Foley & Lardner LLP: Felicia O’Connor

In the complex and ever-evolving world of labor and employment law, businesses in Michigan, particularly those within the robust automotive and manufacturing sectors, face a constant stream of challenges. From navigating intricate wage and hour regulations to managing employee leave, harassment issues, and union relations, expert legal guidance is not just beneficial—it’s essential. For Michigan employers seeking sophisticated and client-oriented counsel in these critical areas, Felicia O’Connor, a distinguished attorney at Foley & Lardner LLP in Detroit, stands as a highly skilled and experienced resource.

Felicia O’Connor is a respected attorney within Foley & Lardner LLP's prominent Labor & Employment Practice. Her expertise extends across a wide spectrum of issues that impact employers daily. She frequently represents and counsels clients on matters such as wage and hour compliance, the complexities of leave laws including the intersection of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and sensitive topics like sexual harassment and other forms of workplace harassment. Beyond compliance and counseling, Felicia also possesses significant experience in traditional labor relations, offering guidance on union matters, responding to National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) charges, and conducting labor arbitrations.

A notable aspect of Ms. O'Connor's practice is her deep involvement with the manufacturing sector, particularly the automotive industry. As a member of Foley & Lardner's Automotive Industry Team, she brings extensive experience working closely with numerous automotive suppliers and other manufacturers. This specialized industry insight allows her to provide tailored and highly relevant legal solutions that address the unique demands of these vital Michigan industries. Prior to her career in law, Felicia managed a team of website developers spanning three countries for a large technology and information company, providing her with a truly client-oriented perspective. This background equips her to understand business operations from the client's side, enabling her to deliver practical, effective, and efficient legal advice. She is not only a skillful litigator but also a proactive counselor, helping businesses avoid disputes and maintain compliance in a dynamic regulatory environment.

Felicia O’Connor practices at the Detroit office of Foley & Lardner LLP, which is strategically located in a prestigious downtown building, ensuring excellent accessibility for clients across Michigan.

The office address is:

500 Woodward Ave STE 2700, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

Situated in the One Detroit Center at 500 Woodward Avenue, the office is in the heart of Detroit's vibrant central business district. This prime location makes it highly convenient for businesses and individuals from the greater Metro Detroit area and other parts of Michigan to access legal services. Woodward Avenue is a major thoroughfare, and the building is directly on the route of the QLine streetcar, providing an efficient public transportation option. Numerous SMART and DDOT bus lines also serve the immediate vicinity. For those traveling by car, there are ample parking options available in nearby garages, which is a significant advantage in downtown Detroit.

Being on the 27th floor of a prominent skyscraper like the One Detroit Center also provides a professional and commanding presence, reflecting the firm's national standing while serving local Michigan businesses. The central location places Ms. O'Connor in close proximity to major courthouses, regulatory bodies, and a multitude of businesses, fostering an environment conducive to effective legal practice and client service. This accessibility underscores Foley & Lardner LLP's commitment to being a convenient and effective legal partner for Michigan's diverse industrial and commercial landscape.

Felicia O’Connor, as a key attorney in Foley & Lardner LLP's Labor & Employment Practice, offers comprehensive legal services primarily focused on advising and representing employers across a wide range of workforce-related issues. Her expertise is particularly valuable for manufacturing and automotive suppliers, but extends to clients in various other industries. Her services include:

• Wage and Hour Compliance: Providing counsel on federal and state wage and hour laws, including issues related to minimum wage, overtime, classification of employees (exempt vs. non-exempt), and record-keeping, helping companies avoid costly violations.
• Leave Law Compliance: Guiding employers through the complexities of various leave statutes, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its intersection with leave as a reasonable accommodation, and other state-specific leave requirements.
• Workplace Harassment Issues: Advising on the prevention, investigation, and resolution of sexual harassment and other forms of workplace harassment complaints, ensuring compliance with anti-discrimination laws.
• Discrimination and Retaliation Defense: Representing employers in defending against claims of discrimination (e.g., based on age, race, gender, religion) and retaliation, whether before administrative agencies (like the EEOC) or in litigation.
• Traditional Labor Relations: Counseling on union relations, including collective bargaining, union avoidance strategies, responding to unfair labor practice charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and representing clients in labor arbitrations.
• Workforce Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act Compliance: Advising employers on their obligations under the WARN Act regarding plant closings and mass layoffs.
• Employment Litigation: Skillfully litigating labor and employment disputes in federal and state courts, including class actions, to protect employers' interests.
• Employment Policies and Training: Assisting with the development and review of employee handbooks, policies, and conducting training sessions for management and employees on employment law compliance.

Felicia O'Connor's services are designed to provide proactive guidance and robust defense, enabling Michigan businesses to navigate the intricate landscape of labor and employment law effectively.

