Barry S. Fagan

Contact Information

Areas Of Practice

Barry S. Fagan

Barry S. Fagan is a leading attorney and recognized expert in the fields of employment law and civil rights litigation in Michigan. At his law firm, Fagan McManus, P.C., he uses his extensive experience and deep commitment to justice to fight for those facing workplace discrimination and civil rights abuses. His legal career spans several decades, during which he has represented numerous clients in high-stakes cases involving employment discrimination, sexual harassment, whistleblower claims, and other civil rights violations.

Mr. Fagan has earned a reputation for achieving remarkable outcomes for his clients, including significant jury verdicts and million-dollar settlements. His success stems from his robust understanding of the law and persistent dedication to his clients’ rights.

As a key figure in legal circles, Barry also dedicates time to educating other lawyers by frequently lecturing at seminars and contributing to important discussions on trial skills and employment discrimination. His leadership extends beyond the courtroom, as he holds influential roles within professional legal associations and continuously strives to advance the field of employment law.

Career Highlights, Legal Accomplishments, and Practice Areas

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Fagan has achieved significant legal victories that underscore his expertise and dedication to justice. He has successfully represented clients in a range of discrimination cases and secured substantial jury verdicts and settlements that reflect his skill and commitment. For example, Barry won a $650,000 jury verdict in a disability discrimination case and a $500,000 verdict in an age discrimination case. His strategic approach and thorough preparation also resulted in a $7.8 million settlement in a collective action age discrimination case.

Educational Background

Mr. Fagan earned his Bachelor of Science degree with honors from Michigan State University in 1979, where he studied labor and industrial relations. He then pursued his Juris Doctor at Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, Michigan, from which he graduated in 1982. Mr. Fagan was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan later that same year.

Professional Affiliations and Roles

Mr. Fagan holds memberships and leadership roles in various prestigious legal organizations, including:

State Bar of Michigan, Labor and Employment Section, member
Federal Bar Association, member
American Association for Justice, member
Oakland Bar Association, member
National Employment Lawyers Association, member
Michigan Association for Justice, current executive board member (20 years)
Michigan Association for Justice, co-chair – Employment Discrimination and Civil Rights Committee (2005-2015)
Michigan Association for Justice, Chair Justice PAC (2015-2023)
Michigan Association for Justice, member of the executive committee (2015-2023)
Elected as a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers in 2020

Lectures and Publications

Mr. Fagan has actively shared his extensive knowledge and experience by lecturing at seminars and contributing to key publications in the field of employment law. His notable contributions include:

Moderator for “The Ultimate Trial Notebook for Employment Attorneys” at the Michigan Association for Justice, a seminar designed to enhance trial preparation skills
Instructor at the Trial Advocacy Workshop, where he taught trial practice skills to other attorneys
Speaker on “Proving Damages in Employment Discrimination Cases” at the ICLE seminar, providing strategies to effectively represent clients
Presenter on “Investigating the Egregious Harassment Case” at the ICLE Annual Labor and Employment Institute, offering guidance on handling severe harassment allegations
Lecturer on “The Ten Biggest Mistakes My Opponents Make” at the ICLE Annual Labor and Employment Institute, highlighting common errors in opposing legal strategies
Contributing author to “Attorney Fee Agreements in Michigan,” particularly on employment retainer agreements, published by ICLE

Awards and Recognitions

Mr. Fagan’s excellence in the legal field has been recognized through numerous awards and accolades that highlight his proficiency and ethical standards:

“AV Preeminent” rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer review rating for ethical standards and legal ability
Annual recognition as a “Michigan Super Lawyer” in employment litigation since 2007, a testament to his professional reputation and skills
Selected for “The Best Lawyers in America” in Employment Law – Individuals and Litigation – Labor and Employment since 2010
Named “Lawyer of the Year” in Employment Law – Individuals by The Best Lawyers in America for 2019
Recognized by DBusiness Magazine as one of the “Top Lawyers” in Labor & Employment Law in 2024 and 2025
Recognized annually in “Leading Lawyers” since 2015
Elected as a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers in 2020

Legal Philosophy and Approach

Mr. Fagan’s approach to law is rooted in his deep commitment to fairness and justice. He believes that every person deserves access to strong representation, especially in the face of difficult workplace issues. Mr. Fagan takes the time to thoroughly understand each case he handles to ensure he can advocate effectively for his clients. He works hard to communicate clearly and promptly to keep his clients informed throughout their legal journeys. In every case, Mr. Fagan aims to resolve conflicts in a fair manner, often using mediation to avoid lengthy litigation when possible. His focus is always on achieving positive outcomes while upholding the highest standards of integrity and compassion.