Before joining Eastman & Smith, Gregory J. Ridella worked for over thirty-three years in the automotive industry, serving as in-house counsel for a large automotive manufacturer. During his long career, Mr. Ridella was counselor to the Human Resources Department and management on legal matters pertaining to non-union and union employment. He is an of counsel attorney in our Detroit, Michigan, office.  

Mr. Ridella brings his valued experience to the benefit of Eastman & Smith's clients who desire an in-house perspective on legal matters. 

Experience

Mr. Ridella has deep and comprehensive experience on many matters related to employment law, including: 

• Advising on issues pertaining to hiring, selecting, downsizing and rightsizing the workforce;
• Counseling on matters related to employee discipline, diversity and affirmative action planning, privacy and security;
• Developing and evaluating the effectiveness of performance evaluation tools;
• Implementing EEO and non-discrimination compliance requirements;
• Drafting employment, separation, consultant and employee benefit provider agreements;
• Advising and negotiating on labor and employment matters arising during acquisitions and divestitures;
• Evaluating compensation programs and pay practices;
• Responding to civil rights agency claims and managing agency audits;
• Participating in labor negotiations; and
• Managing complex litigation in federal and state courts.