave Employers Guessing
- NLRB and Union Activity Is on the Rise
- A “Dope” Shanty Episode
- How Flexible Work Arrangements Can Protect Employers From the Great Resignation
- Just Don’t Ask
- They Did What? (How Not to Handle a Sexual Harassment Complaint)
- Give Me My Stuff Back!
- Congress Passes Bill Limiting Mandatory Arbitration and Class Action Waivers in Sexual Abuse and Harassment Cases
- Don’t Let the Great Resignation Cause a Big Mistake
- Updates on the OSHA ETS Litigation and CDC Isolation and Quarantine Guidelines
- What the Sixth Circuit’s OSHA ETS Decision Means for Employers
- OSHA ETS Remains in Limbo: What Does This Mean for Employers and Employees?
- Today Is the Day that OSHA Published Its Emergency Temporary Standard
- Four Ways to Tackle Employee Fatigue
- Helping Your Employees Through Mental Health Challenges
- At Will vs. Just Cause: How to Protect Yourself from Wrongful Discharge Lawsuits
- Non-Compete vs. Non-Solicitation Agreements: “The Devil’s In the Details”
- How to Minimize the Risk of Employment Litigation for Your Cannabis Business
- Managing Your Risk of COVID-19 Employment Litigation: Webinar Questions Answered
- DOL Revises FFCRA Rule in Response to Federal Court Ruling
- Federal Court Upholds Testing Requirements for Agricultural Workers