Robert W. Palmer

Equity Partner

Robert Palmer merged his practice with the firm in 2002 as a full equity partner. Like the other members of the firm, Robert devotes a substantial amount of his time to representing individuals and groups in civil rights claims arising out of their employment. Robert has litigated numerous race, age, gender, national origin and sexual harassment cases through trial and appeal. He is proud to be a member of the National College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, having been elected to this national organization in 2010.

In addition to employment law, Robert is also actively involved in representing property owners in class actions and large group cases relative to the contamination and destruction of private property. These actions have centered on private corporations, such as Woverine Worldwide shoe corporation for chemicals contaminating ground water, as well as both the state and federal government for failure to regulate safe water levels which resulted in massive flooding in Midland, Michigan.

Due to his life-long interest in the criminal justice system, Robert also practices in the area of police misconduct and criminal defense. Robert is and has been involved in a number of police shooting cases. Robert’s criminal defense practice is broad, from misdemeanors through felonies, including murder trials. Robert also handles personal injury cases that are referred to the firm.

Finally, for more than 30 years Robert served as a special general counsel to the Detroit City Council in matters involving separation of powers conflicts between the Detroit City Council and the various mayors of the City of Detroit.

Robert’s practice focus has always been driven by his strong commitment to the rights of individuals ranging from low-wage earners to elected members of city government mistreated by either large corporations or governmental entities. Perhaps as a result of the broad spectrum of Robert’s interests, Robert is frequently chosen by other lawyers within the community to act as a facilitator to help them resolve their cases in the many areas of practice in which Robert is involved.

In its 31st edition, Robert was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America in the categories of Criminal Defense: General Practice and Employment Law – Individuals.