Atty. William E. Altman
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.
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law & More Attorney · Serving Birmingham, MI
Profile Summary
About William E. Altman at a Glance
William E. Altman is a employment attorney based in Birmingham, Michigan, practicing at Fisher Phillips LLP. Educated at Michigan State University College of Law (J.D., 1995). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management (2026). Serves clients in Birmingham, MI and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About William E. Altman
- 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
Practice Areas Explained
William E. Altman's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases William E. Altman handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Birmingham.
Employment Law in Birmingham
Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.
William E. Altman is one of 167,770 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Michigan →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Birmingham
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 Birmingham 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 venue, 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.
Birmingham Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Birmingham-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Michigan attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Birmingham or all attorneys in Michigan.
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Common Questions About William E. Altman
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Birmingham Choose William E. Altman
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish William E. Altman's practice in the field of employment.
Focused Employment Practice
Concentrating on employment means William E. Altman's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Birmingham
A Birmingham-based practice means William E. Altman attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues William E. Altman Handles in Birmingham
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters William E. Altman has experience with under Michigan law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact William E. Altman directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find William E. Altman Online
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William E. Altman's Practice Areas & Specializations
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