William E. Altman, Employment Attorney in Birmingham, Michigan
Birmingham, MI
Trusted employment attorney serving Birmingham.
Practices in
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Quick answer
William E. Altman is an attorney based in Birmingham, MICHIGAN. The practice focuses on Employment.
- Based in
- Birmingham, MICHIGAN
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Employment
- Handles Employment matters from Birmingham, MICHIGAN.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (2026).
About William E. Altman: William E. Altman is an attorney based in Birmingham, MICHIGAN. The practice focuses on Employment.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by William E. Altman
William concentrates on employment. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment cases in Birmingham, Michigan
William takes employment matters in Birmingham, 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 William agrees to represent you.
Biography
About William E. Altman — Attorney of Michigan employment experience
William E. Altman is an attorney based in Birmingham, MICHIGAN. The practice focuses on Employment.
William Altman practices in the areas of labor, employment, and benefits litigation on behalf of private and public sector employers. He has extensive experience representing employers in cases involving anti-discrimination laws, whistle-blower and retaliation actions, ERISA actions, non-competition agreements, trade secrets, fiduciary duty actions, and class actions. William defends employers in state and federal courts and before state and federal agencies.
He has particular experience defending and advising employers in employee benefits matters. In addition to advising employers in such matters, William has successfully defended employers in ERISA class actions alleging breach of fiduciary duty, discrimination, and denial of benefits. He serves as national benefit litigation counsel for a Detroit automaker. William has also represented employers in single and multiple beneficiary litigation involving the denial of benefits, Qualified Domestic Relations Orders, and declaratory actions to determine beneficiaries.
He also advises employers regarding their obligations under state and federal employment laws, including employment and separation agreements, employment policies, internal investigations, and compliance with state and federal anti-discrimination, wage and hour, and benefits laws.
William is a member of the Labor and Employment Law Sections of the State Bar of Michigan and the American Bar Association, the ABA's Employee Benefits Committee, and the Federal Bar Association.
William has served as an Editor of the Michigan Employment Law Letter since 1997. he also served as a co-author of Employment Law in Michigan, An Employer's Guide, ICLE from 1997 through 2016.William served as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Robert E. DeMascio of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
Working with William on a employment matter
William Altman practices in the areas of labor, employment, and benefits litigation on behalf of private and public sector employers. He has extensive experience representing employers in cases involving anti-discrimination laws, whistle-blower and retaliation actions, ERISA actions, non-competition agreements, trade secrets, fiduciary duty actions, and class actions. William defends employers in…
Who William represents
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment matters in Birmingham and the surrounding Michigan area.
Credentials
William E. Altman's legal education and bar admissions
Michigan State University College of Law
J.D. · 1995
William studied at J.D. in Michigan State University College of Law.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in Michigan State University College of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of William E. Altman
William has received 3 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management (2026).
Locations
William E. Altman's office in Birmingham
William's primary office is at 505 20th Street Suite 815, Birmingham, Michigan, 48009. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of William E. Altman
William has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire William E. Altman — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William'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; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a employment attorney in Birmingham, 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 William
William 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. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William'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 William E. Altman
How much does it cost to hire William for a employment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check William'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. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside Birmingham?
William 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 — William 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 William?
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. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new employment clients right now?
William'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 Birmingham, Detroit and Grand Rapids in Michigan
William 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 William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these employment attorneys in Birmingham handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





