Photo of Bonnie Mayfield

Bonnie Mayfield Member

Areas of Practice

Industries

Bar Admissions

  • Michigan

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio

Education

New York University, J.D.

Dillard University, B.A.

Scoring an impressive series of victories for different clients, including two "hat tricks" for a triad of wins for two different clients in different industries, and also making legal history for another client by winning the first ever award in a particular type of labor arbitration, Bonnie Mayfield has earned her designation as a seasoned and business savvy trial and appellate lawyer. She also has received client recognition for building a diverse and inclusive team. As a member of the Litigation and Labor & Employment Law practice groups, Ms. Mayfield has successfully litigated employment discrimination, labor, hybrid §301, retaliation, wage and hour, whistleblower, tort, product liability (automotive, pharmaceutical, medical device, chemical and toxic tort), and commercial matters. She regularly advises and counsels clients about administrative, internal and labor matters. Ms. Mayfield’s skills in settling matters also have resulted in her being brought in as a settlement strategist, ensuring a successful, effective and “win-win” resolution. As the designated emergency responder for a petroleum manufacturer, Ms. Mayfield is available on a 24/7 basis for emergent services in the State of Michigan.

Ms. Mayfield has tried product liability, pharmaceutical, commercial, medical malpractice, labor and employment cases. She also has been selected by several major clients to defend their labor, employment, pharmaceutical and commercial matters and also to be the Responsible Partner managing the client/law firm relationships. As a Responsible Partner, Bonnie assists in the management of the client/law firm relationships and also performs substantive work for those clients. She enhances the client/law firm relationships, facilitates constructive feedback and provides a common focal point and conduit for both our lawyers and client contacts, in addition to defending legal matters.

A frequent lecturer, she has spoken to groups such as the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC), and the State Bars of Michigan and Wisconsin, and was a panelist at the American Bar Association's mid-year products liability meetings. Prior to joining Dykema, she served as a Council on Legal Education Opportunity teaching assistant for Ralph Smith (former law professor, University of Pennsylvania) and clerked for the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. She also clerked for the Honorable Julian Cook (former Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan) and for the Honorable Nathaniel R. Jones (former Circuit Judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit). Ms. Mayfield interned for the Honorable Harold Baer, Jr. (former New York Supreme Court Justice) and the Honorable Caleb Wright, Jr. (former Delaware Federal District Court Judge). In law school, she was a member of New York University's Law Review.

Experience

  • Internal workplace investigations, including high profile and high stakes "C-suite" investigations
  • Class action claims and systemic investigations and litigation brought by the EEOC and other administrative agencies
  • Employment litigation, including FLSA, NLRA, Title VII, ADEA, ADA, FMLA, SOX, the Surface Transportation Assistance Act, the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act, as well as claims brought under public policy, common law, and other statutes, including the Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act, the Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, the Michigan Worker’s Disability Compensation Act, the Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Act, the Michigan’s Whistleblowers’ Protection Act, the Michigan Payment of Wages and Fringe Benefits Act, the Ohio Revised Code, and the Florida Civil Rights Act
  • Charges and claims, including EEOC, MDCR, DOL, OSHA, MIOSHA, MESC, LARA, NLRB, OCRC, DOAH, Florida Division of Administrative Hearings
  • Wage and hour litigation
  • Fair Housing litigation
  • Hybrid §301 litigation
  • Labor arbitration and litigation
  • Unemployment litigation
  • Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) litigation
  • Tort litigation, including negligence, emotional distress, consumer protection, fraud, tortious interference and other business torts
  • Class action and multidistrict litigation
  • Complex and mass tort and product liability litigation
  • Pharmaceutical and medical device litigation
  • Complex commercial and contract litigation
  • Statutory litigation, including Petroleum Marketing Practices Act, Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act and Carmack Amendment litigation
  • Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, chemicals and other products defended include:

Blood Products, Pharmaceuticals, OTCs and Maladies
Allergy
Antidepressant
Aspirin
Asthma
Blood Products
Diabetes Mellitus 1
Ear Wax
Erythromycin
Estrogen
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Genital Warts
Headache
Hyperuricaemia; Renal Calculi; Gout
Fibrocystic Breast Disease; Endometriosis; Hereditary Angioedema
Pain
Vapor Bath 

Medical Devices/Implants
Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Athrectomy Device
Breast Implants
Forceps
IV Pole
Latex Gloves

Other Products
Cafeteria tables
Automotive Seatbelts
Automotive Steering 

Petroleum Products; Toxic Chemicals/Emissions
Air emissions
Asbestos
Benzene
Carbon Monoxide
Floor Wax
Petroleum
  • Ingerie German v. Bottling Group, LLC D/B/A Pepsi Beverages Company, Docket No. 2:19-13455 (E.D. Mich., October 30, 2020) (dismissing race discrimination, sex discrimination, and intentional infliction of emotional distress claims)

  • In the Matter of Jason Puff v. PepsiCo, Docket No. 19-015-137; Case No. D-19-287-2 (after a September, 2019 trial in the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules, the ALJ dismissed the MIOSHA retaliation complaint on December 20, 2019)

  • Brady Pawlik v. Sabis; Kendra Giles, No. 16-108366 (Genesee County Circuit Court, October 1, 2018) (dismissing age reverse race discrimination and public policy claims)

  • Aaron West v. New Bern Transport Corporation, No. 2:17-13165 (E.D. Mich., September 3, 2018) (dismissing race discrimination claims)

  • Delwayne Owens v. XPO Logistics Freight F/k/a Con-way Freight Inc., No. 16013459 (E.D. Mich., August 3, 2018) (dismissing race discrimination, retaliation, public policy, and FLSA claims)

  • Frank Czerniejewski; Employer: UPS, Appeal No. 18-006937 (July 18, 2018) (after an evidentiary hearing, the ALJ reversed the decision that former employee was qualified for benefits)

  • Carlton Evans v. UPS, No. 17-00622 (N.D. OH, March 28, 2018) (dismissing race discrimination and retaliation claims)

  • Frances G. Danelli v. Frito-Lay, Inc., DOAH No. 17-6311 (after a February, 2018 trial in the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings, the ALJ recommended dismissal of age and sex discrimination, retaliation, and sexual harassment Petition for Relief) (Florida Commission on Human Relations entered a September 14, 2018 Final Order Dismissing Petition For Relief From An Unlawful Employment Practice)

  • Ileene McDonald  v. Bottling Group, LLC, DOAH No. 17-3201 (after an August, 2017 trial in the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings, the ALJ  recommended the dismissal of sex discrimination Petition for Relief) (Florida Commission on Human Relations entered a February 8, 2018 Final Order Dismissing Petition For Relief From An Unlawful Employment Practice)

  • Jakobi Smith; Employer: UPS, Appeal No. 17-020601 (after a November, 2017 evidentiary hearing, the ALJ reversed the decision that the former employee was qualified for benefits)

  • Philip Holmes v. UPS, No. 5:15-cv-13350 (E.D. Mich., October 5, 2017) (dismissing ADA claims)

  • David Iliff v. UPS, NLRB Case No. 08-CA-202895 (September 28, 2017) (dismissing claimed violation of the NLRA)

  • Shelia Jackson; Employer: UPS, Appeal No. 17-015243 (August 23, 2017) (after an evidentiary hearing, the ALJ upheld the decision that the former employee was discharged for misconduct connected to her work)

  • Christopher England v. UPS, No.  16-0009 (S.D. OH, August 10, 2017) (dismissing age discrimination claim)

  • Joe Thomas v. Bottling Group, LLC, 16-012519-CD (E.D. Mich., July 28, 2017) (dismissing FLMA claims and disability discrimination and harassment claims)

  • In Re Claim of Stephanie Tinney; Employer: UPS, H-2017008231 (July 26, 2017) (after evidentiary hearing, reversing prior decision that former employee was discharged without just cause)

