Amanda McSween Empey

Amanda Empey counsels employers on compliance with state and federal labor and employment laws and represents them in resolving a broad range of workplace disputes.

Before joining Bodman, Amanda served for two years as a Law Clerk to the Hon. Sean F. Cox, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. In that role, she researched and wrote memoranda on a variety of civil and criminal matters, drafted proposed opinions, and prepared Judge Cox for hearings. She also served as a court officer for trials and oral arguments.

Amanda serves as the Vice-Chair of the State Bar of Michigan’s United States Courts Committee, which provides advice and recommendations concerning the State Bar’s interaction with federal courts in Michigan and the practice of law in those courts.

As a law student, Amanda worked as an Extern to Hon. Michael J. Riordan of the Michigan Court of Appeals and as a Research Division Intern with the Michigan Court of Appeals.

While at Wayne State University Law School, Amanda earned the Governor’s Scholarship for academic achievement and served as Voting Note & Comment Editor (2019-2020) and Assistant Editor (2018-2019) on the Wayne Law Review.

An avid runner, Amanda has run two marathons and has completed 12 half marathons.

Professional Affiliations

•  State Bar of Michigan
  • Vice-Chair, US Courts Committee
  • Member, Labor and Employment Law Section
  • Member, Litigation Section
• Federal Bar Association, Eastern District of Michigan Chapter
  • Member, Law Clerk Committee
•  Women Lawyers Association of Michigan

Publications

• “Five Dos and Don’ts for Preserving an Honest Belief Defense,” Bodman Workplace Law Update (March 4, 2024)
• “Michigan Prohibits Hair-Based Racial Discrimination,” Bodman Workplace Law Update (June 16, 2023)
• “Michigan Amends Civil Rights Act To Include Abortion Protections,” Bodman Workplace Law Update (May 25, 2023)
• “Michigan Amends Civil Rights Act To Include LGBTQ Protections,” Bodman Workplace Law Update (March 17, 2023)
• “An Expansion of Federal Protections For Pregnant and Nursing Workers,” Bodman Workplace Law Update (January 20, 2023)
• “The Customer Isn’t Always Right: Why and How Employers Should Address Third-Party Discrimination in the Workplace,” Bodman Workplace Law Update (September 30, 2022)
• “Client Liability for an Attorney’s Torts: An Evolving Problem that Warrants a Modern Solution,” 65 Wayne L. Rev. 637 (2020)

Speaking Engagements

• Co-Presenter (with Alex E. Haney) “AI and HR: Pitfalls and Precautions,” Michigan Federation for Children and Families 2024 Annual Spring Human Resources Training Seminar, May 2, 2024
• Co-Presenter (with John T. Below) “2024 Independent Contractor or Employee – That Is The Question!” Michigan Chamber of Commerce Webinar, April 2024
• Co-presenter (with Aaron D. Graves), “2022 Employment Law Update,” Michigan Chamber of Commerce (September 21, 2022)

Related News

• 07/18/2024Bodman PLC and 28 Firm Attorneys Honored by State Bar of Michigan for Pro Bono Service
• 03/04/2024Five Dos and Don’ts for Preserving an Honest Belief Defense
• 06/16/2023Michigan Prohibits Hair-Based Racial Discrimination
• 05/25/2023Michigan Amends Civil Rights Act To Include Abortion Protections
• 03/17/2023Michigan Amends Civil Rights Act To Include LGBTQ Protections