Pragmatic, tenacious and trusted, Paul A. Wilhelm is a seasoned attorney who helps employers and service providers resolve complex workplace and benefits-related disputes with clarity, confidence and efficiency. With more than two decades of experience advocating for companies across the country, Paul is a trusted advisor to clients facing high-stakes litigation and sensitive employment matters that demand both strategic insight and relentless focus.

Paul represents regional and national employers in a wide range of employment and employee benefits litigation, including ERISA disputes, wage-and-hour claims, non-compete and trade secrets matters, and allegations of discrimination, harassment or retaliation. Known for his thoughtful and measured approach, Paul blends deep technical knowledge with a strong command of courtroom advocacy to guide his clients from initial assessment through deep factfinding, skilled written and oral advocacy, negotiations, and final resolution — whether through trial, favorable settlement or motion practice.

Having litigated in more than 15 states, Paul frequently manages matters across jurisdictions and works seamlessly with local counsel to ensure consistency and quality in every forum. His experience spans both individual and class claims, giving him the tools to respond to today’s fast-changing legal landscape and deliver results that align with his clients’ business goals.

Before joining the firm, Paul practiced at two nationally respected law firms for over 20 years, earning a reputation for excellence and leadership. He began his career at a prominent regional firm, where he quickly developed a strong foundation in complex employment disputes.

Paul is also an active voice in the legal community. He has served as Chair of the ERISA Litigation Subcommittee within DRI’s Employment and Labor Law Committee and has been a regular contributor to Michigan bar and national defense bar publications. Beyond his professional work, Paul has served in leadership roles with the University of Notre Dame alumni network, including a term as president of the Notre Dame Club of Detroit and then president of the Notre Dame Club of Grand Rapids a decade later (and has been a leader in the Notre Dame Lawyers Committees of both Detroit and Grand Rapids), and was honored with multiple national awards for service and leadership.

 
Credentials

Education

  • Notre Dame Law School, J.D., 2002
  • Vanderbilt University, M.A., Religion, 1999
  • University of Michigan, B.A., History, 1997, with distinction

Bar Admissions

  • Michigan
  • Kentucky
  • Ohio

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
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