  • Virgilio Velazquez v. Meggitt Safety Systems, Inc. and Does 1- 50, No. 56-2015-00468117-CU-WT-VTA, California Superior Court, Ventura County (September 8, 2016) (dismissing RIF, disability discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination in violation of public policy, and failure to accommodate, interact in good faith, and prevent discrimination and harassment claims)

  • Yvonne Washington v. Towers Watson Delaware, Inc., No. 5:15-cv-10369-JCO-MKM (E.D. Mich., July 28, 2015) (dismissing race and age discrimination and harassment claims)

  • Amanda Enriquez v. Durham School Services, L.P., National Express Corporation, et al, No. 14-11972 (E.D. Mich., December 12, 2014) (dismissing quid pro quo sexual harassment, hostile work environment, retaliation, conspiracy, and promissory estoppel claims claims)

  • Crime Victim v. Defendant (E.D. Mich., July 28, 2014) (after evidentiary hearing, obtaining a nearly $225,000 restitution order for a victim of human trafficking)

  • Janice Wilber v. UPS, Docket No. ALJ, Appeal No. 14-002866-240775 (July 24, 2014) (after an evidentiary hearing, the Board reversed the ALJ and held that the employer demonstrated that the claimant was disqualified from benefits because she voluntarily quit her employment for no good cause attributable to the employer)

  • Matthew P. Shaffer v. UPS, No. 2:13-cv-12628 (E.D. Mich., November 15, 2013)  (dismissing disability discrimination suit)

  • In Re Shell Oil Lubricants, River Rouge Plant and USWA, Local 2-389, 2013 WL 3071310 (2013) (FMCS, January 16, 2013) (making company history by winning first ever arbitration award upholding LSR just cause discharge)

  • Alfred Hass v. UPS et. al., No. 5-2700-10-029 (January 2, 2013) (dismissing Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act claim) 

  • Sikora v. UPS, 2012 WL 5344476 (E.D.Mich., 2012) (dismissing individual defendants in disability discrimination lawsuit)

  • David MacDonald v. UPS, No. 07-12022 (E.D. Mich., September 14, 2012) (dismissed with prejudice and without costs and attorney's fees)

  • Darwin Moore v. UPS, Greg Lowran and Teamsters Local 243, 2012 WL 5522790 (E.D. Mich., August 12, 2012) (dismissing hybrid §301 claim)

  • Steven Mojica v. UPS, Inc., 2012 WL 1890192 (6th Cir., May 25, 2012) affirming 2011 WL 2080247 (E.D. Mich., May 25, 2011) (dismissing whistleblower and public policy claims)

  • Vickie V. Davis v. Durham School Services, No. 11-13026 (E.D. Mich., October 5, 2011) (dismissing race discrimination, hostile work environment, age discrimination, retaliation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress claims)

  • David MacDonald v. UPS, 430 Fed Appx. 453 (6th Cir., 2011) (upholding the dismissal of whistleblower, age, and disability claims)

  • Steven Mojica v. UPS, Docket No. B2009-23395-RMI-215958W (August 31, 2011) (affirming the ALJ's September 16, 2010 Decision that the employer demonstrated that the claimant engaged in misconduct and is disqualified from receiving benefits)

  • Sammy Lewis et. al. v. Dr. Drouillard, UPS, et. al., 788 F. Supp. 567 (E.D. Mich., 2011) (dismissing RICO claims)

  • Morris China v. UPS, No. 200907875 (N.D. OH., February 25, 2010) (dismissing breach of contract, promissory estoppel, and race discrimination claims)

  • Rose Villegas v. UPS and Steve Tamm, No. 07-710175-NZ (Wayne County Circuit Court, September 29, 2009) (dismissing gender discrimination and harassment, wrongful discharge, public policy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress claims)

  • Landrea Standfield v. UPS and Steve Tamm, No. 07-722958-CD (Wayne County Circuit Court, August 31, 2009) (dismissing sex discrimination, race discrimination, and intentional infliction of emotional distress claims)