Felicia O’Connor's practice at Foley & Lardner LLP is marked by several key features and highlights that distinguish her as a leading attorney for labor and employment matters in Michigan:

• Specialized Industry Focus: A significant highlight is her deep expertise and active membership in Foley's Automotive Industry Team. She has extensive experience collaborating with automotive suppliers and other manufacturers, providing tailored legal solutions that address the specific challenges and regulatory environment of these crucial Michigan sectors.
• Client-Oriented Perspective: Prior to her legal career, Felicia managed a global team for a technology and information company. This invaluable business background gives her a "very client-oriented perspective," enabling her to understand client needs from their operational standpoint and deliver practical, business-savvy legal advice.
• Comprehensive Labor & Employment Skill Set: Her practice covers a broad and critical range of labor and employment issues, including complex areas like wage and hour compliance, ADA/FMLA intersections, workplace harassment, traditional labor relations, and litigating employment disputes. This breadth of knowledge makes her a versatile asset for employers.
• Skillful Litigator: Felicia is noted as a "skillful litigator" within Foley's Labor & Employment Practice, indicating her capability to effectively represent clients in court and administrative proceedings when disputes escalate.
• Active Contributor to Legal Thought: Her track record of co-authoring articles for publications like Thomson Reuters® Westlaw® Journal and presenting on timely topics such as "The Impact of COVID-19 in the Workplace" and "#MeToo And The New Realities Of Workplace Harassment" demonstrates her engagement with and contributions to the evolving legal landscape.
• Admitted to Multiple Jurisdictions: Her admissions to practice in Michigan, the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, the Northern District of Indiana, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit underscore her ability to represent clients across relevant regional and federal jurisdictions.
• Part of a National Powerhouse Firm: Being a partner at Foley & Lardner LLP, a firm with a nearly two-century history and a national footprint, means clients benefit from the collective knowledge, resources, and extensive network of a top-tier legal institution.

These highlights position Felicia O’Connor as a highly capable, insightful, and strategic legal partner for Michigan employers navigating the complexities of labor and employment law.

As a highly respected and experienced attorney within a large, national law firm like Foley & Lardner LLP, Felicia O’Connor and the firm do not typically offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense. The value provided by top-tier legal counsel in complex areas like labor and employment law stems from their deep expertise, strategic insight, and proven ability to deliver effective solutions.

However, clients who engage with Felicia O’Connor and Foley & Lardner LLP benefit from several inherent advantages that can be considered valuable "offers":

• Strategic Proactive Counsel: Instead of reactive "specials," the firm offers proactive guidance designed to help businesses avoid costly litigation and compliance issues. This preventative approach, while an investment, often saves significant resources in the long run, acting as a valuable "offer" in terms of risk mitigation and cost avoidance.
• Industry-Specific Insight: Felicia O’Connor's specialized focus on the automotive and manufacturing sectors means clients receive highly tailored advice that considers the unique challenges and regulations of their specific industry. This deep, relevant insight is a form of specialized value not typically found in generic legal services.
• Access to Extensive Resources: As part of Foley & Lardner LLP, clients benefit from the vast resources of a national firm with over 1,100 lawyers across multiple offices. This access to collective knowledge, specialized teams, and cutting-edge legal technology enhances the quality and efficiency of the legal services provided.
• Thought Leadership and Up-to-Date Knowledge: Felicia's role as an author and presenter on current labor and employment topics ensures that clients receive advice based on the most recent legal developments and best practices.

Businesses and employers in Michigan interested in leveraging Felicia O’Connor's expertise are encouraged to contact Foley & Lardner LLP directly to discuss their specific labor and employment law needs. This direct conversation will allow for an assessment of your situation and an understanding of how her specialized counsel can best support your business objectives.

To connect with Felicia O’Connor at Foley & Lardner LLP for expert legal counsel regarding labor and employment matters in Michigan, please use the following contact details:

Address: 500 Woodward Ave STE 2700, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

Phone: (313) 234-7172

Mobile Phone: +1 313-234-7172

Calling the primary phone number during business hours is the most direct way to reach the Detroit office of Foley & Lardner LLP and inquire about scheduling a consultation with Felicia O’Connor. Located in the prominent One Detroit Center on Woodward Avenue, her office is easily accessible for businesses and employers across the Michigan region. This direct line of communication is your first step towards securing sophisticated and practical legal guidance for your labor and employment needs.

For businesses and employers throughout Michigan, particularly those in the vital automotive and manufacturing industries, engaging with Felicia O’Connor at Foley & Lardner LLP in Detroit is an exceptionally suitable and strategic choice. Her suitability for locals stems from a powerful combination of specialized expertise, practical business understanding, and convenient accessibility within the state.

Firstly, her deep immersion and active role within Foley & Lardner's Automotive Industry Team mean that she speaks the language of Michigan's core economic drivers. This specialized insight allows her to provide highly relevant and effective legal solutions that are precisely tailored to the unique challenges faced by local manufacturers and suppliers, from the intricacies of production schedules to workforce management in a competitive landscape.

Secondly, her background in technology and information management prior to law school provides her with a genuinely "client-oriented perspective." For Michigan business owners, this means receiving legal advice that is not just theoretically sound but also practical, actionable, and aligned with their operational realities and financial goals. She understands the business side of things, making her advice more resonant and effective for local enterprises.

Finally, the Detroit office's prime location in the One Detroit Center on Woodward Avenue offers unparalleled accessibility for Michiganders. Whether commuting from within Metro Detroit or from other parts of the state, the office is easily reachable via major roadways and public transport, underscoring the firm's commitment to serving its local clientele efficiently. For Michigan businesses seeking proactive, sophisticated, and industry-aware legal counsel in labor and employment matters, Felicia O’Connor provides a comprehensive and locally-attuned solution.