For more than 30 years, Norman Hawkins has represented management in a wide range of labor and employment matters. He provides proactive and practical daily advice to employers of all sizes, shaped by his vast experience: as first-chair employment trial defense, as chief spokesperson in collective bargaining, as first-chair labor arbitration counsel, in decades of daily advising employers, in decades of drafting all kinds of labor and employment documents, in working in the personnel department of an automotive supplier, and as a prior member of the UAW. Norman focuses on identifying and mitigating risks, and assisting employers to achieve their objectives through cost effective solutions.
Norm counsels both U.S. and foreign companies, large and small, publicly held and private. He has successfully defended employers in hundreds of lawsuits in federal and state courts in Michigan, and in other states such as Ohio, Wisconsin, Louisiana, and Texas. In addition, for more than ten years, he has represented a number of employers as their outside general counsel concerning all legal matters.
Drawing on his in-depth and broad experience, Norman has become especially skilled at resolving disputes early, at very limited cost, and without litigation. However, when the circumstances require, he will vigorously litigate disputes through jury verdict, defend appeals, and handle arbitrations through opinion and award.
Norman especially enjoys training managers and supervisors concerning all aspects of labor and employment law and investigating allegations of harassment and discrimination. In addition to automotive suppliers and other manufacturers, he represents clients in healthcare, financial services, and other industries.
Education:
- Wayne State University Law School, Juris Doctor, cum laude
- Spring Arbor College, Bachelor of Arts, cum laude
Bar Admission:
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- Pro hac vice admissions to numerous courts in other states
Professional Associations and Membership:
- State Bar of Michigan
- Grand Rapids Bar Association, Labor and Employment Section
Cost
Rate : $$$