  • David MacDonald v. UPS, No. 07-12022 (E.D. Mich., June 5, 2009) (dismissing whistleblower, age, disability, and retaliation claims)

  • Margaret Sokolnicki v. Cingular Wireless, No. 1817 (6th Cir., June 1, 2009) affirming 2007 WL 1500182 (E.D. Mich., 2007) (dismissing age discrimination and emotional distress claims)

  • Frederick Muzyka v. UPS, 2007 WL 1888798 (E.D. Mich., June 29, 2007) (dismissing disability and hybrid §301 claims)

  • Lamont Moore v. UPS, No. 06-cv-1021 (E.D. Mich., May 24, 2007) (dismissing race discrimination and wrongful discharge claims)

  • Mock v. UPS, 2006 WL 648833 (W.D. Mich., March 13, 2006) (dismissing hybrid §301 claim)

  • Mock v. UPS, 2005 WL 3107731 (W.D. Mich., November 18, 2005) (dismissing wrongful discharge and gender and race discrimination claims)

  • Radu v. Lear Corporation, 2005 WL 2417625 (E.D. Mich., September 30, 2005) (dismissing claim of whistleblower retaliation in violation of SOX)

  • Radu v. Lear Corporation, 2005SOX00036 (U.S. DOL, June 21, 2005) (dismissing claim of whistleblower retaliation in violation of SOX)

  • Yax v. UPS, 2005 WL 3801465 (E.D. Mich., May 31, 2005) (dismissing RICO and intentional infliction of emotional distress claims), aff'd 2006 WL 2441097 (6th Cir., August 24, 2006)

  • Heilig v. UPS, No. 2:03-cv-72895-GER (E.D. Mich., November 8, 2004) (dismissing age discrimination claim)

  • Equilon Enterprises, L.L.C. v. Rahim, Inc., 80 Fed.Appx. 463; 2003 WL 22598325 (6th Cir., November 07, 2003) (dismissing Petroleum Marketing Practices Act complaint)

  • Moll v. Abbott Laboratories, 192 Mich.App. 724 (Mich.App., February 03, 1992) (pharmaceutical case clarifying statute of limitations issues)

