When a city manager is fired, people talk termination. But what if that firing—or the process behind it—breaks the law? That’s what we’re seeing in Hamtramck, Michigan, where Max Garbarino, recently removed from his post as City Manager, is bringing a wrongful termination case that’s more than just headlines.
FOX2 Detroit reported that Garbarino—and other officials like Police Chief Jamiel Altaheri—were terminated by vote after an investigation by law firm Miller Johnson concluded they were slow to act on misconduct allegations. FOX 2 Detroit Attorney Jon Marko says they’re seeking “several million dollars in damages”, and that this case is going to be “jet-fuelled.” FOX 2 Detroit
What This Case Tells Us About Workplace Justice in Michigan
Legal Principle |
What the Public Often Misses |
Why Marko Law Fights |
Wrongful Termination |
Termination alone isn’t automatic liability. The process must be fair, legal, and free of discrimination or retaliation. |
We fight to expose when an employer or city fails to follow the law, ensuring clients get their day in court. |
Duty to Act on Misconduct |
Employers often fail to investigate complaints or protect workers who report wrongdoing. |
We show how these failures create legal liability and long-term harm for employees. |
Transparency & Process |
Closed-door decisions and hidden agendas often violate public trust and employment protections. |
We hold decision-makers accountable when they ignore process or try to silence workers. |
Why You Should Care—Even If You’re Not a City Manager
This case matters to every employee in Michigan, because:
- Due Process Counts: Even public officials can’t be dismissed without following legal norms. If you work for the city, county, or state, these principles apply to you too.
- Retaliation is Illegal: Reporting alleged misconduct—or simply being connected to it—can’t be used as an excuse to terminate someone if it’s done unfairly or secretly. For help with retaliation claims, visit our page on Civil Rights Laws in Employment.
- Plain Procedures Are Required: Councils, boards, executives—they all must follow law when making employment decisions. If not, there’s legal liability.
What Jon Marko’s Team Is Doing
We’re not just watching this case—we’re preparing. Steps we’re taking:
- Document Access & Depositions: We’re collecting every record, minutes, and email that sheds light on when and how decisions were made—no matter how “routine” or “small.”
- Investigating Damage: Beyond lost salary—stress, reputation, future opportunities are on the line. Wisconsin titles aside, wrongful termination damage is real.
- Bringing Accountability: This isn’t just about money—it’s about making sure people who abuse power learn that Michigan’s laws protect employees.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated
- Document everything. Emails, memos, witness accounts.
- Watch timelines. Michigan law has strict deadlines under wrongful termination, retaliation, civil rights statutes, etc.
- Don’t sign anything you don’t understand.
- Consult a trial-ready lawyer. Wrongful termination cases are only easy if you settle early; if you want justice, you need someone who WILL go to trial.
Why Marko Law Is Built for Battles Like This
We’ve taken on giants—corporations, public entities, insurance companies—and secured some of Michigan’s largest verdicts and settlements. Whether it’s wrongful termination, civil rights, or personal injury, we don’t shy away. We push. We challenge. We win.
Justice Isn't Just a Word—It’s Your Right
If you believe your firing was unlawful—retaliation, lack of process, discrimination—don’t sit silently. Call us at 313-777-7777 or reach out online. We’ll evaluate your situation, protect your rights, and take action.
Because fighting back isn’t just possible—it’s necessary.