Seasoned Employment and Benefits Litigator Paul Wilhelm Bolsters Labor and Employment Team in Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (July 2, 2025) — Paul A. Wilhelm, a seasoned employment and benefits litigator with a national practice, has joined Barnes & Thornburg as a partner in its Labor and Employment department in the firm’s Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor offices. 

“Paul is a trusted advocate known for his thoughtful approach and steady presence in high-stakes litigation,” said Jennifer Stocker, managing partner of the firm’s Michigan offices. “He has a strong track record representing employers in challenging and sensitive matters across the country.” 

Wilhelm advises national and regional employers on a broad range of litigation and compliance matters, including Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) disputes, wage-and-hour claims, trade secret and non-compete enforcement and workplace allegations. With litigation experience in more than 15 states, Wilhelm frequently leads multi-jurisdictional matters that require technical insight, strategic clarity and a strong command of advocacy at every stage. 

Known for his pragmatic and measured style, Wilhelm works closely with clients to develop litigation strategies that align with business priorities. He is experienced in class and individual claims, internal investigations, and regulatory proceedings, and has built a reputation for resolving disputes efficiently while minimizing business disruption. 

Active in the legal and broader professional community, Wilhelm has led the ERISA Litigation Subcommittee of DRI’s Employment and Labor Law Committee and has regularly contributed to Michigan and national defense bar publications. He has also served in multiple leadership roles with the University of Notre Dame alumni network and led two clubs to national recognition. 

Prior to joining Barnes & Thornburg, Wilhelm practiced at two nationally respected law firms for more than 20 years. He earned his J.D. from Notre Dame Law School, his M.A. from Vanderbilt University, and his B.A. from the University of Michigan. 

With more than 800 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the country. The firm serves clients worldwide from offices in Atlanta, Boston, California, Chicago, Delaware, Indiana, Michigan, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, South Florida, Texas and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit us at www.btlaw.com.