Kevin T. Sutton
Kevin Sutton is the head of the firm’s Education practice. His practice covers the broad spectrum of issues confronting schools, school districts, and other educational entities.
Mr. Sutton is a graduate of Michigan State University, and the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Mr. Sutton also completed the prestigious International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Trial Academy at Stanford University, a program focused on the development of trial advocacy skills for defense litigators.
In addition to his efforts in the courtroom and with administrative agencies (OCR, EEOC, MDCR), Mr. Sutton regularly investigates allegations of employee/student harassment and conduct; advises his clients regarding their statutory obligations under Michigan’s Revised School Code and federal law, applicable special education laws, and other school-related statutes; and counsels his clients on a wide array of labor and employment issues. Mr. Sutton also focuses extensively on the development of organizational policies for his clients. Mr. Sutton currently serves on the Michigan Council of School Attorneys (MCSA) Board of Directors.
Mr. Sutton often presents on topics relevant to his school clients, including transgender student rights, Title IX, social media in schools, student/staff investigations, student privacy rights/FERPA, and student/staff discipline. On the issue of transgender student rights, Mr. Sutton is recognized as a legal expert, having been invited by the Michigan Department of Education to help develop guidance for supporting LGBTQ students. Mr. Sutton has presented to education groups across the State of Michigan on this important topic.
Mr. Sutton serves as an Adjunct Professor at Oakland University, teaching Education Law to students pursuing their Ed.S. degree through OU’s Department of Educational Leadership.
Mr. Sutton has been recognized and listed in the Best Lawyers in America® for Employment Law – Management since 2024.
For years, Mr. Sutton has been actively involved with the nonprofit organization Winning Futures, a goal setting, mentoring, and scholarship program for high school students. Mr. Sutton served as a mentor to students at Warren Mott High School and was recognized as “Mentor of the Year” for the 2011-2012 school year. Mr. Sutton also served on the Board of Directors for the organization. Following the tragic passing of his first mentee, Melvin Akins, Mr. Sutton and his wife formed the Melvin Akins Memorial Scholarship, to be awarded annually to an outstanding Winning Futures student. In July 2015, Mr. Sutton was recognized, along with seven other Michigan residents, as a RARE Everyday Hero for his many contributions to the community.
Mr. Sutton – an avid MSU and Detroit sports fan — lives in the Detroit area with his wife, Lauren, a public elementary school teacher, and their two children. When he’s not working, you will most likely find him at an ice rink or a soccer pitch, watching his kids compete.