Employment

Because we are committed to our clients’ success, we make it our business to know their business. We help employers stay ahead of potential issues affecting productivity and company reputation. We assist them in developing policies and procedures designed to prevent litigation but, when necessary, defend their interests in litigation. We also help employers craft agreements vital to protecting their proprietary interests.

Our lawyers have become trusted advisors to many of their clients who appreciate our ability to deliver practical advice and effectively resolve disputes in a cost-effective manner.

Employment Litigation

Our lawyers have the experience to handle any employment issue in any forum, whether in federal or state court, before a federal, state or local fair employment agency, or in arbitration. Employment lawsuits can undermine the strength of your brand, products and services, and can be very disruptive to the workplace. We represent employers in disputes involving the full gamut of employment issues:

• Discrimination and harassment claims
• Leave and accommodation claims
• Breach of contract claims
• Whistleblower and retaliation claims
• Wage and Hour
• Trade Secret misappropriation

Employment Counseling & Compliance

Preventing issues in the workplace can save employers time and money. We help employers develop policies and procedures designed to prevent work disruptions and unnecessary costs. We make recommendations with an eye toward mitigating risk while satisfying our clients’ business and operational needs.

Ensuring that employees understand workplace rules helps reduce issues, improve day-to-day operations and assists in building a strong company culture. Our lawyers draft and update workplace policies and employee handbooks to meet current labor and employment regulations. Our lawyers audit workplace procedures to identify any gaps in complying with regulatory requirements concerning areas such as employee classification, wage and hour matters, reasonable accommodation, and leave policies. Our depth of experience is especially helpful in supporting private equity firms guide their portfolio companies.

We guide employers with workforces across multiple states on strategies for reconciling differences in state laws covering such areas as family medical leave, paid time off, sick time and anti-harassment laws. When employers need to undergo personnel changes, we help them develop best practices for documenting and implementing terminations and reductions in force.

Employment Agreements & Restrictive Covenants

Well-drafted employment agreements and related restrictive covenants are critical to employers successfully protecting confidential and proprietary information, relationships with customers, and investments in employees. To protect these assets and reduce the risks of disputes over performance or pay, we draft and review employment contracts and restrictive covenant agreements that carefully lay out the expectations, responsibilities, and obligations of both employer and employee. Because restrictive covenant agreements, including non-compete agreements can be difficult to enforce, our attorneys stay current in the area and refine their drafting to strengthen enforceability.

Investigations

Potential issues that arise in the workplace can quickly become overblown in the media, causing serious damage to the company’s reputation and may even affect a company’s bottom line if not managed proactively. We assist our clients in quickly investigating workplace issues to help control the situation. We investigate matters ranging from sexual harassment to whistleblower claims to trade secret misappropriation claims.

Transaction Support

Mergers and acquisitions and other important business dealings can often experience delays or other headaches when labor and employment issues are not identified early. We have extensive experience identifying issues hidden in such deals – including ones involving wage and hour liabilities or change of control agreements – and working with our transactional lawyers to help chart a best course forward to ensure the success of the deal.