What are the responsibilities and job description for the Labor & Employment Associate position at Miller Johnson?
About the Opportunity
Miller Johnson is seeking a Labor & Employment Associate to join our highly collaborative Labor & Employment Practice Group in our Detroit, Grand Rapids, or Kalamazoo office. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney looking to build a sophisticated employment practice while partnering with experienced attorneys who serve employers across a broad range of workplace matters.
The ideal candidate is a strategic problem solver and trusted advisor who enjoys helping employers navigate complex workplace issues through practical, business-focused counsel. They will advise and represent clients in employment counseling, compliance, litigation, and, depending on experience, traditional labor matters while developing strong client relationships and contributing to the continued growth of the practice.
Why Miller Johnson
What sets Miller Johnson apart is not just the work we do, but how we do it. Here, you will find meaningful work, strong collaboration, and a supportive culture where your contributions are valued, your growth is encouraged, and authenticity matters. Guided by integrity and candor, grit, a down-to-earth approach, commitment to excellence, and commitment to impact, we foster an environment where attorneys can grow thriving practices, deepen client relationships, contribute meaningfully to the firm's future, and build fulfilling careers.
What You'll Do
As an Associate within our Labor & Employment Practice Group, you will:
- Advise employers on a broad range of employment law issues, including hiring, discipline, performance management, terminations, accommodations, wage and hour compliance, and leave administration under the FMLA, ADA, PWFA, ESTA, and other applicable laws.
- Draft and revise employee handbooks, workplace policies, employment agreements, severance agreements, and other employment-related documents.
- Counsel human resources professionals and business leaders regarding compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
- Conduct or assist with internal workplace investigations involving allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, misconduct, and other employee complaints.
- Monitor legal developments and assist with client training and education initiatives.
- Represent employers in state and federal courts in employment litigation involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes, breach of contract, and other workplace claims.
- Represent clients before administrative agencies, including the EEOC, Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR), and other state and federal agencies by preparing position statements, participating in mediations, and managing administrative proceedings.
- Manage all phases of litigation, including case strategy, discovery, motion practice, depositions, mediations, hearings, and trial preparation.
- Prepare persuasive briefs, legal memoranda, and other written advocacy materials.
- Depending on experience, assist employers with traditional labor matters, including collective bargaining, labor arbitrations, grievance administration, labor contract interpretation, union organizing campaigns, and proceedings before the NLRB and MERC.
- Build and strengthen client relationships through exceptional service, responsiveness, and practical legal advice.
- Collaborate with attorneys across practice areas to provide comprehensive legal solutions for clients.
What You Bring
The successful candidate will bring strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and a practical approach to solving complex workplace issues. They are committed to exceptional client service, thrive in a collaborative environment, and enjoy partnering with employers to achieve business objectives while minimizing legal risk.
Qualifications include:
- Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Admission to the Michigan State Bar or eligibility for admission in Michigan.
- Two to six years of Labor & Employment experience, including employment counseling and/or litigation.
- Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and advocacy skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a client-service mindset.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple matters and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Experience advising employers on wage and hour compliance, disability accommodations, leave administration, workplace investigations, or employment litigation.
- Experience representing employers in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, financial services, or other regulated industries.
- Experience developing and delivering management or human resources training.
- Exposure to traditional labor law, collective bargaining, or labor arbitrations is preferred but not required.
Our Commitment
At Miller Johnson, we are committed to creating an environment where talented individuals can do their best work and build meaningful careers. We value diverse perspectives, foster authentic relationships, and believe our collective success is strengthened by the unique experiences and contributions of our people.
Miller Johnson is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.