Philosophy

With over thirty years' employment law experience representing businesses and management, Christine Essique pivoted the focus of her practice to advocating for workers’ rights at Morgan & Jones, PLLC. Ms. Essique is committed to serving the firm’s clients with clear communication, responsiveness, strategic advocacy, compassion and a realistic assessment of each case’s strengths and weaknesses as well as insight regarding disputes from the employer’s point of view.

 

Background

Christine Essique’s practice focuses on advising and representing both employees and employers in all areas of state and federal employment law. Ms. Essique advises and represents employees as to the following:

• employment and independent contractor agreements, including restrictive covenants;

•  severance agreements, evaluated as an alternative to litigation;

•  litigation of discrimination, harassment, retaliation and whistleblowers’ claims; 

•  unpaid wages and sales commissions claims; and

•  minority oppression claims on behalf of members and shareholders.

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Ms. Essique also advises and represents employers as to the following:

• employment policies and handbooks, including onboarding processes and documents; 

• advice and counsel regarding Title VII, American with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act and Wage Hour issues;

• workplace investigations, including discrimination, harassment and retaliation;

• advice and counsel regarding employee discipline and termination; 

• defending employers against employee lawsuits and against EEOC and other agency charges; and

• alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration. 

 

Awards and Recognition 

Michigan Super Lawyers, 2025-2026

 

Memberships and Activities

State Bar of Michigan

Labor and Employment Law Section of State Bar of Michigan

United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan

United States District Court, Western District of Michigan

United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit

Supreme Court of the United States

 

Education

Wayne State University Law School, J.D., 1992

University of Michigan - Dearborn, B.A. with Distinction, 1988 

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