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Brian D. Shekell

Member
fax +1 313.309.6833

Brian Shekell is the Deputy Business Unit Leader for Clark Hill’s Labor and Employment group. He partners with companies to create practical, workable solutions to managing their workforce, defends companies in lawsuits involving employment-related disputes and is often called on to litigate high stakes political law matters.

Brian is an experienced chief labor negotiator, having successfully bargained labor contracts with many different unions on behalf of clients in the healthcare, manufacturing, and defense contractor industries. In addition to leading collective bargaining negotiations, Brian also assists companies during union election campaigns. He routinely appears before the National Labor Relations Board and defends companies against unfair labor practice complaints and grievances.

Companies frequently turn to Brian to defend them in lawsuits involving claims under Title VII, the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and several other federal and state employment statutes. Brian’s recent jury trial experience includes:

  • In March 2023, Brian served as lead trial counsel in a federal jury trial that spanned three weeks. Brian successfully obtained a no cause verdict in under three hours on behalf of his client for a claim brought by a former sales representative alleging that he was owed millions of dollars in unpaid commissions.
  • In May 2022, Brian served as trial counsel in a jury trial that spanned two weeks. Brian successfully obtained a no cause verdict in under two hours on behalf of his client, a healthcare system, against a former physician who sought over $10 million in damages arising out of the termination of his employment.

Brian also has significant experience drafting employment agreements and litigating cases involving non-competition agreements. Brian regularly counsels businesses regarding effective policies and practices, employee performance issues, and separating employees when necessary.

In addition to his employment law practice, Brian litigates high-profile political law matters on behalf of legislative bodies, elected officials, political parties, and organizations. His recent experience includes serving as trial and appellate counsel in Michigan’s redistricting litigation, representing the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate in defending revisions to Michigan’s Election Law, securing the dismissal of a lawsuit brought by members of a local political party against its leadership, and responding to campaign finance complaints brought against companies and organizations.

Education

J.D., Wayne State University Law School, Detroit, Michigan, 2011, Brian was the president of the Law School‚ moot court program, editor-in-chief of the Jessup International Law moot court team, and president of the Law School Federalist Society chapter.
B.A., Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 2007

Recognitions

Named 2024 Top Lawyer by DBusiness

Named among Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America® in Labor and Employment Law – Management; Litigation – Labor and Employment by Best Lawyers (2021-2024)

Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Labor & Employment (2017-2021)

Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Labor & Employment: Defense (2016)

Michigan Lawyers Weekly Up and Coming Lawyers (2015)

Memberships

State Bar of Michigan’s Board of Commissioners (2015-2018)

State Bar of Michigan, Public Policy Committee (2020-2023)

Federalist Society, Michigan Lawyers Chapter, Board of Advisors

Federalist Society, Michigan Lawyers Chapter, Former President

American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Section

State Bar Licenses

Michigan

Court Admissions

U.S. District Ct., E.D. of Michigan
U.S. District Ct., W.D. of Michigan