Lizzie works in municipal law, labor and employment law, and general litigation, providing daily advice and counsel on the myriad issues municipalities and employers face.

Her municipal practice involves drafting and enforcing ordinances, preparing legal opinions, and addressing the issue du jour for the many townships with whom she works. Lizzie enjoys helping her clients solve problems and plan for success, and she understands the challenges of running the business of local government in the public eye.

Her labor and employment law practice focus keeps her busy, representing municipal and private sector management. The labor and employment practice in particular can be intensely personal and sometimes involves the tough realities of termination, but Lizzie strives to bring empathy to the table as she advocates for a legal resolution. Her affinity for interacting with people enables her to quickly dissolve conflicts. She also has the gift of an incredible memory, recalling details not only about problems she’s worked to solve but about the people involved. Relationships are critical in labor and employment issues; being able to recall professional and personal details off the top of her head is a real asset to her clients in labor negotiations and conflict resolution.

Lizzie has extensive experience in collective bargaining, grievance and interest arbitration, and administrative claims defense before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Michigan Department of Civil Rights, state and federal wage and hour divisions, and others.

Lizzie joined Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes in 2010 and became a member in 2017. Prior to that, she served as a judicial extern to the Hon. Thomas L. Ludington, District Court Judge in the Eastern District of Michigan. While at Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Lizzie earned 11 Certificates of Merit, the highest honor for academic performance in a course.

When she’s not at work, Lizzie enjoys spending time with her husband and children; strives to read hardcover books ranging from mysteries to autobiographies of important figures in world history, to true crime to professional development theories; listening to an HR or true crime podcast; and enjoying the lake near their home year-round.

EXPERIENCE

• Negotiates labor contracts for public and private employers with UAW, Teamsters, AFSCME, POLC, POAM, TPOAM, IAFF, MAFF, CCLP, Steelworkers, and unaffiliated groups.
• Defends contract and disciplinary grievances on behalf of management.
• Successfully defends against unlawful discrimination claims in circuit court and before civil rights agencies.
• Drafts employee handbooks that are up to date with ever-changing labor and employment laws.
• Coordinates return to work transitions involving fitness for duty, accommodations, or other complex matters.

Since 1978, Steve has dedicated himself to the representation of municipalities across the state of Michigan and protecting the interests of employers in both the private and public sectors.

Steve’s practice focuses on the representation of cities, townships, libraries, and other local governments in a wide range of matters including those arising under the Home Rule Cities or township enabling statutes, the Open Meetings Act, the Freedom of Information Act, Michigan’s Public Employment Relations Act, the Downtown Development Authority Act and myriad other statutes affecting municipalities across the state.

Through the years, Steve has served as a city attorney, township attorney, library attorney, and counsel to counties, DDAs, and other specialized authorities throughout Michigan, from the Sault to St. Joseph to the Detroit area. He is a committed advocate for the interests of municipalities and a firm believer in the benefits of local control of local concerns.

In addition, Steve is a recognized expert in employment and labor law. Representing private and public employers alike, Steve has bargained hundreds of contracts with every labor union in the state of Michigan, arbitrated myriad contract disputes, and represented employers in delicate employment matters.

His expertise is valued by clients and colleagues alike, particularly related to municipal law for townships and cities. Prior to co-founding FSBR, Steve was a partner with Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC.

Outside of work, Steve enjoys time with his family at their cottage, playing golf, skiing, and generally enjoying the great outdoors.

EXPERIENCE

• City Attorney, City of Fenton: Advice and counsel to the mayor and city manager on virtually every issue the City faced as it transformed itself into a truly cool city.
• Township Attorney, Meridian Charter Township: Advice and counsel to the Township Board and Manager of a recognized “best place to live” in Michigan.
• Coalition to Protect Michigan Resources: Representing a coalition of natural resource, sport fishing, and other related interest groups in a complex, long-running federal court case addressing the scope and extent of Native American rights under the Treaty of 1836 between the United States and five Michigan tribes.

Chad assists the firm’s growing Municipal and Labor and Employment practice groups. He particularly focuses on the representation of municipalities in labor and employment matters, from negotiating collective bargaining agreements to assisting in the handling of employee disciplinary matters.

The rules and regulations that surround public sector labor and employment issues can be complex, but focusing on forward-thinking measures that prevent labor and employment issues from arising in the first place is essential. Chad regularly evaluates the employment practices of municipalities by working closely with elected public officials and by reviewing the effectiveness of employee handbooks and personnel policies to make sure they are in compliance with current labor laws.

