A complex set of laws governs employment relations in the State of Michigan and United States. The Employment Law Group focuses on working with management to successfully navigate this complex set of laws. Our attorneys represent companies of all sizes with operations in Michigan and across the United States.

On a day to day basis, our lawyers advise and counsel local and multi-state employers regarding compliance with federal and state labor laws in order to minimize the likelihood of legal and administrative proceedings and to maximize our clients’ ability to achieve their business objectives. If formal proceedings result, our lawyers defend the case with zeal and skill, keeping the client fully informed every step of the way.

Our offices are located in the heart of the downtown business district of Grand Rapids, West Michigan’s largest municipality. As lead counsel or local counsel, our attorneys have litigated numerous cases in both the Western District of Michigan and in the district and circuit courts of the State of Michigan.

Our attorneys also represent employers in administrative proceedings before the Michigan Department of Labor and other state and federal administrative agencies. While we represent large profit and non-profit employers, including hospitals and other health care institutions, we also understand the realities of small and start-up companies. We value the prospect of playing a part in the success of such companies.

Our assistance can be invaluable in avoiding unnecessary labor disputes and grievance proceedings. An employment contract or employee manual drafted by one of our attorneys can often avoid significant future costs and difficulties should it become necessary to discipline or discharge an employee. Many of our clients face negotiations and disputes with labor unions who represent (or are seeking to represent) their employees.

Our attorneys work diligently with our clients to resolve disputes with labor unions in a manner that will serve our client’s long term interests, while seeking to avoid the significant losses and negative publicity which can often result from a lengthy and unresolved labor dispute. The attorneys at Rhoades McKee have also had extensive experience in representing employers, their insurers, and selected employees, before the Michigan Bureau of Workers Compensation. This is a highly specialized area of the law and our attorneys are extremely knowledgeable and helpful in leading clients through the administrative maze that is often associated with workers compensation disputes.