Bethany Steffke Sweeny is a shareholder based in Butzel Long's Ann Arbor office. She is a graduate of The University of Michigan School of Law (J.D., 2001), The University of Michigan School of Social Work (M.S.W., 1994), and Kalamazoo College (B.A., magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa 1992). Ms. Sweeny concentrates her practice in the area of labor and employment law, focusing on employment litigation involving state and federal claims of harassment, retaliation and discrimination, as well as FMLA and whistleblower claims. She has represented employers in front of various administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and other state agencies. Ms. Sweeny also provides employers with general advice regarding employment law issues and litigation avoidance. Ms. Sweeny is currently serving as corporate counsel for the Detroit Parent Network, a Detroit nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen parental involvement in homes, schools and communities, and to connect parents to existing services and resources. Since its inception in 2002, DPN has reached 45,000 parents and children through leadership training, parent organizing, support and referral services. DPN works with schools to help parents initialize and build parental involvement, and reaches thousands of parents through forums, school tours, policy training, and presentations in schools and the community. Prior to joining Butzel Long, Ms. Sweeny had an extensive career in higher education, including work as a foundation fundraiser at Yale University, a corporate and foundation fundraiser at the University of Michigan and as the program manager for an international multidisciplinary program for graduate students at the University of Michigan Business School. Ms. Sweeny also served as the Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Michigan. Ms. Sweeny is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Federal Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the Washtenaw County Bar Association. As part of her active involvement with the American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Section, Ms. Sweeny serves as the Law Student Outreach Coordinator for four area law schools, including the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, University of Detroit Mercy and Michigan State University. Ms. Sweeny serves on the Board of Directors for SafeHouse Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. SafeHouse provides support and services for those impacted by domestic violence or sexual assault. Published Works Contributing Editor, "RICO and Labor Law" (Chapter 30), The Developing Labor Law (ABA 5th ed. Supp. 2009) Contributing Editor, "Alternative Dispute Resolution" (Chapter 42), The Developing Labor Law (ABA 5th ed. Supp. 2010) Contributing Editor, "RICO and Labor Law" (Chapter 30), The Developing Labor Law (ABA 5th ed. Supp. 2011) Experience · Successfully defended a motion for summary disposition for a major university before the Michigan Court of Appeals. · Summary disposition affirmed by the Michigan Court of Appeals · Defended EEOC charges across the country for one of the world's largest business outsourcing companies. · Defended regional newspaper in defamation case News Media Releases 02.01.12, Butzel Long attorney Bethany Steffke Sweeny elected to Board of Directors of SafeHouse Center in Ann Arbor 06.09.11, Butzel Long receives Pro Bono Service Award from Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association 04.15.11, Butzel Long attorneys featured during American Society of Employers program on April 26 02.25.10, Butzel Long announces new shareholders Publications Client alerts 04.01.11, Automation Alley Newsletter - The EEOC Issues Final ADA Regulations and Accompanying Interpretive Guidance 03.29.11, Client Alert - Labor & Employment - The EEOC Issues Final ADA Regulations and Accompanying Interpretive Guidance Implementing the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 04.03.09, E-news: Labor & Employment - April 3, 2009 Memberships State Bar of Michigan Federal Bar Association - Labor and Employment Section American Bar Association - Labor and Employment Section Washtenaw County Bar Association |