Robert J. Finkel is an attorney with more than 50 years of experience in the field of labor and employment law. He is one of the founding members of the firm, which was formed in 1984.

Bob was admitted to practice law in Michigan in 1969. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan (B.A.), his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University (J.D.), and his Master of laws in labor law from New York University (L.L.M.). 

Bob has argued cases before various state circuit, appeals and supreme courts and federal circuit and district courts, as well as representation and unfair labor practice cases before the National Labor Relations Board and Michigan Employment Relations Commission.  He also has appeared before the Michigan Employment Security Commission and Michigan Department of Civil Rights, as well as agencies in other states and jurisdictions involving labor, employment, discrimination and health and safety issues.  In addition to his representation in the private and public sectors in numerous and varied forums involving labor law, all types of employment discrimination issues and wrongful discharge cases, he has been appointed and served as a labor arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association since 1978, mediated numerous individual employment disputes and has been a hearing referee for the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.

During his over 50 years of practice he has negotiated and/or served as labor counsel in hundreds of collective bargaining situations in the states of Michigan, Ohio, Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, California, Maryland, South Dakota, Nevada and Indiana with various international and local labor organizations.  Bob also has drafted, analyzed and revised all types of employee handbooks, applications, employment policies and procedures, employment contracts, separation and settlement agreements as well as plant closing and retention agreements.

Bob has lectured extensively on the subject of labor law on behalf of the Institute of Continuing Legal Education, the National Labor Relations Board and American Arbitration Association as well as for various private organizations.  He is a member of the Labor Relations Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, Labor and Employment Law Section of the American Bar Association and a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers since 2001.

Bob is listed in Martindale-Hubbell’s Bar Register of Pre-Eminent Lawyers that have earned the AV Peer Review Rating. This demonstrates that a lawyer has reached the height of professional excellence, demonstrating that he has practiced law for many years and is recognized by his peers for the highest level of skill and integrity.