EMERY K. HARLAN

I have 32 years of experience as a trial lawyer handling a wide range of disputes. My practice includes an emphasis on defending companies and governmental entities in high profile, aggravated discrimination matters. My successes include obtaining a complete defense verdict on behalf of a national auto parts retailer in a weeklong ADA jury trial – the first complete ADA defense verdict obtained against the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission in Wisconsin and affirmed on appeal. I have also represented numerous companies caught in the crosshairs of national civil rights groups and succeeded in achieving behind the scenes “win-win” resolutions.

I have served as national employment law counsel to numerous companies, including a major airline. In addition to my litigation work, I counsel clients regarding the development of diversity programs.

Throughout my career, I have served as a leader in promoting greater diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Immediately prior to co-founding MWH Law Group LLP, I served as Chairman of one of the largest minority-owned law firms in the United States. I also co-founded the premiere trade association focused on creating opportunities for women and minority-owned law firms – the National Association of Minority Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF). Additionally, since its formation, I have served as an advisor to the Minority In-House Counsel Association (MIHCA) – an organization focused on developing and promoting minority in-house lawyers.

1. MWH Law Group, LLP, Partner, March 2016 – Present
2. Gonzalez Saggio & Harlan LLP, Partner, 1994 – February 2016
3. Ross & Hardies, Associate, May 1990 – March 1994
4. United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, Law Clerk to Honorable George C. Edwards, Jr. (dec.), September 1989 – May 1990

1. National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF) (Board Member, Co-Founder, Past Board Chair)
2. Minority In-House Counsel Association (Chairman Emeritus)(Steering Committee Member)

1. Board Member, Versiti Blood Research Institute Foundation
2. Former Member, Chicago United Leaders Council
3. Governor’s Council on Workforce Investment, 2011
4. Leadership Council on Legal Diversity
5. Former Board Member, Milwaukee Health Services
6. Board Member, ProHealth Care
7. Member, Sigma Pi Phi Boule
8. Past Vice Chair, State of Wisconsin Gaming Board
9. Board Member, Urban Day School