Business Litigation & Employment Law Attorney Serving Oakland County, Michigan
Whether you are an employee whose rights have been violated or a business navigating a complex commercial dispute, having a skilled litigator on your side is essential. Emily K. Catania is a Birmingham-based attorney who represents both individuals and businesses in employment and business litigation matters throughout Oakland County and the greater Metro Detroit area.
Emily approaches every case with a litigation-first mindset — prepared to negotiate aggressively and, when necessary, to take your case to court and fight for the outcome you deserve.
Employment Law — Representing Employees & Employers
Emily K. Catania handles employment disputes from both sides of the table. Whether you are a worker who has been wrongfully treated or a business facing a workplace claim, she has the experience and strategic approach to protect your interests.
Wrongful Termination
Michigan is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can generally terminate employees without providing a reason. However, there are important exceptions. A termination is unlawful when it is based on discrimination, carried out in retaliation for a protected activity, or violates a written or implied employment contract.
If you were fired and believe the termination was illegal, time is critical — there are strict filing deadlines for employment claims in Michigan. Contact Emily as soon as possible to evaluate your case.
Common wrongful termination claims include:
Termination based on race, gender, age, religion, national origin, or disability
Firing in retaliation for reporting illegal activity or workplace violations
Termination after filing a workers' compensation claim
Breach of an employment contract or employee handbook policy
Workplace Discrimination
Federal law and Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act prohibit workplace discrimination based on race, sex, age, religion, national origin, height, weight, marital status, and disability. If you have been passed over for a promotion, demoted, treated differently, or fired because of a protected characteristic, you may have grounds for a discrimination claim.
Emily has the knowledge of both federal and Michigan state law to build a strong case on your behalf — whether before the EEOC, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, or in court.
Retaliation
Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for engaging in a legally protected activity — such as reporting harassment, filing a discrimination complaint, or cooperating with a workplace investigation. Retaliation can take many forms: termination, demotion, reduced hours, negative performance reviews, or a sudden hostile work environment.
Michigan law provides strong protections against retaliation, and Emily is experienced in identifying and pursuing these claims.
Hostile Work Environment & Harassment
A hostile work environment exists when unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic — such as race, gender, or religion — is so severe or pervasive that it alters the conditions of employment. This includes sexual harassment, racial harassment, and other forms of workplace misconduct.
If you have reported the behavior and your employer has failed to act, or if the harassment is coming from a supervisor or manager, you may have a viable legal claim. Emily can help you understand your options and take action.
Wrongful Demotion & Wage Violations
Not all employment claims involve termination. Unlawful demotions, unpaid wages, denial of earned benefits, and violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) are all actionable under Michigan and federal law. If your employer has failed to compensate you fairly or has retaliated against you through a demotion or reduction in pay, Emily can help you pursue the compensation you are owed.
Employer Representation
Emily also represents businesses and employers facing workplace claims. From responding to EEOC complaints and defending against wrongful termination lawsuits to navigating contract disputes and employee handbook compliance, she provides strategic counsel to help businesses protect themselves and resolve disputes efficiently.
Business Litigation in Oakland County
Beyond employment matters, Emily handles a broad range of business and commercial litigation for individuals and companies throughout Michigan.
Contract Disputes
Business relationships are built on contracts — and when one party fails to honor its obligations, the consequences can be significant. Emily represents clients in breach of contract disputes involving service agreements, vendor contracts, partnership agreements, and more. She works to enforce your rights and recover the damages you are owed.
Commercial Disputes & Civil Litigation
From disputes between business partners to claims involving fraud, misrepresentation, or unfair business practices, Emily provides aggressive litigation representation for clients in Oakland County and throughout Michigan. If you have been wronged in a business transaction or commercial relationship, she has the courtroom experience to fight for you.
Why Legal Deadlines Matter in Employment & Business Cases
One of the most important things to understand about employment and business litigation is that strict deadlines apply. In Michigan, the timeframe for filing an employment discrimination claim with the EEOC is typically 300 days from the date of the discriminatory act. Other claims have their own statutes of limitations. Waiting too long — even by a matter of days — can eliminate your ability to pursue a claim entirely.
If you believe your rights have been violated, do not wait to seek legal advice.
Serving Oakland County and Metro Detroit
Emily K. Catania represents clients in Birmingham, Troy, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Pontiac, Waterford, Clarkston, Rochester Hills, Novi, and throughout Oakland County and the greater Metro Detroit area. Both in-person and virtual consultations are available.
Your Rights Are Worth Fighting For
Whether you're an employee who has been wrongfully treated or a business facing a legal dispute, Emily K. Catania is ready to go to bat for you. Contact our office today to discuss your situation and take the first step toward protecting what matters most.