Steven A. Palazzolo

Senior Counsel | spalazzolo@wnj.com | V-Card Grand RapidsT 616.752.2191F 616.222.2191SouthfieldT 248.784.5091F 248.603.9791M 616.340.1239 Steven Palazzolo brings a unique and varied background to the practice of labor and employment law. Prior to attending law school, he spent seven years as a shop floor supervisor in both union and non-union food processing plants. Steve also spent 11 years as in-house counsel specializing in labor and employment law for a multi-billion-dollar multinational corporation with extensive manufacturing operations. During this time Steve supervised a staff of HR... Read More

Steven Palazzolo brings a unique and varied background to the practice of labor and employment law. Prior to attending law school, he spent seven years as a shop floor supervisor in both union and non-union food processing plants. Steve also spent 11 years as in-house counsel specializing in labor and employment law for a multi-billion-dollar multinational corporation with extensive manufacturing operations. During this time Steve supervised a staff of HR professionals. He emphasizes counseling clients on employee relations issues, policy development, NLRB, ADA, FMLA, FSLA and international labor relations. Steve has experience in acquisitions, immigration, employee benefits, campaign finance, employment litigation, civil rights and related issues. He has provided counsel to companies in the agricultural, financial, food processing, hospitality, manufacturing, marketing and service industries in the Midwest and throughout the United States, as well as in South and Central America, Europe and Asia.

Steve now concentrates a significant portion of his practice in the Automotive Industry Group. He represents numerous automotive suppliers from Fortune 500 companies to small start-ups. He counsels automotive suppliers and represents them before various administrative agencies, including the EEOC and the MDCR, and has provided advice and counsel in all manner of employment-related issues. Steve counsels suppliers on termination decisions, disciplinary issues and the formulation of policies and procedures. Steve also provides advice and counsel with union issues, including assisting in negotiating collective bargaining agreements, administering grievances and representing automotive suppliers in arbitration proceedings. Steve also is a frequent speaker before industry organizations, including the Original Equipment Suppliers Association and the Association of Corporate Council.
 

Steve is the creator of the employment blog for people who don't speak lawyer. You can visit the blog at zomichiganemploymentlaw.wnj.com.
  • Experience
  • Biography
  • News
  • Publications
  • Leadership
  • Speaking Engagements
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Experience

  • Developed comprehensive employment policy manual for one of Michigan’s premiere hotels, which employs more than 600 employees. Led scenario-based training sessions for supervisors and new employees
  • Supervised and drafted employment agreements for executives based in Europe, Russia and Ukraine
  • Successfully coordinated and teamed with others to accomplish two major reductions in force with multistate components, voluntary early retirement programs, involuntary severance programs, and facilities closures affecting several hundred employees for a major multistate manufacturer
  • While serving as in-house counsel to a major multinational manufacturer, exclusively handled all EEOC and state civil rights charges in several states, including Michigan and California
  • Counseled a major corporation on the implications of state campaign finance laws during a state election campaign.
  • Served as counsel for the investment committee of a large Midwest employer providing legal counsel to a committee that directed the investment of a major pension fund
  • Counseled major auto supplier in a complete revision of their employee handbook and related policies

Industries

Practices

Education

  • Wayne State University J.D. 1992 Bronze Key Award, 1990-91; Silver Key Award, 1989-90; Dean Scholar Award magna cum laude
  • Michigan State University B.A. 1982    

Admitted

  • 1992, Michigan

Honors and Awards

  • Order of the Coif
  • Survey Editor (1992) and Member (1990-92), Wayne Law Review

Bar Associations

  • American Bar Association
  • State Bar of Michigan

News

Publications

Professional Affiliations

  • Michigan Hotel, Motel and Resort Association
    Affiliate member

Speaking Engagements

  • "The NLRB for Nonunion Employers" and "Wage/Hour Update - Classifying Employees Correctly to Avoid Liability," WNJ Human Resources Seminar, April 29, 2013, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • "The Fine Print: Setting the Stage for Successful Employment,"  Original Equipment Suppliers Assoiation 2012 Talent Town Hall, October 25, 2012, Troy, Michigan
  • "The Intersection of Employment and Social Media," Employment Outlook & Strategy Seminar, October 2, 2012, Birmingham, Michigan
  • Conducted state-mandated sexual harassment training for a major Southern California manufacturer
  • Developed and conducted scenario-based training to management level employees on the implications for the workplace of the various employment laws
  • "How to Handle an Unemployment Claim," WNJ Human Resources Seminar, May 2, 2012, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • "Social Media" and "Advanced Problems with the FLSA," WNJ Human Resources Seminar, May 25, 2011, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • "Social Networking," WNJ Sunrise Webinar Series, October 1, 2010, Grand Rapids, Michigan - Click here for PDF of presentation
  • "Discipline & Recognition," WNJ Human Resources Seminar, March 23, 2010, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • "Practical Strategies for Avoiding Retaliation Claims," WNJ Human Resources Seminar, September 11, 2008, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • "Employment Law 101:  The Basics," WNJ Human Resources Seminar, May 10, 2007, Grand Rapids, Michigan
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