William B. Balke represents management in labor and employment relations and provides employment litigation defense against all types of claims, including:

• Discrimination
• Harassment
• Retaliation
• Disability discrimination
• Wrongful termination

Often working with utility and retail clients, he appears in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.  He has particular expertise with claims arising under:

• Title VII
• The Americans With Disabilities Act
• The Age Discrimination in Employment Act
• The Family and Medical Leave Act
• The Fair Labor Standards Act
• The Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act
• The Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act
• The Michigan Wage and Fringe Benefit Act
• The Michigan Bullard-Plawecki Right to Know Act
• The Michigan Minimum Wage Act
• The Michigan Polygraph Protection Act
• The Michigan Whistleblowers' Protection Act
• The Michigan Sales Representative Act

Additionally, William handles arbitrations and provides his clients with advice and counseling on a range of employment law issues.

Prior to joining Littler Mendelson, William was a founding shareholder of a law firm in Detroit where he practiced for 13 years. He also worked as an associate and partner at another firm in Detroit.

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS

• Member, Federal Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association

RECOGNITION

• Named, The Best Lawyers in America, 2007-2012