Atty. John Patrick "Pat" White
Pat White's practice concentrates on the full spectrum of civil rights issues, race and gender disability matters, free speech and electronic privacy issues in the workplace. In addition to litigation, he also does traditional labor work, including negotiation and arbitration, both for public and private sector clients.
Profile Summary
About John Patrick "Pat" White at a glance
John Patrick "Pat" White is a employment attorney based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, practicing at Varnum Llp. Admitted to practice in Michigan, State Bar of Michigan. Educated at University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign (J.D., 1981) and Eastern Michigan University (—, 1976). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Serands clients in Grand Rapids, MI and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Pat White's practice concentrates on the full spectrum of civil rights issues, race and gender disability matters, free speech and electronic privacy issues in the workplace
- In addition to litigation, he also does traditional labor work, including negotiation and arbitration, both for public and private sector clients
- He also maintains expertise in education law, representing school districts, community colleges and colleges and universities, both with respect to employment issues as well as student issues
- He is the current Labor and Employment practice group chair
- Pat has successfully litigated, arbitrated or resolved matters involving civil rights violations, employee privacy, wiretapping in the work place, multi-plaintiff race discrimination, disability accommodation, military leave, drug and client negligent discharges, injunctions, unfamiliar practice and arbitration over changes in benefit providers, defended claim for disability benefits, obtained voluntary dismissal of FMLA claim
- He has completed several recent union representation matters
Practice Areas Explained
John Patrick "Pat" White's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John Patrick "Pat" White handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.
John Patrick "Pat" White is one of 169,120 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Michigan →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Michigan
Practicing law in Michigan. Legal matters in Michigan are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Grand Rapids are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Michigan state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Michigan brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Michigan courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Michigan attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Grand Rapids or all attorneys in Michigan.
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