Workplace and employment counseling in United States

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

The sizeable and highly regarded labor and employment practice at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP 'consistently delivers expert legal advice in a timely and responsive fashion'. Its labor and employment counseling team includes many attorneys which worked in government before joining the firm, and employees at the firm are also trial lawyers, meaning they have first-hand experience of all aspects of the legal process. Its clients include major tech companies, as well as well-known companies operating in a range of other industries. The firm has made use of digital platforms, developing the Virtual Whiteboard, which allows employees to track and review progress virtually, and ClientSite, which provides analytics about client needs. The practice is led by Grace Speights in Washington DC, whose work has involved investigating misconduct claims in the entertainment, sports and legal services sectors, and David McManus in New York and Boston, who has crisis management experience, with a focus on avoiding reputational harm. From the Los Angeles office, Kathryn McGuigan covers all areas of human resources management and handles wrongful termination cases. David Bowman left the firm to work at Facebook.

Practice head(s):

Grace Speights; David McManus

Other key lawyers:

Kathryn McGuigan; Michelle Silverman; Barbara Miller; Thomas Linthorst; August Heckman; Sharon Masling; Jocelyn Cuttino; Stephanie Sweitzer; Michael Schlemmer; Eleanor Pelta; Eric Bord

Testimonials

The Morgan Lewis attorneys consistently deliver expert legal advice in a timely and responsive fashion. They seek to understand the client’s business operations, needs, and culture. The firm’s litigators are top notch.’

‘Morgan Lewis is handling all of our California wage and hour litigation. They are responsive, practical and strategic. Barbara Miller has done a great job juggling many cases for us. She is very knowledgeable, organized and creative and has secured a number of favorable outcomes for us. I can’t recommend them highly enough.’

‘The Morgan Lewis employment law and immigration legal teams have provided our company with consistently excellent legal support for the last 10 years in the US and globally.’

‘Thomas Linthorst – our key relationship partner is incredibility smart, thoughtful, a good listener and an excellent litigator. He coordinates all of the legal support for us and ensures high quality work and results. Michelle Silverman has conducted many sensitive internal investigations for our company and is highly expert on ADA and COVID-19 matters.’

‘August Heckman – excellent litigator, pragmatic. Sharon Masling – exceptional understanding of EEOC policy and issues, partner who helped us navigate COVID-19 decisions. Eleanor Pelta and Eric Bord – experts in US and global immigration.’

Jocelyn Cuttino provides real-time advice. She frequently loops in a diverse set of attorneys on projects, which we as a client greatly appreciate.

Grace Speights and Sharon Masling both quickly established their credibility in a situation that involved sensitive issues. When there were decision points they provided the full range of options, gave their advice re best practices etc. and allowed us to make knowledgeable decisions.

Stephanie Sweitzer and Michael Schlemmer are outstanding in both knowledge and responsiveness. They provide timely advice and counsel to allow for good decision making. I value their partnership very much.’

Key clients

Amazon

Aramark

Board of Governors of Hebrew Union College

Disability:IN

GlaxoSmithKline

National Audubon Society

TPG Capital

Toyota Motor North America

Work highlights

  • Represented GlaxoSmithKline in conducting an investigation of allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct brought against an individual.
  • Led an investigation into allegations against the National Audubon Society, and conducted a workplace cultural assessment and made recommendations for improving workplace culture for all employees.
  • Provided strategic labor relations and employment advice to TPG Capital in connection with its investment in DirecTV with AT&T Inc, a transaction that had implications for 7,000 unionized employees.

Proskauer Rose LLP

Proskauer Rose LLP operates a large, international labor and employment practice, with over 140 lawyers based across nine offices in the US, UK and Europe. The practice is sought by clients operating in the sports, entertainment and real estate industries, amongst others. The team is led by Neil Abramson in New York, who handles complex collective bargaining cases, and Los Angeles-based co-chair Anthony Oncidi, who advises on high-profile employment cases, with a particular emphasis on the media and entertainment sectors. Other key practitioners include trial lawyer Keisha-Ann Gray in New York, and Washington DC-based partner Guy Brenner, who has particular experience in non-compete and trade secrets matters.

