Barnes & Thornburg Appoints Jennifer Stocker as Office Managing Partner, Partner-in-Charge in Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS – Barnes & Thornburg has announced that Jennifer Stocker has been named the new managing partner and partner-in-charge of the firm’s Grand Rapids and Southeast Michigan offices, respectively. Stocker succeeds Robert R. Stead, who significantly contributed to the firm’s expanded presence in Michigan throughout his five years as office managing partner. Stead remains a partner of the firm and will maintain his corporate law practice.

Stocker, who joined the firm in 2010, defends companies across the nation in a wide variety of complex employment litigation in state, federal, and appellate courts and before state and federal administrative agencies. Her litigation and dispute resolution experience includes the defense of FMLA, ADA, ADEA, and Title VII claims for discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, along with wage and hour (FLSA) claims, including class actions. Stocker also provides pre-litigation counseling, risk management and avoidance advice, alternative dispute resolution, and trial and appellate counsel.

“Jenny has been instrumental in the growth and success of the firm, particularly in Michigan,” said Andrew J. Detherage, firm managing partner. “She is an exceptional leader and mentor, both in the office and the broader community. I am confident she will play a pivotal role in advancing the firm’s strategic goals and objectives regionally and nationally.”

Stocker advises clients in the global food production, retail, and professional service industries and has served as an on-site legal and affirmative action consultant. Stocker also has broad experience navigating employers through the reduction in force process, including global and complex undertakings.

“I am honored to be elected as leader of the firm’s Grand Rapids and Southeast Michigan offices,” Stocker said. “I look forward to building on the many successes Bob achieved as a leader, continuing to grow Michigan’s national law firm by attracting talented attorneys and business professionals, and offering first-class client service.”

Barnes & Thornburg’s Grand Rapids office has 50 attorneys and business professionals, and the firm’s Southeast Michigan office has 14 attorneys and business professionals.

With more than 800 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the country. The firm serves clients worldwide from offices in Atlanta, Boston, California, Chicago, Delaware, Indiana, Michigan, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, South Florida, Texas, and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit us online at www.btlaw.com or on Twitter @BTLawNews.