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Profile
Mr. Little represents employers in federal and state courts in all aspects of employment litigation, as well as in administrative proceedings before agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Michigan Department of Civil Rights and National Labor Relations Board. He also assists public and private employers in the negotiation and administration of collective bargaining agreements and grievance arbitrations. He also regularly counsels employers on their obligations under federal and state employment laws, including employee discipline and leave of absence issues, the drafting of employment contracts and non-compete agreements, the creation of employee handbooks and the design and implementation of layoffs and reductions in force.
Prior to joining Ogletree Deakins, Mr. Little worked in the labor and employment practice group of a national full practice firm.
Experience
Mr. Little has a brought range of experience in all areas of labor and employment law, including the following:
- Defend regional and national employers in employment litigation in state and federal courts, including all aspects of discrimination (age, sex, race, national origin, disability, FMLA, sexual harassment), breach of contract, wrongful discharge, tortuous interference, negligent hiring, retaliation, ERISA, whistleblower and wage and hour issues.
- Wage and hour class action litigation involving claims against national employers for unpaid wages and overtime pay.
- Litigation concerning the breach of employment contracts and enforcement of non-competition agreements and the misappropriation of trade secrets.
- Assist public and private employers in the negotiation and administration of labor agreements and grievance arbitrations covering professional employees, nurses, manufacturing workers and university faculty.
- Counsel and advise employers on employee discipline and leave of absence issues, as well as employment agreements, handbooks and other workplace policies.
Education and Honors
J.D., The Ohio State University, 2005
B.A., University of Michigan, 2002
- Managing Editor, Ohio State Journal of Criminal Law
- ABA-BNA Award for Excellence in the Study of Labor and Employment Law
Professional Activities
- State Bar of Michigan (Labor and Employment Section)
- Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association
- The Ohio State University Alumni Club of Detroit - Board of Directors
In The News
- 2009/2010 - The Developing Labor Law - "Cumulative Supplements, Contributing Editor"
Michigan
U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan