|
Prior to joining Dykema Mr. Gordon was Chief Deputy Attorney General for the State of Michigan. He had responsibility for all operations of the office including human resources, budget, legislative liaison, communications, and oversight of all law divisions, consisting of approximately 300 attorneys.
Before his appointment as Chief Deputy, Mr. Gordon was Governmental Affairs Bureau Chief, responsible for overseeing the Public Employment, Elections, and Tort Division, Transportation Division, Highway Negligence Division, Corrections Division, Labor Division, and Civil Rights Division. While Bureau Chief, he continued to actively litigate election related cases and to act as the general counsel for the Department of State in all election, campaign finance and lobby law related matters.
His 30 years with the Attorney General included litigation of utility, environmental, tort, employment and discrimination cases in addition to drafting of opinions, legislation, and rules.
Experience
Over 20 years as general counsel to the Michigan Board of State Canvassers and the Department of State on all election, campaign finance and lobby law matters.
As Chief Deputy Attorney General, acted as the policy and legal advisor to the Attorney General with direct oversight of the opinions and appellate operations as well as overseeing significant state litigation.
Over 20 years in charge of defense of all employment discrimination cases brought by Executive, Judicial and Legislative Branch employees against the State of Michigan in federal and state courts, before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Michigan Civil Rights Commission.
Day-to-day legal advice on all employment and labor issues including termination, hiring, Americans with Disability Act, Michigan Persons with Disabilities Act, Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to the Executive, Judicial and Legislative Branches of State Government.
Has drafted and edited opinions of the Attorney General, written scores of appellate briefs, and argued cases before the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, the Michigan Supreme Court, the Michigan Court of Appeals, and has drafted briefs for filing with the United States Supreme Court.
Successfully led the State of Michigan's defense of its congressional redistricting plan subsequent to the 2000 decennial census.
Successful led the defense and argued in the Michigan Supreme Court, the constitutionality of the state's 2000 legislative redistricting plan.
Significant interaction with the Governor's office, lobbyists, legislators, constituents, client agencies, and private practitioners on a myriad of issues.
Over 20 years as general counsel to the Office of State Employer dealing with all aspects of management side public employment law including collective bargaining issues, grievances, reductions-in-force, wages, agency fees, other union issues, and preparation for Act 312 arbitration.
Handled a myriad of issues before the Public Service Commission including security issuances, rate cases, pipeline routing, and other matters relating to utility regulation.
Has assisted in drafting, editing, and review of legislation; drafting, editing, and review of administrative rules and policies for the various departments and agencies; reviewed and edited Governor's executive orders.
During the 2004 general election, successfully defended the State of Michigan from a challenge under the Help America Vote Act through presentation of direct testimony, cross-examination, extensive briefing, and argument before the District Court and appeal to the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Litigated dozens of cases involving statutory interpretation and constitutional questions regarding issues related to all aspects of elections including ballot access for ballot questions and candidates, recounts and recall.
Appeared on behalf of state defendants before the Civil Service Commission, has handled cases brought before the Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Presented cases before the Water Resources Commission and the Air Pollution Control Commission.
Frequent public speaker on election law and labor relations issues to groups including the National Association of State Election Directors, the Michigan Judicial Conference, Michigan Clerk's Association, State Personnel Director's Conference, Statewide Conferences on Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action.
Significant Decisions
Huron Valley Sch v Sec'y of State, 266 Mich App 638; 702 NW 2d 862 (2005); App den 2006 Mich LEXIS 433 (2006), Successfully represented the Secretary of State's interpretation of the Campaign Finance Act.
Gilbert v Ferry, 401 F3d 411; (CA 6-2005), Successfully defended that Justices of the Michigan Supreme Court were not required to recuse themselves based upon alleged political speech and bias.
Bay County Democratic Party v Land, 347 F Supp 2d 404 (ED Mich 2004), Issue: Whether the Director of Elections' orders and the law regarding voter identification, casting, and tabulation of provisional ballots violate the Help America Vote Act. Finding for plaintiffs. Eventual finding by the 6th Circuit for defendants.
Citizens for Prot of Marriage v Bd of State Canvassers, 263 Mich App 487; 688 NW2d 538 (2004), Found that the Board of State Canvassers lacked authority to consider the merits and constitutionality of a proposed ballot proposal.
McDonald v Grand Traverse County Election Comm'n, 255 Mich App 674; 662 NW 2d 804 (2003); lv den 469 Mich 946; 671 ND 2d 46 (2003), The court held that the straight ticket ballot option was constitutional and did not violate the candidate's First Amendment associational or equal protection rights.
O'Lear v Miller, 222 F Supp 2d 862 (ED Mich 2002); Aff'd 537 US 997 (2002) , Successfully led the State's defense of its 2000 Congressional redistricting plan.
LeRoux v Sec'y of State, 465 Mich 594; 640 NW 2d 849 (2002), Upheld the constitutionality of Michigan's 2000 legislative redistricting plan.
Mich United Conservation Clubs v Sec'y of State, 464 Mich 359; 630 NW 2d 297 (2001), The court found that a law modifying standards for issuing of a concealed weapons permit which also made an appropriation was not subject to referendum.
Citizens for Legislative Choice v Miller, 144 F3d 916 (CA6-1998), Upheld constitutionality of Michigan term limits.
Taxpayers United for Assessment Cuts v Miller, 994 F2d 219 (CA6-1993), Upheld constitutionality of Michigan term limits.
Ferency v Secretary of State, 190 Mich App 398; 476 NW2d 417 (1991), Successfully defended the constitutionality of the State's presidential and partisan primary elections.
Professional Associations
State Bar of Michigan
Certified Facilitative Mediator, Ingham County Circuit Court
Member of the Case Evaluation Panel in Ingham County, Labor and Employment Cases
Awards
Fellow of the State Bar of Michigan Foundatio,
|
