Bio

An attorney in Plunkett Cooney's Labor & Employment Law Practice Group, Brian K. Mitzel concentrates his practice primarily on the defense of clients involved in employment liability litigation and regulatory disputes that result in actions by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Michigan Department of Civil Rights. 

Mr. Mitzel counsels clients on creating legally compliant and practical policies and procedures to support their specific needs and goals. This includes negotiating agreements related to compensation, transition and severance.

In addition to his employment law practice, Mr. Mitzel has extensive experience defending clients, directly and through insurance providers, in matters involving premises liability, property and casualty claims and general liability, as well as professional liability lawsuits brought against architects, engineers and certified public accountants.

Representative Client Work

  • Assisted in a seven-day jury trial involving breach of a non-solicitation agreement that resulted in a favorable judgment for the client
  • Assisted and defended clients in agency claims brought by the Unemployment Insurance Agency and MIOSHA
  • Drafted motions for summary disposition in premises liability cases, successfully arguing application of the open and obvious danger doctrine
  • Assisted in a two-day circuit court bench trial involving a construction materials dispute that resulted in a favorable ruling for the client
  • Assisted in drafting motions to dismiss cases involving claims under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
  • Assisted in drafting a motion for summary judgment in a multi-state insurance coverage claim involving Michigan's owner liability statute that resulted in settlement for a nominal amount

Professional Affiliations

  • State Bar of Michigan

Credentials

Education

  • University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, cum laude, J.D., 2016
  • Wayne State University, cum laude, B.A., 2013

Admissions

  • Michigan, 2017
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, 2017
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan, 2017

Honors/Awards

Honors & Recognitions

  • Michigan Super Lawyer Rising Star in Employment & Labor Law; Michigan Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters publication, 2023 - 2025
  • Law Dean's Scholarship
  • CALI Excellence for the Future Award: Evidence, Environmental Law, and Business Organizations
  • Book Awards: Evidence, Environmental Law, Business Organizations, and Corporate Governance

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