Overview
Attorney Adam Forman* leverages his 25 years of experience representing employers in all manner of employment litigation and traditional labor matters to advise clients on emerging technologies and their impact in the workplace.
Based in the Detroit-metro and Chicago offices of Epstein Becker Green, Adam represents a broad range of clients, including automotive, health care, hospitality, logistics, retail, staffing, technology, and utility companies, among others. He is a frequent writer and national lecturer on issues related to technology in the workplace, such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital and social media, and privacy issues facing employers.
As noted in the 2021 edition of Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, “Adam Forman has a diverse labor and employment practice and is particularly well known for his experience in the intersection of employment law and technology.” According to one of its sources, Adam is “[a]n excellent attorney who is doing some really cutting-edge work about AI and employment.”
Because of his experience as a workplace technology and labor and employment law attorney, Adam is often interviewed by newspapers, radio stations, and legal blogs. He co-leads the firm’s AI practice group.
Adam’s employment litigation practice focuses on defending employers against claims of wrongful discharge, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour violations. Employers also turn to Adam to represent them in labor arbitrations, unfair labor practice charges, and collective bargaining. A significant portion of Adam’s practice includes training companies on workplace compliance issues, such as workforce engagement and conducting effective workplace investigations.
In 2016, Adam was elected to The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers as a Fellow, the highest recognition by one's colleagues of sustained outstanding performance in the profession, exemplifying integrity, dedication, and excellence.
*Admitted in Michigan; not admitted in Illinois.
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Focus Areas
Services
Industries
Experience
- Currently advises a global fast-food company as it undergoes a major update to its recruiting and onboarding processes by using AI products, including chatbots and selection tools, and is assisting with implementation of the additional systems, taking into careful consideration the risk and concerns for candidates as well as ensuring everything is compliant with labor and employment law.
- Regularly reviews and opines on social media posts, and advises clients on response strategies, with a focus on minimizing legal risk. For example, Adam helped a post-acute health care services company deal with multiple situations during the COVID-19 pandemic in which employees posted content on their personal social media pages that shed a negative light on the client and potentially scared the community from seeking medical treatment. Adam analyzed the complainants’ online videos and posts and advised his client on strategy.
- Successfully defended a pharmacy chain against a lawsuit brought by a pharmacist who alleged that he was terminated in violation of public policy for shooting at attempted armed robbers. Adam’s arguments convinced the U.S. district court that there was no basis for a public policy wrongful discharge claim. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed the district court’s ruling.
- Successfully represented an automotive client in an arbitration where a union official challenged his discharge for causing a workplace injury to a coworker while under the influence of alcohol. This was the first time that the client had taken a case to arbitration in over 40 years. Because of the gravity of this offense, the client wanted to send a signal to other employees that this sort of behavior would not be tolerated.
- Successfully represented an energy company in a multi-day arbitration that was brought because one of its employees who was on storm duty after a power outage had not adequately inspected or cordoned off a dangerous area affected by the storm, resulting in the death of a resident.
- Conducted union-free (workplace engagement) training for a large health care system.
