In Memoriam James Alfred White (1939-2024) One of the key founding members of the White Schneider family has unfortunately passed away. Jim White was simply one of the most pleasurable people to be around. Known for his quick wit, beaming smile, and gentle spirit, he was a mentor to many, both professionally and in life. His presence will be missed in many circles. A proud graduate of Alma College, Jim earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, cum laude. He obtained his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School and began his legal career in 1964, spending almost 25 years working in private practice before he and other co-workers left to found the genesis of our Firm in… [Read more...]

We are happy to announce as of May 1, 2023, White Schneider and Nickelhoff & Widick, PLLC will be starting an of counsel relationship.  We are excited to be connected to one of Michigan’s preeminent labor law firms.  Andy Nickelhoff, Marshall Widick, and John Runyan practice in Detroit and represent unions across the State.  All of them are widely respected in labor and employment law.  Our connection will assist us in continuing to provide quality labor and employment law services to our clients.  [Read more...]

As of January 2021, co-founder and namesake Jim White will be moving to Emeritus status with the State Bar.  This is an official step to retirement for those practicing law.  Those of us at White Schneider PC are proud to have been a part of his remarkable career spanning the last 50+ years of practicing.  Jim has argued cases up through both the highest state and federal courts as a steadfast advocate for his clients.  Even his opponents would agree he maintained the highest level of class in doing so.  In attaining Emeritus status, his legacy in the legal community remains outstanding.  Congratulations to Jim as he moves into his next chapter – it is well deserved! [Read more...]

Since the beginning of the pandemic, almost everyone's employment has changed.  Congress enacted several pieces of legislation to protect workers during this tumultuous time.  Erin Hopper Donahue was interviewed for WLAJ on two of these new Acts. The Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act https://www.wlns.com/my-abc-is-wlaj-53/my-legal/my-legal-emergency-family-medical-leave-act/ The Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act https://www.wlns.com/my-abc-is-wlaj-53/my-legal/my-legal-paid-sick-leave/   [Read more...]

With so much changing in employment, we know a lot of people have questions.  Here are some useful links for employees and employers regarding COVID-19.  If you have further questions, please email any of our attorneys directly.  Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Expands employee coverage under FMLA and provides for emergency paid sick leave. Took effect April 2, 2020 and expires December 31, 2020. H.R. 6201   Questions and answers about the FFCRA https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions   Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Guidance On March 19, 2020, the EEOC issued guidance on rights and obligations under the under the Americans With Disabilities Act in the face of an epidemic or pandemic: https://www.eeoc.gov/facts/pandemic_flu.html?mc_cid=0f5c4e93d9&mc_eid=8417e26563#q6   Occupational and Safety Health Act (OSHA) Guidance on Preparing… [Read more...]

During these uncertain times, White Schneider remains committed to meeting your labor and employment, family law, estate planning, and other legal needs.  Although our office building is temporarily closed, our attorneys and staff are working remotely, and are available to assist with any issues that may arise.  Please feel free to contact any of our attorneys directly. Jeff Donahue                  jdonahue@whiteschneider.com Tim Dlugos                      tdlugos@whiteschneider.com Erin Hopper Donahue  edonahue@whiteschneider.com Andy Gordon                  agordon@whiteschneider.com John Maise                     jmaise@whiteschneider.com Aubree Kugler               akugler@whiteschneider.com Karen Bush Schneider… [Read more...]

On October 15, 2019, Jeff Donahue was welcomed to the ranks of the Fellows of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers within the Sixth Circuit at a reception held in the beautifully renovated Detroit Room of the Theodore Levin Federal Courthouse in Detroit.  Jeff will be formally inducted into the College at its annual dinner in November in Beverly Hills, California. Nominees for Fellow of the College, the highest honorary college in the labor and employment law field, must demonstrate 20 or more years of sustained excellence in labor and employment law, contributions to the development of the law through publications and presentations, mentoring of junior lawyers, and adherence to the College’s long-standing Civility and Professional Principles. [Read more...]

White Schneider is proud to announce that on June 8, 2019, Jeff Donahue was elected as a Fellow to The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers.  The College states "election as a Fellow is the highest recognition by one's colleagues of sustained outstanding performance in the profession, exemplifying integrity, dedication and excellence."  The College was established in 1995 as a free standing organization recognizing those who, by long and outstanding service, have distinguished themselves as leaders in the field and is represented by more than 1,400 members in 46 states, DC, Puerto Rico and 8 Canadian Provinces.  Jeff's election followed a nomination and support by several well-respected colleagues in the field, with whom he has had the privilege to work… [Read more...]

White Schneider is happy and honored to report the major victory for Michigan school employees on the seven-year long litigation to return more than a half billion dollars illegally taken from school employees in the long-running "3%" case.  By Order dated December 20, 2017, the Michigan Supreme Court unanimously upheld lower court rulings that found the withholding to be illegal on a variety of constitutional grounds.  Logistics will need to be determined for how school employees will receive the refund of over $550 million that has been held in escrow since 2010-2012.  White Schneider remains a part of that process.  Anyone who worked in Michigan schools in the affected time period from 2010 through 2012, and had the 3 percent… [Read more...]

We are excited to announce that White Schneider is Old Town’s newest resident. Come visit us at our new office in the Grand Center on Turner Street, and help us enjoy the beautiful Grand River from our balcony.  White Schneider is proud to be part of this invigorating new neighborhood. [Read more...]