Referrals

Attorney Referrals

Employment law cases are complicated, as they often turn on complex legal issues and may involve local, state, and federal laws covering everything from discrimination to sexual harassment and fair wages. Not all Detroit-area lawyers have the knowledge and experience to handle these cases and reach a successful resolution for their clients.

Fagan McManus, P.C. gladly welcomes referrals from other attorneys. Lawyers throughout Michigan recognize our deep knowledge of employment law disputes and our record of success in these cases. We can provide the skilled and dedicated representation your client needs. We also serve as co-counsel for other attorneys who want assistance in this highly technical area of the law, and also regularly serve as local counsel for law firms based in another state. If you refer a client to us, we’ll provide the same zealous representation we bring to all our cases. Contact us today to learn more.

Why Should You Refer Your Employment Law Case to Fagan McManus, P.C.?

You need a battle-tested, proven legal partner if you have an employment law case that requires specialized expertise. Here are some reasons to refer your clients to our firm:

We Have In-Depth Knowledge and Experience: We focus exclusively on employment law, giving us insights and experience you won’t find at other firms. Our attorneys have extensive experience with complex employment litigation and know how to help your clients find justice.
We Have a Track Record of Success: With over 35 years of dedicated service, our firm has built a reputation for excellence and a record of success serving Michigan workers in employment disputes. We have secured significant jury verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients, demonstrating our commitment to achieving justice.
We Are Recognized Leaders in Our Field: Our attorneys are acknowledged leaders in the legal community. Barry S. Fagan has been selected as a Michigan “Super Lawyer” annually since 2007 and has been included in “The Best Lawyers in America” in the field of labor and employment law since 2010. Likewise, Attorney Jennifer Lossia McManus has been selected as a Michigan “Super Lawyer” and also been selected for inclusion in “The Best Lawyers in America” in the field of labor and employment law. Attorney Ryan Kobernick has recently been selected as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyer and “One to Watch” by Best Lawyers in America.
We Take a Collaborative Approach: We value the relationships we build with referring attorneys and prioritize open communication and collaboration. Our firm is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards and making sure your clients receive the dedicated representation they deserve.
We Focus on Our Clients: Given the sensitive nature of employment disputes, we approach each case with empathy and professionalism. Our attorneys take the time to listen to your clients’ concerns, provide clear guidance, and develop tailored strategies to meet their unique needs.
We Have Considerable Resources: We have the resources to handle the most challenging employment law cases. We conduct thorough investigations, engage expert witnesses when needed, and utilize advanced legal research tools to build compelling cases for our clients.
We Are Committed to Justice: We are passionate about advocating for employees’ rights and holding employers accountable for unlawful actions. Our firm is dedicated to achieving favorable outcomes for clients, whether through negotiation or litigation.

Employment Law Cases We Handle

Our firm handles many types of employment law cases, including:

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Disputes
Workplace discrimination claims (age discrimination, racial discrimination, Americans with Disabilities Act violations, etc.)
Sexual harassment claims
Severance agreement negotiations
Wage and hour disputes
Workplace retaliation claims

Rules For Attorney Referrals In Michigan

While Michigan-based attorneys likely know and follow the state’s rules for attorney referrals, you might not know the rules and procedures if your practice is in a different state. Here’s what the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct say about attorney referrals:

Fee Division Between Attorneys (Rule 1.5(e)): A division of a fee between lawyers who are not in the same firm is permitted only if the client is advised of and does not object to the participation of all lawyers involved. Furthermore, the total fee the client pays must be reasonable. Notably, Michigan does not require that the division of fees be proportional to the services performed by each attorney, but it does require client notification and consent.
Client Consent: Before an attorney refers a client to another lawyer and shares in the fee, they must ensure the client is informed of and agrees to the referral arrangement. The referring attorney does not need to disclose the specific percentage or amount of the fee being shared.
Reasonableness of Fees: Any fee division must be part of a total fee that is reasonable under the circumstances. A fee is considered unreasonable if it is clearly excessive related to the work performed, the results obtained, or the prevailing legal market.
Joint Responsibility for the Case: Although Michigan does not explicitly require that referring attorneys perform substantive work in the case, they may still be held responsible for the quality of the legal services provided. Attorneys who refer clients should make sure the receiving lawyer is competent in handling the matter.
No Unreasonable Referral Agreements: Attorneys cannot enter into a referral agreement that would improperly limit the referred client’s rights or options. For example, a referring attorney cannot make a referral conditional upon the client waiving their right to pursue legal remedies against either attorney.
Confidentiality Considerations (Rule 1.6): When making a referral, attorneys must be careful not to disclose confidential client information without the client’s informed consent. This includes case details that are not publicly known.
Prohibition on Referral Fees for Non-Lawyers (Rule 5.4(a)): Michigan law strictly prohibits attorneys from sharing legal fees with non-lawyers, which means referral fees can only be paid to attorneys in accordance with Rule 1.5(e). Any arrangement with non-lawyers for case referrals would violate ethical rules.

What You Get By Referring Your Clients To Us

Attorneys across Michigan regularly turn to Fagan McManus, P.C. for help with their employment law cases. Here’s what you get when you partner with our firm:

Peace of Mind: When you refer a client to Fagan McManus, P.C., you can trust that their case is in the hands of seasoned employment law attorneys. We take a meticulous approach to case preparation and explore every legal avenue to achieve a positive outcome for your client.
Opportunities for Co-Counsel and Referral Fees: If you want to stay involved in the case, we are happy to discuss co-counsel arrangements. If you prefer a hands-off referral, we honor standard referral fee agreements in accordance with Michigan’s professional conduct rules.
Regular Case Updates: We maintain clear and open communication with referring attorneys. We’ll inform you about significant case developments so that you remain in the loop without needing to manage the day-to-day legal work.
A Commitment to Protecting Your Client Relationships: Your clients will receive the same level of professionalism and care that you provide. We take great care to make sure our representation reflects positively on you and strengthens your relationship with your client.
Resources for Complex Litigation: Employment law disputes often require extensive discovery, expert witnesses, and aggressive litigation tactics. Our firm has the experience and resources to handle all the steps of high-stakes cases, from negotiations to trial.
Respect for Your Role in the Process: Whether you refer clients regularly or only occasionally, we respect and appreciate the trust you place in us. We work to make the referral experience seamless and rewarding for you and your clients.

Contact Us Now

If you have a client with an employment law issue whom you would like to refer to us, we’re ready to discuss the case and see if we can work together. Call Fagan McManus, P.C. now or complete our contact form to learn more.