Glenn L. Smith - Grand Rapids, MI
Glenn L. Smith is the president and shareholder at Wheeler Upham, P.C., the oldest continuously operating law firm in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Bringing over three decades of focused experience in employment law, civil litigation, and federal administrative proceedings, he represents employees, executives, and federal contractors before courts and administrative agencies nationwide.
Experienced Employment and Labor Law Advocacy in Grand Rapids
Workplace conflicts and adverse career actions can severely affect financial security and professional reputation. Navigating complex workplace disputes demands a knowledgeable advocate who understands state and federal regulations. Attorney Glenn L. Smith serves as president and shareholder at Wheeler Upham, P.C., bringing deep experience to employment and labor law matters across Grand Rapids and West Michigan. With a career spanning over thirty years, Mr. Smith represents clients across private businesses and the public sector, providing assertive representation in administrative hearings and courtroom litigation.
A graduate of the University of Michigan Law School, Glenn L. Smith honed his skills during thirteen years as in-house counsel for the United States Postal Service before joining Wheeler Upham in 2002. Whether confronting discrimination or seeking to hire an employment lawyer to address adverse personnel actions, clients rely on his strategic counsel and proven courtroom experience.
Comprehensive Workplace Rights and Discrimination Defense
Civil rights statutes protect workers from mistreatment and unfair retaliation. Glenn L. Smith enforces employee protections under federal and Michigan laws across several key areas:
- Workplace Discrimination: Advocating for workers experiencing unlawful bias based on race, sex, age, disability, pregnancy, or national origin.
- Wrongful Termination: Challenging dismissals that violate public policy, statutory protections, or employment agreements.
- Harassment and Retaliation: Holding employers accountable for hostile work environments and retaliatory measures against whistleblowers.
- Wage and Hour Claims: Addressing employee misclassification, denied overtime pay, and wage violations.
Federal Sector Employee and MSPB Representation
Glenn L. Smith is nationally recognized for his work with federal civil servants and postal employees under Title 29 CFR Part 1614. He regularly represents personnel from the Postal Service, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Transportation Security Administration in hearings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Merit Systems Protection Board. Additionally, he assists injured workers with Federal Employees' Compensation Act claims through the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs.
Commercial Litigation and Contract Law
Beyond employment matters, Mr. Smith handles contract law and business litigation throughout Kent County. His practice includes resolving breach of contract disputes, construction disagreements, and commercial conflicts across Michigan state and federal district courts, delivering pragmatic solutions tailored to each client's legal goals.
Recognized Legal Leadership in Michigan
Glenn L. Smith is the former chairman of the Grand Rapids Bar Association's Labor and Employment Law Section and has earned sustained recognition in Best Lawyers in America for employment law, reflecting his standing among peers in the Michigan legal community.
Schedule a Free Initial Phone Consultation
If you face workplace injustice or require dependable legal advice, prompt action is vital. Contact Glenn L. Smith at Wheeler Upham, P.C. in Grand Rapids to arrange your free initial phone consultation and discuss your legal options with an experienced advocate.
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Location & Access
Primary Address
Situated in the central business district of Downtown Grand Rapids, located on Monroe Avenue NW directly across from the landmark DeVos Place Convention Center.
Building Location
The office is located in the prominent Calder Plaza Building (also known as the Bank of America Building), a Class A ten-story landmark commercial tower. The building features the popular restaurant ROAM by San Chez on the ground floor and sits right across from DeVos Place.
Parking Details
The building features connected underground parking and above-ground parking ramps. Additionally, paid parking is available next door at the Government Center Ramp, accessible from Monroe Avenue NW.
Public Transit
Served by The Rapid Route 90 (Southbound); nearest stop is at DeVos Place Station (SB).
Accessibility / Suite Access
The office is located on the plaza level. Enter the building's main lobby from Monroe Avenue NW, take the stairs or elevator up to the first-floor landing, and locate the office in Suite 100.