  • East-West, North-South: Toronto Regional Meeting Anticipates the Transformation of Business and Law in a Post-COVID World, 2021 IADC Canadian Regional Meeting
    June 23, 2021
  • The Way Forward: A Plan for Boosting Diversity and Inclusion in Law Firms, Michigan Lawyers Weekly
    October 20, 2020
  • Dykema's 2020 Employer Update, Session 3: Workplace Bias: How to Understand and Combat It
    October 15, 2020
  • Continuing an IADC Conversation about Becoming an Active Ally: How to Get Involved, Stay Involved, and Educate Others About Racial Injustice
    July 30, 2020
  • Baylor Law Roundtable: Diversity, Inclusion, and Litigation Management
    July 22, 2020
  • A Pointed Labor and Employment Discussion Regarding COVID-19 and Groundbreaking Laws, International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Webinar
    March 31, 2020
  • How to Win Your Case Through Visual Storytelling, IADC 2020 Midyear Meeting
    February 26, 2020
  • #MeToo Allegations and Litigation, Panel Moderator, IADC Corporate Counsel College, Chicago, Illinois
    April 12, 2019
  • The Nice Factor: Benefits in Litigation and Life, Panel Moderator, IADC 2018 Annual Meeting, Lisbon, Portugal
    July 10, 2018
  • Inclusive Education and Employment – European Style, Panel Moderator, IADC 2018 Annual Meeting, Lisbon, Portugal
    July 8, 2018
  • Sex Harassment: The Cause of Action, Investigation, and Confidential Settlement, IADC
    April 4, 2018
  • Diversity & Inclusion: 7 Best Law Firm Practices, Defense Research Institute's Insurance Coverage and Practice Symposium, New York, New York
    December 8, 2016
  • Some Avoidable Litigation Perils & Pitfalls, HR and Management Team
    February and April, 2016
  • Becoming an Agent of Change - Promoting Gender Equality in the Legal Workplace, International Association of Defense Counsel, Midyear Meeting, Moderator, Ida Abbott, Speaker
    February 24, 2016
  • Shared Responsibility: Women and Men for Gender Equality, POWER: Opening Doors for Women Conference, Chicago, Illinois
    June 11, 2015
  • Building a Book of Business - A Step-by-Step Pitch Simulation, Corporate Counsel Women of Color One-Day Law Firm Associates Career Strategies Conference, New York, New York
    April 2015
  • Microinequities and Potential Crash and Burn: Are You at Risk?, 2015 International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Midyear Meeting
    February 17, 2015
  • The Impact of Misclassification of Workers, 2015 International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Midyear Meeting
    February 16, 2015
  • The Art of the Ask, Panelist, 5th Annual POWER Detroit Conference, Detroit, Michigan
    October 23, 2014
  • Employment Law Update, Key Presenter, 2014 International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Midyear Meeting
    February 10, 2014
  • EEOC's Strategic Enforcement Plan and Guidance on the Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records, HR Group
    September 18, 2013
  • Some Avoidable Legal Hazards & Snares, Management Team
    August 8, 2013
  • Disaster Averted, Mass Tort Resolved—Settling Mass Tort Disaster Cases, ABA, Section of Litigation, ADR Committee CLE, Moderator
    April 26, 2013
  • Meet the Rainmakers: Business Development Tips for Solos & Aspiring Partners, The State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyers Section, 5th Annual Summit
    June 16, 2012
  • A Ways to Go, Celebrating and Realizing the Dream of Freedom for All Americans, Youth Advocacy Coalition, Harmony Point CTC
    January 17, 2011
  • Platinum in the Legal Profession: A Conference Highlighting African American Leadership in the Law, Panelist, The State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyers Section and the Platinum in the Legal Profession Committee
    October 22, 2010
  • Rainmaking in a Slow Economy & Despite the Crash, Burn & Microinequities, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
    July 1, 2010
  • College and Career Planning, Each One Teach One, presentation to middle and high school students regarding success mentality, collection selection, and resume
    May 22, 2010
  • Make It Rain in a Slow Economy & Despite the Crash, Burn & Microinequities, Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, Washtenaw Region
    January 29, 2010
  • From Visible Invisibility to Visibly Successful: Success Strategies for Law Firms and Women of Color in Law Firms, Women Lawyers Association of Michigan and Vanzetti Hamilton Bar Association "Bias Awareness Week" luncheon
    October 19, 2009
  • Rainmaking in a Slow Economy & Despite the Crash, Burn & Microinequities, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
    October 7, 2009
  • Some Avoidable Litigation Perils & Pifalls, Management Team
    July 16, 2008
  • Spoilation, Hot Topics in Evidence, Michigan ICLE
    May 29, 2008
  • Your Legal Career, Career Day, West Hills Middle School
    April 24, 2008
  • “CDC ‘Close Contact’ Definition Creates Employer Challenges”
    November 20, 2020
    Law360
  • “Practical Tips To Minimize Labor And Employment Risks Arising From The Coronavirus In The Workplace And Workforce"
    March 1, 2020
    International Association of Defense Counsel Employment Law Committee Newsletter
  • "Visual Storytelling"
    December 2019
  • "Tangible Results Speak Louder Than Well-Intentioned Diversity and Inclusion Words," (Co-Authored with Sr. V.P. & General Counsel Thomas Sager)
    August 2014
    For The Defense, DRI
    http://www.dykema.com/news-item-mayfield-co-authors-article-w-thomas-sager-for-dri-publication-for-the-defense_090814.html
  • "Sixth Circuit Deals Fatal Blow to RICO Claims Based on Alleged Conspiracies To Deny Workers' Compensation Benefits, (a/k/a "Loss Or Diminution Of Worker's Compensation Benefits Does Not Spell RICO")"
    August 4, 2014
    Dykema Labor & Employment Law Blog
    http://www.laboremployment-lawblog.com/RICO_Workers_Comp
  • "Braced For Federal Government Shutdown: Agency Contingency Plans"
    October 2, 2013
    Dykema Labor & Employment Blog
    https://www.laboremployment-lawblog.com/Agency_contingency
  • "Hope Is Not Lost for Defending Mich. Whistleblower Claims"
    July 8, 2013
    Law 360
  • "Conference Session Recap: Mass Torts Settlement" for "Jeopardy! Mass Torts Settlement Style" Panel, ABA, Section of Litigation, Alternative Dispute Resolution e-newsletter
    Vol. 17, No. 4 (Summer, 2013 edition)
  • "Michigan Supreme Court Disavows and Clarifies Whistleblower Motivation," Dykema Labor & Employment Blog
    June 20, 2013
  • “Hot Topics in Evidence: Spoliation” (co-author)
    Michigan ICLE
  • “Succeeding Despite Crashes & MicroInequities”
    ABA Embracing Diversity Newsletter
  • "Practical Considerations for the Successful Defense of International and Foreign Corporations in Domestic Product Liability Litigation" (Principal co-author)
    American Bar Association
  • "Franchisor Liability Under an Apparent Authority Theory" (Principal co-author)
    American Journal of Trial Advocacy
  • "Post-Daubert Decisions Digest"
    American Bar Association
  • "Preventing Manufacturer Compelled Disclosure of Confidential Information Contained in Voluntarily Submitted Adverse Event Reports"
    American Journal of Trial Advocacy and the IADC's Defense Counsel Journal
  • "Prima Facie Design Defect Case & Expert Testimony"
    Michigan Bar Journal
  • "Batson and Groups Other than Blacks: A Strict Scrutiny Analysis"
    American Journal of Trial Advocacy
  • "Chinese Law"
    China MOR Letter
  • "Rainmaking: Business Development And Retention Techniques"
    American Bar Association

