Closing Date: 6th November, 2026
Description:
Miller Canfield is looking for an Employment & Labor Associate to join our team in Grand Rapids or Lansing. This is a great opportunity for a mid-level associate who enjoys working closely with clients, taking ownership of matters, and building real expertise in a broad-based labor and employment practice. The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of experience (1) advising employers on compliance with state and federal employment laws, drafting and revising employment policies, working on harassment, discrimination, FMLA, ADA, retaliation, and wage and hour law matters; (2) representing employers in collective bargaining, unfair labor practice and representation proceeding before the NLRB and/or MERC, and arbitration of grievance disputes; or (3) some combination thereof. Candidates who also have experience taking depositions, arguing motions, preparing cases for trial, handling grievances, collective bargaining, arbitrations, investigations, and matters for public institutions are strongly preferred.What You'll Do:
- Counsel clients on issues involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, FMLA, ADA, and wage and hour laws
- Conduct or support workplace investigations
- Participate in litigation, including depositions, motion practice, and trial preparation
- Handle (or grow into) labor matters such as collective bargaining, grievances, arbitrations, representation proceedings, and unfair labor practice proceedings
- Advise employers on compliance with federal and state labor and employment laws
- Draft and revise employment policies, agreements, and related documentation
Our Chambers-ranked Employment and Labor group defends employers in discrimination, harassment, retaliation, FMLA, ADA, and wage and hour cases, including class action litigation. The group also prosecutes and defends non-compete litigation. Our attorneys assist clients with collective bargaining and traditional labor matters, including defense of unfair labor practice charges. In addition, the group regularly counsels clients on all matters related to employment, including those related to hiring, discipline, discharge, time off, employee accommodations, harassment investigations, executive contracts, and employee training. We also maintain a strong higher education practice, advising colleges and universities on faculty and staff labor and employment issues, internal investigations, and related institutional matters—often at the intersection of labor and employment law, governance, and policy.
What We're Looking For:
- 3–5 years of relevant experience in employment and/or labor law
- Experience advising employers (law firm or relevant government/public entity background)
- Exposure to litigation—depositions, motions, and case development preferred
- Experience with public sector clients, investigations, or labor matters is a plus
- Strong academic credentials and excellent writing and analytical skills
- A collaborative approach to working with teams and clients
- Licensed and in good standing in Michigan, or eligible for admission
- This is an in‑person position in our Grand Rapids or Lansing office, joining a group that takes pride in doing excellent work in a respectful, down‑to‑earth environment.
