Bill is an experienced practitioner in the employment litigation and traditional labor law areas as well as contract litigation and negotiation, dispute resolution and client counseling. He is a frequent presenter in various labor and employment practice seminars. He also has extensive experience in admiralty and maritime law.
Employment Litigation
Bill defends private and public sector employers in employment claims, including employment contract litigation, wrongful discharge, discrimination, sexual harassment, ADA and FMLA claims. He is an experienced litigator before State and federal courts (in Michigan and Ohio), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. He is also admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.
Bill advises and counsels clients on OSHA (and MIOSHA –the Michigan counterpart law) compliance issues. He has litigated safety issues under both statutes, defending employers against issued OSHA (and MIOSHA) citations. He has also conducted training courses for employers on safety compliance issues and government regulations in that regard.
Traditional Labor Law
Bill is also an experienced management negotiator for unionized and non-unionized employers in both the private and public sector. He has negotiated contracts with the UAW, Teamsters, the MEA/NEA, operating engineers, and other unions. He has extensive grievance arbitration experience. He defends employers on unfair labor practice charges before the National Labor Relations Board and Michigan Employment Relations Commission. His management representation also includes opposing union organizational campaigns. He frequently advises employers regarding issues of labor contract administration.
Employer Counseling
Bill counsels employers on investigations, documentation, proper employment policies and human resources procedures. He has drafted many employment handbooks and employment contracts for employers. Bill’s employment practice covers public and private employers, and employers in numerous industries including manufacturing, transportation, construction, logistics and distribution services.
Admiralty and Maritime Law
Bill has more than twenty years of experience in admiralty and maritime law. He and the firm actively represent shipowners, charterers, Protection & Indemnity Clubs, terminals, freight forwarders and financial institutions with respect to a myriad of legal and maritime issues, including but not limited to the prosecution and defense of cases arising out of vessel collision and allision incidents, maritime cargo disputes, Jones Act and Longshoremen & Harborworkers Act claims. In addition, he has experience in jurisdiction and venue issues, cruise ship liability issues and related torts and claims. He is an experienced litigator before federal courts in Michigan and northern Ohio, and Michigan state courts. He is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.
Bill is also experienced in marine financing, vessel documentation and related matters. He has vast experience in the perfection and collection of maritime liens and related actions. Bill counsels clients on the rights and obligations of maritime and environmental laws. He is active in the resolution of maritime disputes through alternative dispute resolution. He is a long-standing member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States.
