 "Absolutely top-notch" is how Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business, describes our Firm's litigation practice. Chambers has consistently ranked KOHP as the top labor and employment law "boutique" in Michigan, and for good reason, as we have a well-deserved reputation for superb trial lawyers and outstanding results. While summary dismissal of a lawsuit against our management clients is always our first goal, for those cases destined for trial our experienced litigators have unparalleled track records in federal and state courts, as well as in arbitrations and administrative proceedings.
As Chambers USA has put it, Liz Hardy is a "tough and knowledgeable" litigator who has handled some of the highest profile cases in Michigan; Eric Pelton has built a "formidable list of litigation results on a regional basis"; and Tom Kienbaum, the sole recipient of Chambers USA's "star performer" rating, has tried more employment cases in the last 40 years than any defense attorney in the region. While many defense firms conduct traditional "discovery" litigation, few, if any, have KOHP's successful and wide ranging trial experience.
Some of our recent trial work includes:
- Robinson v. Ford Motor Company, Wayne County Circuit Court, Michigan: The jury reached a verdict in Ford's favor after a five-week trial in this male-on-male sexual harassment lawsuit. The employee's final demand had been $7 million.
- Sims v. Ford Motor Company, Wayne County Circuit Court, Michigan: The jury returned a verdict in Ford's favor in this race discrimination and retaliation case brought by an executive. The case received substantial publicity and attention in the community.
- Macklin v. DTE Energy, Wayne County Circuit Court, Michigan: The jury returned a verdict in favor of DTE on the employee's claims of race and gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation.
- Jackson v. Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Saginaw County Circuit Court, Michigan: The court denied certification of a purported class of over 70,000 Michigan employees on claims of denied breaks and off-the-clock work, and then entered an award of less than $800 for six named plaintiffs.
- Powell v. Carhartt, Inc., U.S. District Court, Kentucky: The employee brought claims in federal court for sexual harassment, retaliation, and constructive discharge. The jury returned a verdict in Carhartt's favor on all counts.
- Higgins v. KFC National Management Co., Dane County Circuit Court, Wisconsin: The jury returned a verdict in KFC's favor on claims of sexual harassment and retaliation. The employee's six-figure demand had been rejected.
- Nur v. KFC USA Inc., Arbitration, Washington, D.C.: After the employer successfully enforced its pre-dispute arbitration agreement with its employee, the arbitrator issued an award in favor of KFC on the employee's discrimination and FLSA claims.
|
