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Paul W. Coughenour

Of Counsel
fax +1 248.988.2518

Paul W. Coughenour represents many businesses and nonprofit entities in all facets of employment law, including litigation defense, traditional labor matters, and general commercial litigation.

Paul represents many area businesses, including several non-profit entities, in addition to large national clients. He has successfully defended employers in a wide variety of employment cases, including sexual harassment, age, race and sex discrimination, and whistleblowers claims. He has first and second chair trial experience in discrimination, wage and hour, and contract claims. In addition, he has successfully handled dozens of discharge arbitrations involving unionized employees, trials before the National Labor Relations Board, and administrative hearings before state agencies including the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA), and the Michigan Employment Relations Commission.

Paul has lectured on sexual harassment, discrimination, non-compete and trade secret issues, and other various employment law issues before The Institute of Continuing Legal Education, the Michigan Public Employer Labor Relations Association, the Oakland County Bar Association, the Troy and Royal Oak Chambers of Commerce, and various employer associations.

Paul’s publications include chapter contributions to Wrongful Discharge Cases in Michigan and the Michigan Public Employer Labor Relations Manual. He has also authored articles and outlines regarding union organizing, damages in wrongful discharge cases, contract and grievance administration, and employment litigation defense strategies.

Education

J.D., cum laude, Wayne State University Law School, Detroit, Michigan, 1982
B.G.S., with Honors, University of Michigan, Michigan, 1978

Recognitions

Named 2024 Top Lawyer by DBusiness

Named among The Best Lawyers in America® for Employment Law-Management; Labor Law-Management; Litigation-Labor and Employment (2011-2024)

Martindale-Hubbell Law Firm Directory – “AV” Rating

Named in The National Registry of Who’s Who

Named a Leading Lawyer in Birmingham by Leading Lawyers℠ (2014-2023)

Memberships

ABA Labor and Employment Law Section

ABA Committee on Employee Rights and Responsibilities

ABA Litigation Section

State Bar of Michigan Section on Labor and Employment Law

Oakland County Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Law Section

Metropolitan Bar Association

State Bar Licenses

Michigan

Court Admissions

U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit
U.S. District Ct., E.D. of Michigan
U.S. District Ct., W.D. of Michigan
U.S. District Ct., C.D. of Illinois
U.S. District Ct., N.D. of Indiana