Melissa M. Tetreau

Melissa Tetreau represents employers in all aspects of employment law. She counsels employers on compliance with state and federal labor and employments laws and represents them in connection with employment disputes.

Ms. Tetreau defends employers against allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and related claims. She regularly represents clients in state and federal courts, as well as administrative proceedings before state and federal agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, and the Department of Labor.

Ms. Tetreau frequently counsels employers and Human Resources Professionals on day-to-day employment law issues. She drafts documentation for all stages of employment, from employment agreements and applications to employee handbooks and separation agreements. She also advises on non-compete issues and litigates these claims when necessary.

She further advises clients on labor matters and handles union elections, negotiations, and the grievance and arbitration process.

Ms. Tetreau regularly speaks on employment topics, including recent updates in employment law and legislation, the Family and Medical Leave Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, and mitigating risk during discipline and termination.

Ms. Tetreau is on the Board of Detroit SHRM and also serves on the organization’s Legal Affairs Committee. She is also a member of Inforum Michigan.

She graduated first in her class from the University of Toledo College of Law and served as Managing Editor of the University of Toledo Law Review.

Honors, Awards, and Recognition

• DBusiness Magazine “Top Lawyers” 2024-2025, Labor and Employment Law
• Michigan Rising Stars 2022-2024, Employment & Labor
• Leadership Monroe, Class of 2016-2017

Professional Affiliations

• Detroit SHRM
  • Community and Government Relations Director
  • Legal Affairs Committee Member
• Inforum Michigan
• State Bar of Michigan
  • Labor & Employment Law, Litigation, and Young Lawyers Sections

Publications

• Interviewed by Law360, “Mich. Ruling Ushers In Sweeping Paid Leave, Wage Changes” (August 1, 2024)
• “Who is a ‘Senior Executive’ Under the FTC’s Non-Compete Clause Rule? It’s More Narrow Than You Think.” Bodman Workplace Law Update (May 16, 2024)
• “Navigating the Intersection of AI and Human Resources: Strategies for Mitigating Legal Risks*,” Bodman Workplace Law Update (April 8, 2024)
• “Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Decision Underscores Critical Need to Review Wage & Hour Policies,” Bodman Workplace Law Update (June 26, 2023)
• “Federal Trade Commission Proposed Broad Ban on Non-Compete Agreements,” Bodman Workplace Law Update, January 2023
• “Court Decision Expands Paid Sick Time Requirements and Increases Minimum Wage,” Bodman Workplace Law Update, July 2022
• “CDC and MDHHS Align on Mask Usage,” Bodman Workplace Law Update, March 2022

Speaking Engagements

• Panelist, “Legal Update Panel: When the Government Comes Calling,” Detroit SHRM 2024 Conference (September 12, 2024)
• Co-presenter, “Reducing Recovery Friendly Workplace Engagement Fears Through Understanding Workplace Policy Options, Human Resources, and the Law,” Detroit Opioid & SUD Summit (August 22, 2024)
• Co-presenter (with Aaron D. Graves), “Managing Discipline and Performance in a Post Pandemic World,” Michigan Public Employers Labor Relations Association, March 17, 2023

Pro Bono

• State Bar of Michigan 2023 A Lawyer Helps Pro Bono Honor Roll 

Related News

• 11/04/202478 Bodman Attorneys Included in DBusiness Top Lawyers 2025
• 09/13/2024Are Independent Contractors Covered Under Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act?
• 08/12/202458 Bodman Attorneys Listed in Michigan Super Lawyers 2024
• 05/16/2024Who is a “Senior Executive” Under the FTC’s Non-Compete Clause Rule? It’s More Narrow Than You Think.
• 04/08/2024Navigating the Intersection of AI and Human Resources: Strategies for Mitigating Legal Risks*