Education
Wayne State University Law School
Detroit, Michigan
J.D., 1979
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
B.G.S., 1976
Bar Admissions
Illinois
Indiana
Michigan
Wisconsin
Court Admissions
All Illinois state courts
All Indiana state courts
All Michigan state courts
All Wisconsin state courts
United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois
United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan
United States District Court for the Federal District of Nebraska
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
Employment Litigation Attorney
Larry is an experienced trial attorney concentrating on the defense of individuals and organizations in employment litigation, including matters involving discrimination, harassment, wrongful discharge and employment contracts. He has extensive experience advising employers on executive employment contracts, personnel policies and procedures, discipline issues, corporate downsizing, trade secret and non-compete agreements, and drug and alcohol testing.
The most recent issue of Chambers USA, which ranks top lawyers and law firms, notes that Larry “has extensive experience in contentious labor and employment matters. This includes cases relating to allegations of wrongful discharge and workplace discrimination.”
Experience
Representing large retailing chain in workforce reduction and right-sizing measures in multistate region, including assisting with analysis and implementation of the reduction-in-force programs and with particular attention to ensure there is no disparate impact to women, minorities and other workers with protected status.
Secured a seven-figure resolution following aggressive litigation on behalf of a national trucking company against former employees who breached their fiduciary duties by removing confidential information and using it in their new employment with a competitor.
Secured a large six-figure attorney fee reimbursement on behalf of a national logistics company following the court-ordered dismissal of a multicount complaint alleging millions in damages against the company.
Jury Trial Experience Highlights
Greatwide Cheetah Transport v. Medallion Transport and Logistics, Preston County Circuit Court, West Virginia, No. 14-C-106: (2017): Breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and misappropriation of trade secrets claims.
Dedivanaj v. DaimlerChrysler Corp, Third Circuit Court No. 02-236941 CZ (2005): Sexual harassment, retaliation and race association discrimination claims.
Fillmore v. Citizens Bank, Circuit Court No. 00-68454-CL (2004): Post-firing retaliation claim.
Zink & Triest Company v. Lalani, Russo, Vanilla Corporation of America, and Daugherty, Civil Action No. 0202413 (2004): Breach of fiduciary duty, misappropriation of trade secrets.
Elger v. Eaton Corporation and Navy Controls Division, Eastern District of Wis. Case No. 00-C-0941 (2001): Age discrimination.
Beadles v. Tower Automotive, Western District of Tenn. Case No.1-99-1322 (2001): Worker’s compensation retaliation.
Major, Buckingham, Sansom, and Vandyke v. First American Home Care, Integrated Health Services, and A.B.C., Circuit Court No. 98-352 CZ (1998) Whistleblower retaliation.
DeClue v. Central Illinois Light Company, Central District of Illinois Case No.: 1:98-CV-01276 (1998): Sexual harassment.
Honors and Recognitions
American College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, fellow
Best Lawyers in America® since 2005
Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Employment Law – Management, 2020, 2024
Chambers USA©: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business as a Leader in the field of Labor and Employment since 2005
DBusiness© magazine’s Top Lawyer, Litigation – Labor Employment Benefits, 2017
Grand Rapids Magazine, Top Lawyers, Litigation – Labor Employment Benefits, 2019, 2020, 2024
Leading Lawyers: ADR Law – Employment; Employment Law – Management
Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated
Michigan State Bar Foundation, fellow
Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Leader in the Law, 2019
Michigan Super Lawyers® since 2006
Top Rated Lawyer in Labor and Employment, 2013
Professional Affiliations
American Bar Association
Illinois Bar Association
Indiana Bar Association
Michigan Bar Association
Transportation Lawyers Association
Wisconsin Bar Association
Community Involvement
Dégagé Ministries, Board of Directors
Grand Rapids Community College Foundation Board, chair
Talent 2025 Board of Directors, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, co-chair
Presentations
Presenter at seminars nationwide entitled “Jury Trial Litigation of Employment Claims,” 1995 – 2006.
Frequent lecturer on employment and labor law topics.
Presenter of more than 75 seminars, speeches and round table discussions on labor and employment law topics.