Employment Lawyer Birmingham MI

Employment Lawyer Birmingham MI

If you’re facing a difficult situation at work—whether it’s discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination—you need a trusted advocate who understands both the law and the local landscape. At Batey Law Firm, we are proud to serve Birmingham, MI and the surrounding communities with unmatched dedication to one thing: Employment Law.

Why Employment Law Matters in Birmingham, MI

Birmingham is known for its thriving business district, excellent schools, and professional workforce. But even in a city as progressive and successful as Birmingham, employment disputes happen every day. Whether you work in a corporate office downtown, a healthcare facility, a retail store on Woodward Avenue, or in one of Birmingham’s many small businesses, you have rights as an employee—and we’re here to protect them.

From racial discrimination and sexual harassment to unlawful firings and retaliation, workplace violations don’t just affect your job—they impact your mental health, your financial security, and your future. That’s why having a local employment lawyer who knows the Birmingham community is so important.

Local Advocacy from a Firm That’s Close to Home

Located just minutes away in Bingham Farms, Batey Law Firm has deep roots in Oakland County and a long-standing reputation for fighting on behalf of Michigan employees. We don’t just serve Metro Detroit—we specifically work with employees in Birmingham, MI who need real help and real results.

You’re not calling a national hotline or some mega firm with layers of bureaucracy. When you call Batey Law, you speak directly with Scott Batey, an attorney who knows the local courts, the major employers in the area, and how to build a powerful case tailored to your situation.

Batey Law: 25+ Years of Employment Law Experience

Since 1996, Scott Batey has focused exclusively on employment law. That means you’re not getting a general practice attorney who dabbles in workplace disputes. You’re getting a legal professional who has spent over 25 years holding employers accountable for mistreating employees across Michigan.

Whether it’s negotiating a fair severance, filing a lawsuit for wrongful termination, or taking a discrimination case to trial, Scott Batey brings a level of knowledge, strategy, and passion that’s hard to match.

Common Employment Law Cases We Handle

Workplace Discrimination

Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer treats you unfairly because of who you are—not how well you do your job. In Michigan, you're protected by both Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (federal law) and the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (state law), which cover a wide range of protected characteristics, including:

• Race or ethnicity
• Age (40 and over)
• Gender or sex
• Religion
• National origin
• Disability
• Pregnancy
• Sexual orientation and gender identity (covered under Elliott-Larsen)

Disparate Treatment vs. Disparate Impact

• Disparate treatment: You're singled out for negative treatment (e.g., denied a promotion because of your race or religion).
• Disparate impact: A company policy that seems neutral ends up disproportionately hurting a protected group.

We investigate, gather evidence, and build strong cases that stand up in court. Whether you're dealing with direct discrimination or subtle systemic bias, we’ll hold your employer accountable.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment remains one of the most underreported but widespread problems in today’s workplaces. Michigan and federal law prohibit two main types:

• Quid pro quo: When promotions, raises, or job security are tied to sexual favors.
• Hostile work environment: Repeated, unwanted sexual comments, touching, jokes, or behavior that makes it difficult to work.

To strengthen your case, it's often critical to report harassment through your employer’s HR channels—but that’s not always safe or realistic, especially in smaller workplaces.

We guide you through the reporting process, protect your privacy, and take swift legal action—whether through negotiation or litigation.

Wrongful Termination

Michigan is an at-will state, meaning employers can generally terminate employees for any legal reason—or no reason at all. But there are key exceptions where firing someone becomes illegal.

You may have a wrongful termination claim if you were fired because of:

• Your race, gender, religion, or other protected status
• Reporting harassment or unsafe working conditions
• Taking protected leave (FMLA)
• Requesting a reasonable accommodation (ADA)

We examine the facts, gather supporting documentation, and file the appropriate claims to fight for reinstatement, back pay, or damages.

Retaliation & Whistleblower Protection

Retaliation is when your employer punishes you for asserting your rights or reporting wrongdoing. It’s illegal under both federal law and Michigan’s Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA).

