Nicole M. Paterson

Nicole M. Paterson is a Senior Attorney with Clark Hill's Labor & Employment and Education and Municipal practice groups. Nicole represents a diverse group of clients operating in both union and non-union environments, including long-term care facilities, hospitals, non-profit organizations, corporations, municipalities, and school districts. She represents employers in all aspects of employment law. 

Prior to practicing law, Nicole worked for more than six years in the Human Resources field. Her experience and perspective gained while working in Human Resources gives Nicole an insider’s knowledge of the day-to-day issues that employers face. Nicole is an effective and trusted counselor to employers on their day-to-day employment and labor issues, including FMLA, ADA, Title VII, Title IX, employee disciplines and termination, grievances, wage and hour laws, employment agreements, and investigations. Nicole has significant experience drafting single and multi-state employment policies and handbooks to help employers maintain lawful policies and practices that meet their unique needs. Nicole has successfully defended employers before the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Michigan Employment Relations Commission, Michigan Occupational Health and Safety Administration, the National Labor Relations Board, and the Department of Labor. She has defended employers in federal and state courts in matters involving employment discrimination, harassment, and whistleblower claims. Nicole also represents employers in discharge and contract interpretation arbitrations.

In addition to her advisory services, Nicole provides employer/employee training and is a frequent speaker on employment and labor topics. 

Nicole currently serves as the Co-Chair of Clark Hill BOLD - Grand Rapids, Clark Hill’s strategy to promote women within the firm, the legal profession, and the business community. She also serves as the legal liaison to the West Michigan Best and Brightest Peer Group.