Most Michigan workers don’t realize they have legal rights until something goes wrong—an abrupt termination, a hostile supervisor, a denied accommodation, or retaliation for speaking up. When that happens, you need employee-side counsel: an attorney who represents employees only, not corporations, HR teams, or insurance companies. Employee-side counsel is your advocate, your shield, and your voice when workplace injustice threatens your livelihood.

Choosing a local Michigan employment lawyer matters. Employment laws vary by state, and workplace culture varies by region. A local attorney understands Michigan’s courts, judges, procedures, and employer tactics. They know the patterns of discrimination and retaliation common in Metro Detroit industries—including healthcare systems, automotive suppliers, public schools, universities, municipal employers, technology firms, and financial services companies.

For nearly 30 years, Attorney Scott Batey has represented employees exclusively. He is not distracted by corporate clients. He does not split loyalty between employers and workers. Batey Law Firm is dedicated 100% to employee-side representation, meaning every strategy, every negotiation, every lawsuit is focused solely on protecting the rights of Michigan workers.

From Bingham Farms to Birmingham, Detroit, Southfield, Novi, Troy, Ann Arbor, and beyond, Batey Law is the trusted local firm Michiganders count on when their careers and dignity are on the line.

What Sets Batey Law Apart as Local Employee-Side Counsel

Exclusive Commitment to Employee Representation

The firm never represents employers, ensuring no conflicts and no divided loyalties.

Deep Knowledge of Michigan Employment Statutes

Batey Law is well-versed in the laws that protect Michigan workers:

• ELCRA (Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act)
• WPA (Whistleblowers’ Protection Act)
• PWDCRA (Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act)
• MIOSHA (Michigan safety retaliation laws)
• FMLA, ADA, and related federal protections

Proven Negotiation and Litigation Success

Whether negotiating severance packages or litigating high-stakes discrimination claims, Batey Law is known for its calculated, results-driven advocacy. Clients receive strong, strategic representation grounded in decades of courtroom experience.

Centrally Located in Bingham Farms

The firm’s location gives convenient access to workers throughout:

• Oakland County
• Wayne County
• Macomb County
• Washtenaw County

Tailored Legal Strategies for Metro Detroit Workplaces

Batey Law understands the dynamics of local employers—from hospitals and automotive companies to universities and growing tech firms.

Personalized, Hands-On Client Experience

Unlike large, impersonal firms, Batey Law provides direct access to your attorney and ongoing communication so you always know where your case stands.

Key Employee-Side Services Provided by Batey Law

Wrongful Termination

• Sudden or unjustified firing
• Constructive discharge
• Terminations violating public policy
• Firings after reporting misconduct or requesting accommodations

Workplace Discrimination (ELCRA)

Batey Law handles discrimination based on:

• Race
• Gender / Sex
• Age
• Disability
• Religion
• National origin
• LGBTQ+ status

Examples include:

• Denied promotions
• Unequal pay
• Hostile work environment
• Biased evaluations
• Being treated differently than peers

Retaliation & Whistleblower Protection

Representation in retaliation claims under:

• ELCRA
• WPA
• MIOSHA
• FMLA

Workers frequently face punishment for:

• Reporting discrimination or harassment
• Reporting safety violations
• Filing HR complaints
• Requesting protected leave

Sexual Harassment

Including:

• Hostile work environment
• Quid pro quo harassment
• Coworker or supervisor misconduct
• Employer failure to act on complaints

Leave & Disability Rights

Protection under:

• ADA
• PWDCRA
• FMLA

Common violations include:

• Denied accommodations
• Firing after medical leave
• Refusing modified duties
• Punishing employees for health conditions

Severance & Employment Contracts

Batey Law negotiates and reviews:

• Severance packages
• Noncompete agreements
• Exclusivity agreements
• Non-disclosure agreements
• Executive employment contracts

Why Michigan Workers Need Dedicated Employee-Side Counsel

Most employees don’t realize how powerful their employer’s resources are until conflict begins. Companies have:

• HR departments
• Corporate lawyers
• Insurance defense teams
• Internal investigators

Michigan’s At-Will Employment Doctrine Is Misunderstood

Employees often think “at-will” means they have no rights. That is wrong. At-will does not allow:

• Discrimination
• Retaliation
• Violations of leave or disability laws
• Termination after whistleblowing
• Breaches of contract

Discrimination and Retaliation Are Often Hidden

Employers disguise illegal motives as:

• “Restructuring”
• “Performance issues”
• “Budget cuts”
• “Personality conflicts”

Local Counsel Understands Regional Workplaces

Attorney Scott Batey has worked with employees from every major Metro Detroit industry. He knows:

• How local employers operate
• What defenses they rely on
• Which arguments succeed in Michigan courts

Local Industries Where Employee-Side Representation Is Critical

Automotive & Tier-1 Suppliers (Auburn Hills, Troy, Southfield)

The automotive industry includes complex hierarchies, fast-paced production demands, and frequent restructuring. Employees often face:

• Sudden terminations
• Retaliation for safety complaints
• Harassment in male-dominated environments
• Unequal advancement opportunities