You are protected if you:

• Reported illegal activity (internally or to a government agency)
• Participated in an investigation or lawsuit
• Spoke out about harassment, safety issues, wage theft, or discrimination

We act quickly to gather evidence and protect your rights. If you’ve been retaliated against for doing the right thing, we’ll help you hold your employer accountable.

FMLA & ADA Violations

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are designed to protect employees with health issues or family responsibilities.

You may have a claim if:

• You were denied leave for a qualifying medical or family reason
• Your employer refused to accommodate a disability
• You were disciplined or fired after taking leave or requesting an accommodation

We hold employers accountable for violating your rights and help recover lost wages, job reinstatement, or other damages.

Severance & Employment Contracts

If you’ve been offered a severance agreement or asked to sign a contract, don’t go it alone. These documents are legally binding and often filled with hidden traps.

We can review and negotiate:

• Non-compete clauses
• Waivers of legal claims
• Confidentiality agreements
• Termination clauses

We protect your future by ensuring you’re not signing away your rights—or settling for less than you deserve.

Wage and Hour Disputes

Employers must pay workers fairly for all the hours they work—but many violate wage laws to save money. This is especially common in Birmingham’s retail, hospitality, and healthcare industries.

Common violations include:

• Unpaid overtime
• Misclassifying employees as independent contractors
• Forcing off-the-clock work
• Not paying minimum wage

We recover lost wages, demand penalties, and stop unlawful pay practices in their tracks.

What to Expect When You Call Us

A Free, Confidential Consultation

We start by offering a completely free, no-obligation consultation. This is your opportunity to tell your story and ask questions in a safe, judgment-free environment. Everything you share stays confidential—even if you choose not to move forward. We believe you deserve answers before you make decisions, and we’re here to provide them without pressure or sales tactics.

Straight Talk—No Sugarcoating or False Hope

Scott Batey is known for his honesty and directness. We’ll tell you exactly where your case stands—what you’re up against, what your options are, and whether we believe legal action is appropriate. We don’t make false promises or waste your time with vague advice. If your claim is strong, we’ll fight hard. If it isn’t, we’ll explain why and steer you in the right direction.

Legal Triage: Do You Have a Case?

Not every workplace issue is illegal—but many are. We conduct a rapid, experienced-based analysis of your situation to determine:

• Whether your rights were violated under Michigan or federal law
• What evidence you need
• What your employer may argue in defense
• How to best proceed given your goals (e.g., reinstatement, severance, damages, reputation protection)

This legal triage helps us focus our resources on the cases that have merit—and gives you the clarity you need to take the next step.

Fast, Aggressive Representation

If we take your case, we move quickly and strategically. Whether you’ve been fired without cause, harassed in the workplace, or retaliated against for speaking up, our team is ready to act. We gather evidence, file claims, negotiate settlements, and go to trial when necessary.

And unlike many larger firms, your case won’t be handed off to a junior associate. You’ll work directly with Scott Batey, a proven employment law expert with 25+ years of experience representing employees across Michigan.

You Don’t Have to Face Your Employer Alone

If you’ve been mistreated at work—whether you’re facing harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or an unlawful firing—you’re not alone, and you don’t have to fight this battle by yourself.

At Batey Law Firm, we understand the toll that workplace injustice takes on your finances, your family, and your mental health. That’s why we approach every case with urgency, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to results.

We proudly serve employees throughout Birmingham, MI, and the surrounding areas. Whether you work in a downtown office, a local school, a retail shop, or a medical facility, you deserve to be treated with fairness and dignity.

If your employer has violated your rights, we’re here to help you take back control. One call is all it takes to get answers—and get started.

Contact Information

Batey Law Firm, PLLC
📍 30200 Telegraph Rd., Suite 400
Bingham Farms, MI 48025 (just minutes from Birmingham)

📞 Phone: (248) 540-6800
📧 Email: sbatey@bateylaw.com
🌐 Website: www.bateylaw.com

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