Blog Posts

Memberships & Involvement

  • Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association
  • Wolverine Bar Association
  • National Bar Association
  • National Association of Women Lawyers, Legislative Committee Chair
  • Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC), Member
  • American Bar Association, General Practice Section's Urban, State and Local Government Subcommittee, Former Diversity Chairperson; Civil Justice Institute; Section of Litigation, Products Liability Committee, Leadership
  • State Bar of Michigan Judicial Qualifications, Professional and Judicial Ethics, Continuing Legal Education, and Character and Fitness Committees, Former Co-chair and/or Member
  • Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, Wayne Region, Former President; Vice President; Program Chairperson; and Treasurer
  • Defense Research Institute
  • United Negro College Fund, Former Women's Committee member
  • International Association of Defense Counsel, Board of Directors, Chair of Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Chair of Diversity Programs; Chair of Employment Law Committee; State Membership Chair; Former Vice Chair of Diversity Initiatives; Vice Chair of Webinar - Employment Committee
  • State Bar of Michigan's Open Justice Commission, Former Commissioner
  • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Member

Named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2020 class of “Women in the Law”

Recipient of the IADC Richard L. Neumeier Excellence in Service Award

Recipient of the IADC Diversity and Inclusion Committee Chair plaque

Recognized in Michigan Super Lawyers® for Employment Litigation: Defense, Personal Injury - Products: Defense, Class Action/Mass Torts: Defense, 2009-2012, 2014-Present

Recipient of the Women in Color Achievement Award, from the 100 Black Men of Greater Detroit, in partnership with the Women Presidents' Organization

Named a Michigan Leading Lawyer in the area of Employment: Management Law by the Leading Lawyers Network, 2014-2017, Law Bulletin Publishing Company

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Labor and Employment Litigation, 2019-Present. Copyright 2015 by Woodward/White, Inc., Aiken, SC

Recipient of an AV® Preeminent™ Rating by Martindale-Hubbell