Pitt McGehee Palmer Bonanni & Rivers Elevates Kevin Carlson and Robin Wagner to Equity Partners, Channing Robinson-Holmes to Partner
Pitt McGehee Palmer Bonanni & Rivers is delighted to announce that attorneys Kevin Carlson and Robin Wagner have been promoted to equity partners. Additionally, Channing Robinson-Holmes has been promoted to partner. Their continued advancement at Pitt McGehee Palmer Bonanni & Rivers reflects the outstanding, compassionate service they deliver to our clients and their commitment to securing justice.
Kevin Carlson is dedicated to advancing complex employment discrimination and civil rights matters. In his work in Logan v. MGM Grand Detroit Casino, he helped secure a landmark decision from the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, affirming that employers cannot alter or shorten the limitations period for Title VII claims. He also recently appeared before the Sixth Circuit representing victims and families hurt in the Oxford High School shooting, arguing that the school counselor and dean of students should be held liable for the shooter’s action. Kevin works to protect those who have been harmed and to hold those in positions of power responsible—from excessive dentition practices at the Wayne County Criminal Justice Center to a church’s failure to protect children from sexual abuse to employees whose privacy was intentionally violated by their employer. Kevin is guided by a commitment to ensure justice for all. Kevin serves on the Oakland County Lawyers Committee of the ACLU of Michigan, provides pro bono legal assistance and contributes to civil rights advocacy, and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Roeper School.
Robin Wagner is a leader for civil rights inside and outside the courtroom. In 2024, she led the class action litigation against the State of Michigan’s Hawthorn Center, which facilitated an active shooter drill without informing staff and patients that it was a drill, achieving a $13M settlement. Her work with Kevin Carlson supporting the victims of EasyKnock’s predatory sale and lease-back scheme and the increased scrutiny of the firm’s practices led to EasyKnock abruptly shutting down services at the end of 2024. Outside the courtroom, Robin serves as one of six elected officers of the Federal Bar Association’s Eastern District of Michigan Chapter. She is the immediate past chair of the national FBA’s civil rights law section and has served two terms on the Michigan Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Law Council. Robin also participates in the litigation team for Right-to-Hug, advocating on behalf of inmates who have been barred from visiting with their loved ones in person.
Channing Robinson-Holmes brings a deep commitment to social justice, legal research, and client advocacy in her practice, working to address systemic issues plaguing communities. Having grown up near Flint, Channing sought accountability and justice for the city’s residents through her work on the Flint Water Crisis litigation. Channing supports survivors of sexual assault and harassment, including current and former members of the University of Kentucky Women’s Swim Team. She also represents individuals with actual, perceived, or histories of disabilities as well as LGBTQIA+ individuals who have been discriminated against in the workplace. Channing has also built a successful track record protecting employees who expose wrongdoing at their workplace. She has served as second-chair on two whistleblower cases and successfully served as first chair in Ellerbee v Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles.
Beyond the courtroom, Channing’s work has contributed to broader legal reform, including improving prison conditions and expanding the scope of gross negligence claims to protect vulnerable children and hold educational institutions responsible. Channing serves on the Michigan Association for Justice’s Amicus Committee, contributing at least two amicus briefs annually to the Supreme Court on cases that impact civil rights issues, and is also involved with the Michigan Bar Journal Committee.
These promotions reflect Pitt McGehee Palmer Bonanni & Rivers’ ongoing commitment to supporting exceptional legal talent and achieving justice for our clients. Congratulations to all on this well-deserved recognition.