Hospitals & Healthcare Systems (Beaumont, Henry Ford, Ascension)

Healthcare workers encounter unique pressures:

• FMLA interference
• ADA/PWDCRA accommodation disputes
• Harassment by supervisors, physicians, or patients
• Retaliation for reporting patient-safety issues

Universities & Education (Wayne State, Oakland University, Local School Districts)

Educators and staff frequently deal with:

• Tenure disputes
• Discrimination in promotion or discipline
• Whistleblower retaliation
• Hostile work environments

Finance & Insurance (Birmingham, Troy, Bloomfield Hills)

White-collar workplaces often experience:

• Gender and age discrimination
• Unequal pay
• Retaliation for ethical reporting
• Wrongful termination disguised as “performance issues”

Tech & Engineering Firms

Fast-growing tech environments may feature:

• Unclear job descriptions
• IP ownership disputes
• Noncompete conflicts
• Harassment or exclusion based on gender, race, or nationality

Municipal & Public Sector Employees

Public employees face:

• WPA retaliation for reporting misconduct
• Political pressure or favoritism
• Due-process violations
• Discriminatory discipline

Retail, Hospitality & Service Industries

Workers often experience:

• Wage theft or unpaid overtime
• Sexual harassment
• Discrimination by supervisors or customers
• Unjust terminations

How Batey Law Builds Strong Employee Cases

Comprehensive Fact Investigation

We analyze your entire employment history, from onboarding to termination, to uncover patterns and inconsistencies.

Document and Evidence Review

Emails, messages, performance reviews, HR memos, and policy manuals are examined to establish what really happened.

Identifying Comparators and Discriminatory Patterns

We evaluate how similarly situated coworkers were treated to expose disparities in discipline, promotions, or evaluations.

Timeline Reconstruction

Misconduct, medical disclosures, complaints, and adverse actions are mapped out to reveal retaliation or discriminatory intent.

Evaluating Retaliation Triggers

We look for events that directly preceded negative treatment—often a key indicator of unlawful motive.

Obtaining Employer Records Through Discovery

In litigation, we subpoena documents, internal communications, surveillance footage, and witness testimonies employers never expect employees to see.

Strategic Negotiations Backed by Litigation Readiness

Employers negotiate more fairly when they know Batey Law is prepared to take the case as far as needed.

Clear, Proactive Client Communication

Clients always know where their case stands, what’s coming next, and how to help strengthen the evidence.

Evidence Employees Should Gather Before Calling Counsel

Write a Timeline

Record every discriminatory, retaliatory, or inappropriate event.

Save Emails, Texts, Reviews & Write-Ups

Digital records often reveal contradictions or shifts in treatment.

Document Discriminatory or Retaliatory Conduct

Include dates, quotes, and names whenever possible.

Identify Witnesses

Coworkers who observed events can corroborate your claims later.

Preserve Performance Evaluations & Disciplinary Records

These documents help show whether discipline was fair or pretextual.

Keep Copies of Leave or Accommodation Requests

FMLA forms, ADA accommodation requests, and doctor’s notes are essential.

Do Not Delete Anything—Even After Termination

Evidence disappears quickly; save everything securely.

Who Benefits Most from Hiring Batey Law as Employee-Side Counsel

Employees Recently Terminated or Pushed Out

We assess wrongful termination, retaliation, and legal violations behind the employer’s decision.

Workers Denied Accommodations or Medical Leave

Whether denied ADA accommodations or punished after FMLA leave, these employees need immediate legal protection.

Individuals Experiencing Discrimination

Subtle or overt discrimination—based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, national origin, or LGBTQ+ status—requires strong advocacy.

Whistleblowers & Retaliation Victims

Employees fired or disciplined for reporting wrongdoing rely on Michigan’s strong WPA and ELCRA retaliation protections.

Employees Offered Severance Packages

We negotiate stronger compensation, remove restrictive covenants, and protect your reputation.

Executives Facing Contract or Restrictive Covenant Issues

High-level employees need counsel to evaluate:

• Noncompetes
• Exclusivity clauses
• Intellectual property provisions
• Termination terms
• Severance negotiations

Anyone Sensing HR Is Not Protecting Their Interests

HR works for the employer—not the employee. When something feels wrong, it usually is.

Your Rights Matter — Let Batey Law Protect Your Future

Michigan workers deserve fairness, dignity, and equal treatment. When an employer violates those rights, Batey Law Firm stands ready to fight back. With nearly three decades of experience representing employees—not corporations, Attorney Scott Batey provides the strategic, local advocacy workers across Metro Detroit rely on during their most challenging moments.

Whether you’re facing discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, denied accommodations, or contract issues, you should never navigate it alone. Employers have HR teams and corporate attorneys—you deserve an advocate who is just as powerful. Batey Law levels the playing field and ensures your voice is heard.

Your future, your livelihood, and your dignity are worth protecting. Get trusted, local employee-side counsel on your side today.

Contact Batey Law Firm, PLLC

30200 Telegraph Rd., Suite 400
Bingham Farms, MI 48025

Phone: 248-540-6800
Email: sbatey@bateylaw.com
Website: www.bateylaw.com