Anne Widlak, Employment Attorney in Detroit, Michigan
Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Employment and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Partner
Detroit, MI
Practicing employment in Detroit since 1983.
- 43+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Anne Widlak?
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Quick answer
Anne Widlak is a partner based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation. Anne has over 43 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Detroit, MI
- Experience
- over 43 years
- Known for
- Employment · Litigation
- Handles Employment and Litigation matters from Detroit, MI.
- Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Anne Widlak: Anne Widlak is a partner based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation. Anne has over 43 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Anne takes on
Anne concentrates on employment and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Anne handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment cases in Detroit, Michigan
Anne takes employment matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Anne agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Detroit, Michigan
Anne takes litigation matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Anne agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Anne Widlak — employment lawyer in Detroit
Anne Widlak is a partner based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation. Anne has over 43 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Over the course of 35 years, Anne Widlak has developed a specialty in management side employment law as both a litigator and a counselor. She provides preventive counseling to employers of all sizes, advising in-house counsel, human resources professionals and other managers about a wide variety of employment issues in the workplace. She also has drafted numerous employee handbooks, provided training on multiple employment topics, and performed independent investigations of workplace complaints of harassment and discrimination.
Ms. Widlak has also forcefully and successfully defended cases in state and federal courts involving a comprehensive array of claims, including workplace harassment; discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, national origin and other protected categories; retaliation; violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act; wrongful discharge; intentional interference with an at will employment relationship and others. She has extensive experience representing employers in the defense of discrimination charges filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.
• Elected a Fellow of The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers. Election as a Fellow is the highest recognition by one’s colleagues of sustained outstanding performance in the profession, exemplifying integrity, dedication and excellence.
• Achieved an “AV” Preeminent (5.0 out of 5) peer rating by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest ranking for ethical standards and legal ability.
• Named one of DBusiness Magazine's Top Lawyers for 2016.
• Included by Martindale-Hubbell in its 2018 Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers™.
• Selected as one of Michigan’s Super Lawyers for 2018. Super Lawyers is a research-driven, peer-influenced rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
• Selected by Martindale-Hubbell to be included in its 2015 Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers™.
• Chosen by Hour Detroit magazine as a Top Woman Attorney for 2014.
• Named as a 2013 Top Rated Lawyer in Labor and Employment by American Lawyer Media and Martindale-Hubbell.
• One of 25 Michigan "Leaders in the Law," Michigan Lawyers Weekly, 2012.
• Named a Fellow of Litigation Counsel of America (LCA). The LCA is a trial lawyer honorary society composed of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. Fellowship in the LCA is highly selective and by invitation only. Fellows are selected based upon effectiveness and accomplishment in litigation, both at the trial and appellate levels, and superior ethical reputation.
• Has served as a Panel Chairperson/Member for 20 years at the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board, the adjudicative arm of the Michigan Supreme Court for the discharge of its exclusive constitutional responsibility to supervise and discipline Michigan attorneys.
How Anne handles employment matters
Over the course of 35 years, Anne Widlak has developed a specialty in management side employment law as both a litigator and a counselor. She provides preventive counseling to employers of all sizes, advising in-house counsel, human resources professionals and other managers about a wide variety of employment issues in the workplace. She also has drafted numerous employee handbooks, provided…
Who Anne represents
Anne reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment and litigation matters in Detroit and the surrounding Michigan area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Wayne State University Law School
J.D. · 1983
Georgetown University
B.A. English · 1974
Jurisdictions
Anne's state bar admissions
Michigan U.S. Distri
1983 · ACTIVE
Anne studied at J.D. in Wayne State University Law School and B.A. English in Georgetown University.
Law school and academic background
Anne completed J.D. in Wayne State University Law School and B.A. English in Georgetown University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Anne runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Anne has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Anne's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of Michigan (Chair, Litigation Section, 2002-2003 Member, Employment Law Section) Macomb County Bar Association
membership
Locations
Anne Widlak's office in Detroit
Anne's primary office is at 1 Unknown, Detroit, MI, 48207. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Anne Widlak — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Anne. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing employment attorneys in Detroit.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Anne Widlak claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Anne Widlak — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Anne usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Anne charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Anne's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Anne will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a employment attorney in Detroit, Michigan
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Anne
Anne discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Anne confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Anne's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Anne Widlak
How much does it cost to hire Anne for a employment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Anne walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Anne offer a free consultation?
Anne charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Anne's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check Anne's current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple employment matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Anne gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Anne take my case if I'm outside Detroit?
Anne is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Anne will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Anne?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Anne will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Anne accepting new employment clients right now?
Anne's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Employment attorneys serving Detroit, Grand Rapids and Southfield in Michigan
Anne handles employment matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated employment attorneys in Michigan
If Anne's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these employment attorneys in Detroit handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
