FN-4254564 MN-4254564 LN-4254564, Esq.
Birmingham, Michigan
Kostopoulos Rodriguez, PLLC - Of Counsel
Of Counsel, Kostopoulos Rodriguez PLLC, 2022-Present; Senior Counsel, The Sharp Firm, 2013-2022; Partner, Pitt McGehee Palmer Rivers & Golden PC, 2007-2013; Partner, Sommers Schwartz PC, 1985-2007; Owner, Law Offices of Joseph A. Golden, 1978-1985; Partner, Craig Fieger & Golden, 1970-1978; Staff Attorney, Wayne County Neighborhood Legal Services, 1968-1970.
First 18 months of career devoted to representation of indigent individuals under federal poverty program – Office of Economic Opportunity. In 1970, joined Craig & Fieger, who were General Counsel to the Michigan Federation of Teachers. Spent the next eight years primarily representing teacher locals in contract negotiations, grievance hearings and other matters before administrative tribunals and state courts.
In 1978, established own practice continuing involvement with Labor Law while benefitting from the Michigan Supreme Court decision of Toussaint v Blue Cross Blue Shield in 1980 creating a cause of action for individual employees whose employment relationships created the newly established exceptions to employment at will. In 1991, testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Labor & Education Committee on the proposed Civil Rights Bill of 1991. At the time, President of the National Employment Lawyers Association. Passage of the Civil Rights Bill created jury trials for Title VII Claims and moved the practice to one of Federal Court Litigation where it remains to this day.
Served as Mediator since mid-1980’s. Major experience stems from 55 years of settling and litigating nearly 2,000 disputes. Without a clear understanding of the problems and perspective on the other side of the negotiating table, a plaintiff’s attorney cannot successfully represent a client.
Expertise with issues involving: disability, employee benefits, discrimination (age, ethnicity, gender, national origin, sexual orientation), ERISA, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), independent contractor disputes, harassment, misclassification, pregnancy/maternity/paternity, retaliation, severance, Title VII, wage and hour, whistleblower.
In 1978, established own practice continuing involvement with Labor Law while benefitting from the Michigan Supreme Court decision of Toussaint v Blue Cross Blue Shield in 1980 creating a cause of action for individual employees whose employment relationships created the newly established exceptions to employment at will. In 1991, testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Labor & Education Committee on the proposed Civil Rights Bill of 1991. At the time, President of the National Employment Lawyers Association. Passage of the Civil Rights Bill created jury trials for Title VII Claims and moved the practice to one of Federal Court Litigation where it remains to this day.
Served as Mediator since mid-1980’s. Major experience stems from 55 years of settling and litigating nearly 2,000 disputes. Without a clear understanding of the problems and perspective on the other side of the negotiating table, a plaintiff’s attorney cannot successfully represent a client.
Expertise with issues involving: disability, employee benefits, discrimination (age, ethnicity, gender, national origin, sexual orientation), ERISA, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), independent contractor disputes, harassment, misclassification, pregnancy/maternity/paternity, retaliation, severance, Title VII, wage and hour, whistleblower.
Mediations focused on Labor and Employment conflicts. Over a career of 55 years mediated over 50 cases.
Title VII; ADA; ADEA; Michigan Civil Rights Act.
I believe that subject matter expertise and an understanding of how a jury would view the conflict are paramount in being able to successfully mediate a dispute. Over 55 years of litigation experience in labor and employment disputes is invaluable.
University of Detroit (JD-1967); Wayne State University (BS, Business Administration-1962).
Admitted to the Bar: Michigan (1968); US District Court: Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan; US Court of Appeals: 6th, 3rd Circuit. US Supreme Court.
American Bar Association; National Employment Lawyers Association; State of Michigan Bar Association; Michigan Association for Justice; Michigan Employment Lawyers Association.
Currently contracted to write the definitive publication on ‘Michigan Employment Law’ published by Matthew Bender & Company, Inc.
$425 Per Hour
English
United States of America
Birmingham, MI
The AAA’s Rules provide the AAA with the authority to administer a mediation including, mediator appointment, general oversight and billing. Accordingly, mediations that proceed without AAA administration are not considered AAA mediations, even when the parties select an mediator who is on the AAA’s Roster.
The information contained in this resume has been supplied solely by the individual mediator and may, or may not, be a complete recitation of their experience. The AAA assumes no responsibility for the content, completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information contained in a mediator’s resume. If you have any questions about a mediator’s experience or background, you are encouraged to contact your case manager.
Mediators on the AAA Roster are not employees or agents of the AAA.
The information contained in this resume has been supplied solely by the individual mediator and may, or may not, be a complete recitation of their experience. The AAA assumes no responsibility for the content, completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information contained in a mediator’s resume. If you have any questions about a mediator’s experience or background, you are encouraged to contact your case manager.
Mediators on the AAA Roster are not employees or agents of the AAA.
