Services
Industries
Education
Seton Hall University School of Law, Healthcare Compliance Certification, 2018
Wayne State University School of Law, J.D., 1995
Trinity College, B.A., 1992
Bar Admissions
- Michigan
Kiffi Ford has more than 25 years of experience providing counseling and litigation representation to employers of all sizes. Kiffi is a passionate problem solver who helps employers proactively make good decisions to safeguard their workplaces and ensure that employers and employees can work together to achieve their goals.
Kiffi has a background in health law and corporate services, including extensive experience with contracts, regulatory compliance, internal investigations, collective bargaining, arbitration and mediation. Her labor experience includes advising employers in union contract negotiations, collective bargaining and arbitration hearings, and successfully defending employers against claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful discharge.
Kiffi also has significant experience in guiding clients through difficult workplace compliance issues. Her extensive background in high-level workplace investigations enables her to proactively guide employers around and through potential legal pitfalls.
Kiffi previously worked as executive director of legal services for a major health system, where she oversaw operational and strategic initiatives covering complex workplace concerns for 10,000 employees.
Kiffi has been recognized as a "Lawyer of the Year" by Michigan Lawyers Weekly and as a "Leading Lawyer in Michigan" by Crain's Detroit Business. In 2019, she was honored with the Wolverine Bar Association's Golden Gavel Award.
Representative Matters
Kiffi has been called the "calm in the middle of a storm" by several clients who rely on her experience and levelheadedness to champion their cause – yet she also brings fierce advocacy to the courtroom when litigation is the right course.
A client shares: "Ms. Ford advocates and acts in ways that are consistent with our mission, vision and values. She accepts new challenges, continually updates and seeks feedback to ensure she is providing the best service possible. It is clear that she is capable of gaining willing cooperation in sustaining our interest while leveraging the knowledge of our organization."
Honors
Wolverine Bar Association, Golden Gavel Award, 2019
Crain's Detroit Business, "Leading Lawyer in Michigan," 2015
Michigan Lawyers Weekly, "Lawyer of the Year," 1998
Professional Activities
Fellow of the State Bar of Michigan Foundation
State Bar of Michigan, Michigan State Supreme Court Appointee to State Bar Board of Commissioners (2005-2008); Referral Service Committee, Chair (2013); Judicial Qualifications Committee (2008-2020)
Wolverine Bar Association
Lansing Davis-Dunnings Bar Association
Civic, Cultural & Social Activities
Children's Healing Center for Southeastern Michigan, Board Member, Feb. 2021-Feb. 2024
Teaching
Guest lecturer in Trial Advocacy Class at MSU College of Law, 2015-2016
Speeches
"Building Bridges: A Beginner's Guide to Management-Union Dynamics in The Private Sector," Miller Canfield 2024 HR Spring Training
"What’s Lawful and Unlawful in the Hiring Process," Miller Canfield 2023 HR Spring Training
"Toolkit for Drafting Severance and Release Agreements, for Individual Terminations and Reductions in Force," Miller Canfield 2022 HR Fall Training Camp
"Workforce Pandemic Recovery," OESA 2021 Automotive Supplier Legal Hot Topics Virtual Event, February 3, 2021
Publications
"Employment Issues After Hire," Employment Law in Michigan, Second and Third Editions, Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE)