Thomas R. Wurst is a Member of the firm and has been practicing law since 1979. He is named in the "Best Lawyers in America®" for labor and employment law. He is a litigator with a practice focused on representing employers and governmental entities in the defense of employment and civil rights claims. Employment and Labor LawMr. Wurst represents both public and private employers of all sizes. His clients include manufacturers, retailers, counties, municipalities, school districts, medical care facilities, technology companies, service organizations, and non-profit entities. In addition, Mr. Wurst has developed a good working relationship with many insurance companies that provide Employment Practices Liability Insurance to employers. Mr. Wurst also counsels employers on a wide variety of employment-related issues including discrimination, harassment, disability, FMLA, retaliation, and whistleblowing. Knowing that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, Mr. Wurst works with his clients to establish policies and practices that promote an employer's business objectives while reducing the risk of lawsuits. Employment LitigationMr. Wurst has successfully defended employers in hundreds of claims alleging discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, whistleblowers, and intentional injury. He regularly handles cases in the U.S. District Courts for both the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan as well as in all circuit courts in the state of Michigan. Examples include: - Mr. Wurst successfully tried a wrongful discharge case for a large insurance agency. The plaintiff alleged that he was discharged in violation of his written "just cause" employment contract. The jury agreed with Mr. Wurst's argument that the plaintiff had violated the terms of his contract and "just cause" had been established.
- He obtained a no cause verdict in favor of a large grocery store in a reverse discrimination claim. The jury denied the plaintiff's claim in finding that his conduct was egregious and warranted discipline.
- Mr. Wurst successfully defended a public school system in a wrongful discharge/gender discrimination claim. The fact finder concluded that the teacher's conduct warranted termination.
- He successfully defended a municipality in obtaining summary disposition of a claim for wrongful discharge, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
- Mr. Wurst successfully resolved a claim against a car dealership alleging unlawful HIV disclosure.
Mr. Wurst regularly represents employers and non-profit entities before administrative agencies including the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. General LitigationMr. Wurst's practice also includes general litigation, principally for those entities that he has established a working relationship through his employment and civil rights practice. Commonly his cases include claims of personal injury, business torts, breach of contract, or insurance coverage issues. Examples include: - Mr. Wurst also received dismissal of a toxic mold claim pursued against a large roofing company.
- He obtained a very favorable settlement for a non-profit corporation in a wrongful death/accidental drowning case.
Professional Affiliations and ActivitiesMr. Wurst belongs to the American Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, Grand Rapids Bar Association, Michigan Defense Trial Counsel, and Defense Research Institute. He has worked as a volunteer legal advisor with the Michigan Migrant Legal Clinic as well as the Professional Ski Instructors of America-Central Division. Articles and PresentationsMr. Wurst is a frequent speaker on employment and civil rights topics including sexual harassment, disability laws, drug testing, and discrimination. He has authored articles on the topics of sexual harassment, discrimination, disability rights, and Employment Practices Liability Insurance. HonorsMr. Wurst is a Fellow with the Michigan State Bar Foundation. He is listed in the "Best Lawyers in America®" for labor and employment law. Community ActivitiesMr. Wurst has played and/or coached amateur hockey for more than 40 years. He has coached at the high school level and currently donates his time in youth developmental leagues. Mr. Wurst is also a certified ski instructor and serves as volunteer legal advisor to the Professional Ski Instructors of America - Central. He received the P.S.I.A.C. Appreciation Award for his assistance in establishing the P.S.I.A.C. Central Education Foundation. EducationMr. Wurst received his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1976 followed by his law degree from the same institution in 1979. He is admitted to practice in Michigan.Bar Admissions
Michigan, 1979
Education
University of Notre Dame Law School (1979, J.D.)
University of Notre Dame (1976, B.B.A.)
Published Works Authored articles on topics of harassment, employer liability, handicappers' civil rights legislation, and tortious interference with existing contractual relations Professional Associations and Memberships
American Bar Association
State Bar of Michigan
Grand Rapids Bar Association
Michigan Defense Trial Counsel
Defense Research Institute
Named in "The Best Lawyers in America" for Labor and Employment Law
Michigan State Bar Foundation, Fellow
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