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