Recognition
- The American Lawyer: ”Midwest Trailblazers” (2021)
- The Best Lawyers in America: “Lawyer of the Year” for Employment Law—Management (Detroit) (2019); Employment Law—Management and Labor Law—Management (2012 to 2015 and 2018 to 2025); Labor and Employment Law (2010 to 2011)
- Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business: Michigan—Labor & Employment, "Leader in Their Field" (2011 to 2024)
- DBusiness Magazine: Labor and Employment Law, “Top Lawyers” (2012, 2015, 2016, 2022)
- Lawdragon: “500 Leading Corporate Employment Lawyers” (2020 to 2024); “100 Most Powerful Employment Lawyers” (2019); “Up and Comers” (2014 to 2018)
- Leading Lawyers: Employment Law: Management and Labor Law: Management (2014 to 2022)
- The Legal 500 United States: Workplace and Employment Counseling (2018 to 2021); Labor-Management Relations (2016, 2017, 2021)
- Michigan Rising Stars: Employment & Labor (2008)
- Michigan Super Lawyers: Employment & Labor (2009 to 2024)
- Who's Who Legal: Labour & Employment (2019, 2020, 2022)
Credentials
Education
- Syracuse University College of Law (J.D., 1996)
- Michigan State University (B.A., 1993)
Bar Admissions
- Michigan
Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Indiana
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan
Professional & Community Involvement
- American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section, Employer Co-Chair, Marketing Committee 2010-2011; Employer Co-Chair, Technology & Social Networking 2009-2012; Technology Track Coordinator, ABA 6th Annual Section of Labor & Employment Law Conference, Atlanta, GA, 2011-2012; Law Practice Development Track Coordinator, ABA 5th Annual Section of Labor & Employment Law Conference, Seattle, WA, 2010-2011
- American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section, Employer Co-Chair, Technology in the Practice and Workplace; Co-Chair, National Symposium on Technology in Labor & Employment Law, New York, NY, 2012; Planning Committee Member, National Symposium on Technology in Labor & Employment Law, New York, NY 2009-2010, 2010-2011
- Bloomberg BNA Labor and Employment Innovation and Technology Board, 2015-2020
- The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, Fellow
- Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section
- Federal Bar Association, Eastern District of Michigan Chapter; Co-Chair, Social Media Committee, 2010-2012
- Leadership Detroit XXIX, 2007-2008
- Michigan Defense Trial Counsel
- Neighborhood Service Organization, Board of Directors, 2020-present
- Oakland County Bar Association, Employment & Labor Committee, Chair, 2007-2008; Vice Chair, 2006-2007
- Orchards Children's Services, Board of Directors, 2008-2021; Board of Directors Chair, 2018-2020; Board of Directors Vice Chair, 2016-2017; Governance Committee Chair, 2012
- State Bar of Michigan - Labor and Employment Law Section Council Member (2016-2020)
Media
Events
Past Events
- May 8, 2024
Insights
Insights
- PublicationsMichigan Employers: Get Ready for Expanded Paid Sick Leave19 minute read
- BlogsU.S. Department of Labor Publishes New “AI & Inclusive Hiring Framework”7 minute read
- BlogsMichigan Supreme Court Clarifies Minimum Wage Law Decision5 minute read
- Firm AnnouncementsLawdragon Again Names Adam S. Forman as a “Leading Corporate Employment Lawyer”2 minute read
- BlogsMI Agencies Request Clarity on New Minimum Wage & Tip Credit Requirements3 minute read
- Firm Announcements
Adam S. Forman Named to the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers List
7 minute read - Firm Announcements
Epstein Becker Green Attorneys Honored for Excellence in the Legal Profession by Best Lawyers 2025
14 minute read - BlogsIllinois Prohibits Discriminatory Artificial Intelligence in Employment Decisions5 minute read
- BlogsChanges Coming in 2025 to Michigan Minimum Wage, Tip Credit, and Earned Sick Time7 minute read
- BlogsMichigan’s Supreme Court Has Spoken: Expanded Paid Sick Leave, Increased Minimum Wage and Phased Out Tip Credits ...7 minute read
- BlogsCalifornia District Court Rules That Software Vendor Is Subject to Title VII, the ADA, the ADEA12 minute read
- Media CoverageAdam S. Forman Quoted in “Employers Find Openings to Share AI Bias Liability with Vendors”2 minute read