Labor and employment issues can create unique challenges for municipalities due to the scrutiny of being in the public eye, which is why it is important to have dedicated legal counsel with a comprehensive understanding of governmental entities and the political environment in which they operate.  When labor and employment situations arise, Chad is dedicated to finding workable solutions to issues and informing clients of their best options for moving forward. Chad often drafts legal opinions providing clear answers to clients’ questions and concerns. When the need arises, Chad is there to vigorously represent his clients and fight for their best interests, whether it be in arbitration, negotiation, mediation, or even litigation.

Chad joined Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes in 2017 as a law clerk before becoming an associate attorney with FSBR in November of 2019.  Chad has a history of a strong work ethic, graduating summa cum laude with a Juris Doctor Degree and graduating in the top 6% of his class at MSU College of Law.  While in law school, Chad was an extern at the Michigan Supreme Court Judicial Institute.

When Chad isn’t at the office, he enjoys spending time with his fiancée, Brooklyn, playing golf, and watching football.

EXPERIENCE

• Grievance Arbitrations – contract interpretation and discipline
• Internal investigations of harassment or discrimination
• Personnel Policy/Employment Handbook Drafting and Review
• Municipal obligations regarding service and emotional support animals

With over 20 years of experience in the legal field, Jamy brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role as a Legal Assistant. She provides invaluable support to the firm in the areas of labor and employment, property taxes, and business litigation.

Jamy’s diverse experience has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape, allowing her to effectively navigate complex cases and contribute to successful outcomes. One of the aspects she particularly enjoys about her work is litigation. She thrives in the fast-paced and intellectually challenging environment that litigation brings. She assists with the preparation and drafting of legal documents, organization and management of case files, communicating with clients, scheduling depositions and meetings, and ensuring compliance with filing deadlines and procedural requirements. Her attention to detail and organizational skills have been instrumental in supporting the firm’s legal team’s success in the courtroom.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and camping up north.

Hannah specializes in business and franchise law, as well as management-side labor & employment law. She began her journey with the firm in 2021 as a law clerk, and upon passing the bar in 2022, she was offered an associate attorney position.

In her practice, Hannah drafts various agreements tailored to meet her clients’ unique business and employment needs, while ensuring that the terms accurately reflect the interests and goals of her clients. Hannah prepares extensive documentation for purchase and sale transactions, reviews and revises leases, assists clients with trademark infringement protection and enforcement,  conducts extensive legal research and drafts legal memorandums in her respective fields of practice, and drafts franchise agreements and other related documents in compliance with complex franchise disclosure laws.

In the realm of labor and employment law, Hannah serves as an advocate for employers. She adeptly handles a wide array of employment-related matters, including discrimination and harassment claims, wage and hour disputes, employment contracts, and workplace policies. Hannah is well-versed in both federal and state labor laws and strives to ensure her clients maintain compliance while promoting a fair and equitable work environment.

Hannah is dedicated to staying at the forefront of legal developments in her areas of focus. She has developed expertise in emerging legislation, including the Corporate Transparency Act, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and the PUMP Act. Her commitment to expanding her knowledge allows her to provide informed counsel and effectively address the evolving needs of clients.

Outside of work, Hannah enjoys spending time with her fiancé and dog, playing tennis, and traveling (especially to Hawaii and the Upper Peninsula).

Experience

• Franchise, Business, and Employment Issues
• Labor Issues and Grievance Arbitration
• Contracts and Franchise Work
• Trademark Research and Enforcement

Overview

Tom brings a dynamic perspective to his role as an Associate Attorney at FSBR, driven by his passion for government, politics, and his interest in alternative dispute resolution and litigation. His journey into law was inspired by a deep-rooted fascination with governance at both local and national levels.

Within FSBR’s Labor and Employment practice, Tom plays a pivotal role in assisting clients through labor disputes and arbitration proceedings. Leveraging his strong work ethic, persuasive public speaking skills, and sharp critical thinking abilities, Tom navigates complex legal issues with strategy to achieve fair and equitable resolutions for his clients.

Tom’s expertise also extends to municipal matters, where he has experience in zoning and land use, cemetery, and code enforcement matters. Committed to guiding municipal clients through the complexities of regulatory compliance and legal challenges, Tom ensures their interests are safeguarded and their objectives achieved.

