Ayad Law represents employees throughout Southeast Michigan in discrimination, harassment, and retaliation cases against private employers and public agencies, including grievance appeals by state civil service employees.
Claims we handle
- Discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability
- Hostile work environment and harassment
- Retaliation for reporting discrimination or participating in an investigation
- Failure to accommodate religious practices or disabilities
- Wrongful termination
- Michigan Civil Service Commission grievances and appeals for state employees
Michigan and federal protections
Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) covers employers of every size and allows employees to go directly to court, generally within three years. The Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act protects employees with disabilities. Federal law, including Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, adds further protection, but federal claims usually require filing a charge with the EEOC first, generally within 300 days in Michigan. Choosing the right forum early can make a significant difference in the outcome.
What to do now
- Save emails, texts, schedules, performance reviews, and your termination notice
- Write a timeline of what happened while it is fresh
- Do not sign a severance agreement or release before a lawyer reviews it
- Keep any complaint you made to HR and the response
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to file with the EEOC before suing in Michigan?
Not for claims under Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which can be filed directly in court. Federal claims such as Title VII generally require an EEOC charge first. Many cases include both.
What counts as retaliation?
Retaliation is any materially adverse action taken because you complained about discrimination, supported a coworker's complaint, or participated in an investigation. Retaliation claims can succeed even when the underlying discrimination claim is hard to prove.
My employer offered me severance. Should I sign?
Have an attorney review it first. Severance agreements usually include a release of discrimination claims, and once signed it may be difficult to undo.
I am a State of Michigan employee. Can you help with a grievance?
Yes. We represent state employees in grievance appeals before the Michigan Civil Service Commission.