- Media CoverageAdam S. Forman Quoted in “4 State AI Bills to Watch in 2nd Half of 2024”2 minute read
- PublicationsSocial Media and the Law (2024 Edition)2 minute read
- Firm Announcements
Epstein Becker Green Honored for Exceptional Performance in Key Practice Areas by Chambers USA 2024
5 minute read - Blogs
An Oxymoron or a Road Map? US Department of Labor’s Artificial Intelligence and Worker Well-Being
5 minute read - Media CoverageAdam S. Forman Quoted in “Advocates Say Workplace AI Vendors 'Ignore' Disability Bias”2 minute read
- BlogsUnderstanding the DOL’s Field Assistance Bulletin No. 2024-1: AI and Automated Systems in the Workplace7 minute read
- BlogsOFCCP Issues Workplace AI Guidance for Federal Contractors and Subcontractors7 minute read
- BlogsColorado SB 24-205: Addressing AI Risk with Sweeping Consumer Protection Law15 minute read
- BlogsColorado’s Historic SB 24-205 Concerning Consumer Protections in Interactions with AI Signed Into Law, After Passing ...10 minute read
- BlogsAI Resume Screening Tool Developer Is Subject to Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws, Says EEOC5 minute read
- Media CoverageAdam Forman Quoted in “EEOC Stance in Bellwether AI Suit Raises Stakes for Vendors”3 minute read
- BlogsFair Credit Reporting Act Preempts State Law Defamation Claim Over Background Check3 minute read
- PublicationsImplementing Workplace AI Tools3 minute read
- Media CoverageAdam Forman Joins NRF Summit to Discuss Risks of AI Misuse in Retail Industry2 minute read
- BlogsDeyerler v. HireVue Expands Biometric Privacy Law to AI Video Interview Platform4 minute read
- BlogsSan Francisco Releases Generative AI Guidelines for City Workers3 minute read
- Media CoverageAdam S. Forman Quoted in “AI Will Be an Even Bigger HR Focus in 2024. Here Are 4 Ways It Will Disrupt the Function.” ...3 minute read
- Media CoverageAdam S. Forman Quoted in “Progressive Legislative W&H Push Set to Continue in 2024”3 minute read
- Media CoverageAdam S. Forman Quoted in “Attorneys Leery of AI's Use in Disability Accommodation Talks”3 minute read
- BlogsExecutive Order on Artificial Intelligence Establishes Rules for Public Sector and Furthers Predictions for Private ...13 minute read
- Media CoverageAdam S. Forman Quoted in “Despite Bias Fears, AI Could Make Workplaces Fairer”2 minute read
- BlogsHow Much Does the EEOC and iTutorGroup Settlement Really Implicate Algorithmic Bias?—Four Notable Points for Employers ...6 minute read
- Firm Announcements
Epstein Becker Green Attorneys Recognized by 2024 Best Lawyers for Excellence in the Legal Profession
12 minute read - BlogsMore Details Emerge about the “No Robot Bosses Act”: Congress’s Latest Effort to Regulate Automated Systems and ...5 minute read
- Media CoverageAdam S. Forman Quoted in “Benefits and Challenges of Using Chatbots in HR”2 minute read
- Media CoverageAdam S. Forman Quoted in “Busting Companies for AI Bias in Hiring is Tough Task for EEOC”3 minute read
- Firm Announcements
Adam S. Forman Named to the 2023 Michigan Super Lawyers List
7 minute read - BlogsThe "No Robot Bosses Act" Aims to Regulate Workplace AI4 minute read
- BlogsNew York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Publishes FAQs as Enforcement of Automated Employment Decision ...5 minute read
- BlogsMichigan Is the Latest Jewel in the CROWN Act3 minute read
- Firm Announcements
Epstein Becker Green Recognized for Focused Excellence Across Core Practice Areas in Chambers USA 2023
5 minute read - Media CoverageAdam S. Forman Quoted in “How AI Could Change W&H Compliance”4 minute read
- BlogsMichigan Passes Amendment to Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to Protect Abortion Rights3 minute read
- BlogsEEOC Issues New Workplace Artificial Intelligence Technical Assistance5 minute read
- Media CoverageAdam Forman Quoted in “Attys Expect EEOC Suits Over AI, Sex Bias in 2023's 2nd Half”2 minute read
- BlogsThe White House Announces “New Actions to Promote Responsible AI Innovation that Protects Americans’ Rights and ...3 minute read
- Media CoverageWorkforce Bulletin Post on Facial Recognition Technology Cited in “Survey Finds Most Americans Say No to Use of AI in Hiring ...2 minute read
- BlogsFederal Agencies Issue “Joint Statement on Enforcement Efforts Against Discrimination and Bias in Automated Systems” ...2 minute read