The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a summary judgment in favor of Macomb Township, Michigan, in a lawsuit brought by its former general counsel, Thomas Esordi. Esordi contended that his firing in April 2023 violated his federal due process rights as he was dismissed without “an opportunity to be heard.”
The court’s decision affirms that Esordi failed to demonstrate a “property interest” in his employment, which would have necessitated a due process hearing before termination. This was determined based on his employment contract and the assertion of an implied contract, both of which were deemed void under Michigan law.
Esordi’s dual role as general counsel and human resources director brought additional scrutiny, yet the court found no legal grounds to support his claims against the township and board officers Janet I. Dunn and Kristi L. Pozzi. The ruling concludes that Esordi’s employment agreement did not provide sufficient basis for claiming a property interest protected under the Due Process Clause.
For further details on the court’s ruling, you can read the full article on Bloomberg Law.