Expert Legal Services
Employment Law
Our firm has 25 years of experience in dealing with employment law issues. The principal to the firm, Matthew C. Brown, began his career as an employment lawyer for a major corporation. Since going into private practice, he has obtained vast experience representing the employee side of the case as well. BROWN AND BROWN, PLC represents clients in all employment related situations in Michigan. We have represented our clients in all of the following employment related disputes:
Sexual Harassment
Both federal and Michigan courts recognize two types of sexual harassment: (1) quid pro quo harassment, where submission to or rejection of sexual conduct or communication is used as a factor in decisions relating to an individual’s job benefits, and (2) harassment that creates an offensive or hostile environment. Our firm has successfully represented clients in all types of sexual harassment lawsuits. Call today for a free consultation! Do Not Wait to Call! - Many employers have employees sign agreements shortening the time that an employee has to bring a claim. You may have as little as six months to bring a lawsuit. Don’t hesitate to call today!
Employment Discrimination
In Michigan, Claims of employment discrimination can be brought under Michigan Law (Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act) or under Federal Law through Title VII. Our firm has successfully handled claims of discrimination in both State and Federal Court.
The Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act (“ELCRA”) prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment based on that person’s race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), height, weight, or marital status; it also prohibits harassment based on these characteristics. The ELCRA applies to any employer with one or more employees. MCL 37.2201(a). Its provisions cover employers in both the private and public sectors.
Title VII prohibits any employer with at least 15 employees from discriminating against an applicant or employee because of that person’s race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. 42 USC 2000e(b),2000e-2(a). Title VII and the ELCRA prohibit religious discrimination in employment decisions or conditions. 42 USC 2000e-2; MCL 37.2202.
Our firm has represented Plaintiffs in racial discrimination cases, race harassment cases, religious discrimination, sex discrimination (including pregnancy), sexual harassment, gender discrimination cases, age discrimination cases and national origin discrimination cases.
Wrongful Discharge
Wrongful discharge is an action for breach of express or implied employment contract arising out of the termination of employment without just cause. There are two alternative theories of enforce ability: the first is grounded solely on contract principles while the second is grounded on public policy considerations.
Commission disputes
Our firm has successfully represented sales employees that are owed past due commissions. Michigan provides a statutory remedy for failure to pay commissions to a sales representative. The sales commission statute allows for two times the recovery plus attorney fees for the prevailing party. Call today to get a consultation on your sales commission dispute.
Contract Negotiations
Our firm has over 30 years of experience drafting contracts, negotiating contracts and litigating contracts. Call today if you are in need of a contract or advice regarding a contract.
Non Compete Agreements
Under the Michigan Antitrust Reform Act (MARA) an employer and employee are free to enter into an agreement to protect the employer’s “reasonable competitive business interests” and to prevent post employment competition by the employee, as long as the agreement is reasonable in duration, geographical scope, and the type of activity restrained. Our firm has experience in both drafting and litigating noncompete agreements. Our firm represents employers and employees in litigation involving non-compete agreements.
Severance Negotiations
Our firm has successfully helped negotiate severance documents, draft severance documents and routinely provides employees with advice in negotiating their severance documents. Call today to schedule a time to review your severance package. An employer is required by law to give the employee adequate time to review their severance agreement. Many times our firm has found that employers want the employee to agree to a severance package and waive their right to sue – the employee should never sign any employment documents without consulting with an employment attorney.
Employer Defense
Brown and Brown, PLC has a successful track record including recent success representing employers in lawsuits involving wrongful discharge, claims of retaliation, defamation, and other civil rights claims. Experience representing employees is very useful in representing employers!
At BROWN AND BROWN, PLC, it is our goal to obtain the best possible results for your employment dispute. Advising you of your rights and protecting your rights is our number one goal! BROWN AND BROWN, PLC also represents businesses in drafting employee contracts, employment negotiations, establishing employment law policy and procedures, negotiations with the Union, representing employers in arbitrations, representing employers in trial and representation at mediation.