San Francisco, CA/ April 21, 2008 -- Littler Mendelson, P.C. (Littler), the nation's largest employment and labor law firm representing management, today announced plans to open a Detroit office. The wholly owned subsidiary results from the addition of the lawyers who have practiced as the Detroit-based labor and employment boutique firm, DeWitt, Balke & Vincent, P.L.C. (DeWitt). Littler continues to strengthen its position in the Midwest through this addition, creating its forty-fifth office nationwide, complementing the existing offices in the region: Minneapolis, Chicago, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Columbus and St. Louis.
Littler's action in Detroit is consistent with its goal to serve the diverse needs of companies nationwide in the most effective and efficient manner. This office is intended to represent the various businesses and industries prominent in the Greater Detroit area as well as national entities with labor or employment issues in Michigan. As a well-established firm in Detroit, the cultural and economic melting pot of the Midwest, the former DeWitt firm has represented a variety of employers, both large and small, in all aspects of employment and labor law. Littler and DeWitt have been working together on various matters in Michigan and other states for more than 10 years.
DeWitt's three highly-skilled attorneys – Charles DeWitt Jr., William Balke and William Vincent –focus their practice on representing management in labor and employment relations; and employment litigation defense of all types, including employment discrimination, harassment, retaliation, disability discrimination, FMLA, FLSA and wrongful termination.
"This addition to Littler will significantly enhance our ability to assist employers in this key area of the country," said Marko Mrkonich, managing director and president of Littler Mendelson. "The skills that the DeWitt lawyers bring, combined with a presence in Detroit's business center, will allow Littler to reach a new pool of employers. The current dynamics of the Detroit economy have created a strong need for highly competent labor and employment representatives, and in combination with the DeWitt attorneys, Littler's collective body of knowledge and resources is well-suited to meet this need."
The Detroit office will be located in the hub of the business district in the renowned Renaissance Center, one of the most elegant, well-recognized structures that defines the city's skyline.
"Our solid foundation in Detroit, integrated with Littler's vast resources, reputation and recognized expertise, creates a synergy that will benefit both existing and new clients. We're looking forward to assisting clients with enhanced resources and reach," said DeWitt.
Charles (Charley) DeWitt's practice focuses on management labor and employment relations; employment litigation defense of all types, including employment discrimination, harassment, retaliation, disability discrimination, FMLA and wrongful termination. He is AV Peer Rated and has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America. DeWitt is licensed to practice in the state of Michigan and also in the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio, Northern District of Illinois, Southern District of Indiana, Eastern District of Wisconsin, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. He earned his J.D. from the Detroit College of Law, cum laude, in 1976, and his B.B.A. from Western Michigan University in 1973.
William (Bill) Balke's practice focuses on management labor and employment relations; employment litigation defense of all types, including employment discrimination, harassment, retaliation, disability discrimination, FMLA, FLSA and wrongful termination. He is AV Peer Rated and has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America. Balke is licensed to practice in the state of Michigan and also in the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, Northern District of Ohio, District of Colorado, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. He earned his J.D., magna cum laude, in 1983, his M.A. in 1977 and his B.A. in 1974, all from the University of Detroit.
William (Bill) Vincent's practice focuses on management labor and employment relations; and employment litigation defense of all types, including employment discrimination, harassment, retaliation, disability discrimination, FMLA and wrongful termination. He is AV Peer Rated. Vincent is licensed to practice in the state of Michigan and also in the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. He earned his J.D. from the Detroit College of Law, cum laude, in 1985, and his B.A. from Michigan State University in 1982.
About Littler Mendelson
With more than 700 attorneys and 45 offices in major metropolitan areas nationwide, Littler Mendelson is the largest law firm in the United States devoted exclusively to representing management in employment, employee benefits and labor law matters on a global basis. The firm's client base ranges from Fortune 500 companies to small-business owners. Established in 1942, the firm has litigated, mediated and negotiated some of the most influential cases and labor contracts in the nation's history. For more information, visit www.littler.com.
