Paquin, Christen C.

Robert Palmer graduated from Wayne State University Law School in 1980, magna cum laude. For approximately 20 years, Robert worked with the firm of Colista, Green, Green & Adams, which ultimately became Green, Green, Adams & Palmer. Robert was a partner in that firm until he joined Pitt, McGehee, Palmer, Rivers and Golden in September 2002. In this move, Robert aligned himself with skilled practitioners in the area of employment rights, an area which has been a substantial focus of his practice.

Robert has been actively involved in Bar Association activities, and served as the President of the Barrister's Association/Young Lawyers Section of the Detroit Bar Association. Robert has been appointed as a Special Attorney General, and in that capacity, defended the Wayne County Friend of the Court's office in a complex employment matter. Additionally, since 1982, Robert has been Special Independent Counsel to the Detroit City Council, advising them on various legal matters, specifically those that center upon issues involving separation of powers and city government.  In one case he defended the Detroit City Council in a law suit brought by the Governor and the State of Michigan to enforce legislation that dictated Detroit elections should be voted by district rather than at large.  Robert took this case to the Supreme Court, in which he proved that the proposed legislation was unconstitutional.  

Robert is currently on the Labor and Employment Council of the State Bar of Michigan.  He has conducted seminars on trial advocacy in connection with various continuing legal education programs and has appeared on television as an expert in the areas of sexual harassment and social media and the law. He has served many years as Case Evaluator in Wayne County, Oakland County and for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. He is also listed in the current edition of Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and Montcalm's Who's Who in North America. He has been listed in local publications such as Crains and Hour Magazine as an expert in the field of labor employment law.  In 2010 Bob was elected to the American College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, a national organization that recognizes lawyers of superior skill and experience who also exhibit a high level of civility integrity. 

Robert focuses his practice on employment litigation, with a secondary focus on victims' rights, including personal injury, medical malpractice, police misconduct, and civil rights violations. He has argued employment discrimination cases in both the 6^th Circuit Court and the Michigan Supreme Court.  He has also represented criminal defendants in high profile cases in the greater metropolitan area.

Robert is married to his high school sweetheart, Gemma, and has one child, Ellen, a senior in college. He and his family share a passion for all types of sporting activities.