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Full Service Law Firm | Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Specializing in the Intersection of Business &amp; Government

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Brian brings strategic business vision to his work representing companies engaged in employment-related disputes, both in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. The focus of Brian’s practice is to deliver positive outcomes in litigation matters, including:

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A trusted advisor, Brian counsels a diverse range of manufacturing, logistics, government, financial and higher education clients of all sizes on labor and employment relations challenges. His expertise encompasses wage and hour compliance, reductions in force, employee leave, employment and separation agreements. He also provides counsel on employee handbooks, harassment and investigation training, and employee discipline.

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Brian is former leader of Michael Best’s Manufacturing industry team. He is involved in state manufacturers associations of Illinois and Wisconsin and warehouse and logistics associations. A thought leader in labor and employment law, he speaks frequently at industry conferences.

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Brian has a strong track record in court and administrative proceedings. He has:

Secured dismissal of a $100 million federal class action that challenged the classification of taxi drivers in Illinois as independent contractors. Brian argued the case successfully in both the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Won federal jury trials for a major metropolitan city on claims of improper termination involving alleged violations of constitutional rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Both cases were before juries in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Achieved dismissal of a $10 million class action discrimination finding by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against a manufacturer of auto parts

Obtained summary judgment on hotel employee’s claim that she was harassed and discriminated against because of her race and terminated in retaliation for complaining. Brian argued the case in both the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Attained dismissal in Cook County Circuit Court of former employee’s claims of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual orientation discrimination

Represented numerous clients before the Illinois Human Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Defeated attempts by former employers to enforce non-compete agreements to prevent clients from hiring new employees and enforced non-competition agreements for clients to prevent departing employees from working for competitors

Counseled clients in responding to cyber-attacks by former employees

Conducted employment related due diligence around the purchases of companies, including the purchase of an information technology business for more than $200 million and the purchase of an international energy business for more than $125 million.

Provided executive succession planning for family owned businesses transitioning leadership from one generation to the next.

Conducted wage and hour audits, including an audit of more than 80 positions and 2,000 people for financial services client.

Defended against an unfair labor practice charge before the National Labor Relations Board where the warehousing client was accused of terminating an employee for supporting union activity.

Brian P. Paul

Credentials

Engagement

Insights

Michael Best Welcomes Rebecca Mordas as Senior Counsel in Labor & Employment Practice

Michael Best Attorneys Earn Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America 2026 List

Michael Best Welcomes Seasoned Employment Litigator David Szwarcsztejn as Partner in Labor & Employment Practice Group

Credentials

Practices

Industries

Education

Admissions

Honors & Recognition

Engagement

Professional

Community

Insights

Michael Best Welcomes Rebecca Mordas as Senior Counsel in Labor & Employment Practice

Michael Best Attorneys Earn Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America 2026 List

Michael Best Welcomes Seasoned Employment Litigator David Szwarcsztejn as Partner in Labor & Employment Practice Group

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