Karl W. Butterer

Karl W. Butterer is an employment lawyer and shareholder at Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC who represents employers, businesses, and governmental entities in workplace and commercial disputes. His practice covers employment litigation, labor matters, commercial conflicts, municipal issues, and preventive counseling. He advises clients on employment decisions from hiring through termination. His work includes discrimination claims, wrongful discharge disputes, employment contracts, workplace policies, and other matters involving employer obligations and business operations.

Karl earned his J.D. from Indiana University School of Law. He received his B.A. from the University of Michigan. His legal education established a foundation for litigation, employment counseling, statutory analysis, and representation of public and private organizations. His academic background supports his work involving complex workplace disputes, business conflicts, governmental matters, and courtroom advocacy.

Karl represents governmental entities, manufacturers, health care providers, small businesses, and larger corporations in employment and litigation matters. He advises employers on reductions in force, discrimination concerns, workplace investigations, employment agreements, and personnel policies. His litigation experience includes retaliation, whistleblower, employment, and commercial disputes. He has represented clients before courts and administrative agencies while handling matters involving significant operational and financial concerns.

Karl W. Butterer is a shareholder based in Grand Rapids and has more than 25 years of experience representing employers. His professional involvement includes the Grand Rapids Bar Association and organizations serving employers and governmental entities. He has written and presented on employment law topics affecting Michigan organizations. His practice combines employment counseling, commercial litigation, municipal representation, and dispute management for clients facing workplace or business-related legal concerns.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, State Bar of Michigan
• Fellow, Michigan State Bar Foundation
• Member, Grand Rapids Bar Association, Executive Committee for Litigation Section
• Member, Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys
• Associate Member, County Road Association of Michigan

Licensed State

• Michigan

Education

• Indiana University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Michigan
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges