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

EDUCATION

• Michigan State University College of Law, J.D., 2019, summa cum laude, Eve August Scholarship
• Grand Valley State University, B.S., Political Science, 2015, magna cum laude

BAR ADMISSIONS

• All Michigan state courts

HONORS

• Four-time recipient, Jurisprudence Award, MSU College of Law
• 3^rd place finisher, Donald Nystrom Best Brief Competition, MSU College of Law

• Articles Editor, Law Review, MSU College of Law, 2018-2019
• Briefwriter, Moot Court Competition, MSU College of Law