Having clerked at FSBR, Tom was drawn to the firm’s dedication to nurturing young associate development and growth. Since joining, he has flourished professionally, continually expanding his expertise and making significant contributions to the firm’s success.

Outside of work, Tom enjoys indulging in a wide range of hobbies and interests. A self-described “hockey nerd”, he shares a passion for the sport with his wife, scouting amateur players and providing player advising services in his spare time. Tom also enjoys staying active with his dogs Caesar and Augustus. Originally from New England, Tom’s journey led him to Michigan in 2019 to study for the LSAT while he competed on various AAA hockey clubs in Metro Detroit Area. Tom loved Michigan so much he decided to stay and start a family here.

Experience

• Drafted cell tower leases for various municipalities.
• Participated in labor arbitration proceedings and authored an arbitration brief.
• Conducted an internal investigation, interviewed witnesses, and drafted the investigative report.

Eric is a distinguished litigator with a robust 20-year career dedicated to achieving results in the courtroom. His journey began with his first-ever trial—a slip and fall—to which the jury quickly deliberated and reached a no-cause of action verdict, setting the stage for numerous successes. Eric has served as both first and second chair trial counsel in over a dozen trials, skillfully handling opening and closing statements and examining key witnesses in high-stakes proceedings. He has conducted hundreds of depositions and has presented compelling arguments before Michigan’s highest courts. Throughout his career, he has successfully handled a wide array of cases, from general negligence and contract disputes to complex commercial and business disputes, employment matters, and more.

Eric is a competitive strategist with an unquenchable thirst for winning. When he steps into the courtroom, Eric strives to be the most prepared person in the room. His approach is centered on a thorough review of the facts and a deep understanding of his client’s position. As a litigator, Eric views his role as constructing a compelling narrative, weaving together the facts to present a strong case that allows the judge and jury to truly understand his client’s perspective.

While Eric brings extensive knowledge to the table, he recognizes that litigation is a team effort. Even the most experienced need to rely on the input and thoughts of others to find the right approach. He firmly believes that authenticity is paramount for any trial lawyer; maintaining genuine sincerity ensures that judges and juries can trust and accept the arguments being made.  Eric finds fulfillment in resolving disputes for his clients and has a genuine desire to secure the best possible results.

Outside of the courtroom, Eric prioritizes his family and his personal interests. He enjoys spending time with his family, coaching and watching sports, and engaging in hobbies like golf, basketball, and reading. Eric is also a very passionate fan of Michigan football.

Experience

• Successfully served as first chair trial counsel in a municipal case. Handled opening and closing arguments, conducted direct examination of expert witnesses, and cross-examined key opposing witnesses.
• Successfully defended a franchisor against a franchisee attempting to reject the franchise agreement in bankruptcy court and compete with the franchisor.
• Provided consulting services to our client and trial counsel during litigation proceedings, including both pre-trial and trial stages.
• Prepared a complaint for injunctive relief and monetary damages. The court granted a Temporary Restraining Order upon receipt of the complaint and later granted a request for a Preliminary Injunction.

Overview

Tracy brings a wealth of experience to our firm’s labor and employment practice, having spent 26 distinguished years with the Michigan Education Association (MEA). During her tenure at MEA, she served in dual roles as a labor representative and HR Director, overseeing MEA, MESSA, and MEA Financial Services. Prior to her MEA career, Tracy specialized in representing public sector unions in private practice, honing her skills in resolving labor disputes and workplace issues.

Tracy primarily serves the firm’s public sector clientele, including elected officials, municipal managers, and police and fire chiefs, guiding them through their operational needs within the confines of collective bargaining agreements and complex labor laws. Her work extends to negotiating collective bargaining agreements, mediating grievances, arbitrating disputes, managing information requests, and resolving unfair practice claims across various classifications.

Tracy particularly excels in interest-based bargaining, having facilitated negotiations for employers of all sizes. Her expertise lies in identifying and addressing the interests of both sides to craft agreements that maximize common ground and reconcile conflicting needs. Tracy is committed to the belief that good labor and employment relations benefit everyone involved. She is dedicated to finding creative solutions that meet everyone’s interests while maintaining efficient operations for the employer. Her problem-solving skills help clients meet legal requirements while balancing a harmonious work environment.

Outside of work, Tracy enjoys playing tennis, traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.

Experience

• Negotiated multi-year collective bargaining agreements across a wide variety of classifications
• Mediated grievance/arbitration and ULP settlements
• Assisted in streamlining HR processes for labor and employment legal compliance