Practice head(s):

Neil Abramson; Anthony Oncidi

Other key lawyers:

Keisha-Ann Gray; Guy Brenner; Joseph Baumgarten; Elise Bloom; Mark Batten; Kate Gold; Steven Hurd; Kathleen McKenna; Nigel Telman; Allan Bloom

Key clients

Montefiore Medical Center

Major League Baseball (MLB)

MLB Advanced Media, L.P. (MLBAM)

BAMTech LLC (BAMTech)

National Hockey League

National Football League (NFL)

NFL Productions

McDonald’s Corporation

Ipsos NA

Thyssenkrupp NA

Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico (FOMB)

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)

Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority (MaBSTOA)

The Aerospace Corporation

Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Highlighted for its ‘outstanding depth and high-quality attorneys‘, Seyfarth Shaw LLP is a popular choice for major and household name companies, with some client-firm relationships dating back several decades. Its employment counseling team serves as day-to-day employment counsel for many of the nation’s largest employers, but is particularly known for its complex, sensitive work, often requiring multi-faceted solutions. The team is led by Chicago-based partner David Baffa, who deals with clients across the financial services, pharmaceuticals and aerospace sectors. William P. Perkins in New York advises on contract negotiations and wage and hour claims; Boston-based partner Lisa Damon works with discrimination cases; Lawrence Lorber in Washington DC assists in a number of cases involving Covid-19 matters; and New York-based Joshua Seidman handles matters in the retail sector. Christine Hendrickson left the firm in October 2021.

Practice head(s):

Dave Baffa

Other key lawyers:

William P. Perkins; Lisa Damon; Lawrence Lorber; Joshua Seidman; Jennifer Kraft; Daniel Whang; Tracy Billows; Gillian Lepore; Kyla Miller; Ashley Cano

Testimonials

‘The Seyfarth Shaw team is wonderful to work with. They respond quickly to emails and if it is on a topic that will take some research they provide an eta on when to expect the information. They are will to jump on calls and take the time to answer all our questions and concerns.’

‘Seyfarth takes the time to understand your company, the company culture and the ultimate goals. Josh Seidman has spent many hours working with our company to assist with providing advice on how to best handle the many nuances that are involved with local sick time policies.’

‘Outstanding depth and high quality attorneys.’

‘Larry Lorber and Jennifer Kraft are outstanding. Very knowledgeable and client service focused.’

‘Experts on paid leave laws, subscriptions to updates on leave laws across the country, class actions.’

‘Very responsive and knowledgeable. I’d highlight Joshua Seidman and Daniel Whang.’

‘Tracy Billows and her team are exceptional attorneys. They know the law…they know our business…they know our people…and they are very practical. It take a lot of time and effort to get to know the business and the people. But, Tracy and her team take the time to do that, and it is beyond helpful in the counseling we receive.’

‘I’d highlight Tracy Billows, Gillian Lepore, Kyla Miller, Ashley Cano.’

Baker McKenzie LLP

Baker McKenzie's practice sits within the firm's North America employment and compensation practice, and provides a broad service to employers, covering domestic, international and cross-border workplace and employment law matters. Multinational companies seek the firm's assistance in equal pay audits, internal workplace investigations and whistleblower-related matters, among other areas. The practice is led by Palo Alto–based labor law expert Susan Eandi, who works with clients in the entertainment industry, and is supported by Benjamin Ho in San Francisco.

Practice head(s):

Susan Eandi

Other key lawyers:

Benjamin Ho

Key clients

Anschutz Entertainment Group, Inc.

Work highlights

  • Advised Anschutz Entertainment Group, Inc. on all employment issues arising out of the pandemic.

Davis+Gilbert LLP

Davis+Gilbert LLP‘s labor and employment team advises a large number of clients, with a focus on preventative management, which involves implementing employer/employee education, procedures and documentation, particularly during reductions in workforce and complex terminations. The firm has been successful in a range of employment-related litigation, including cases involving federal and state anti-discrimination laws, WARN Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, state wage and hour laws, ERISA and whistleblower claims. The team is led by New York–based co-chairs Gregg Gilman, who advises blue-chip companies on long-term strategy, and Daniel A Feinstein. Shira Franco, also in New York, often assists food and technology companies.

Practice head(s):

Gregg Gilman; Daniel A. Feinstein

Other key lawyers:

Shira Franco

Key clients

Quartet Health

Turner Construction

Fortress Investment Group

INNOVATE Corp.

Rudin Management

Blue Owl Capital

Rockpoint Group

Drive Shack, Inc.

Horizon Media

Travel Leaders Group

New Residential

Apax Partners

Global Infrastructure Partner

DLA Piper LLP (US)

DLA Piper LLP (US) stands out for its national and international reach, and its work is equally broad; active across diverse fields, the team has recently been focused in particular on the pharmaceutical sector and the development of vaccines. Part of the firm’s counseling work has involved getting researchers safely back into work, as well as large-scale projects relating to employees working from home. The firm is led by Brian Kaplan in New York, who advises on restrictive covenants, tort claims and employee misclassification claims. Also in New York is Evan Parness; he assists clients in litigation prevention measures, and compliance with employment laws and regulations at the local, state and federal levels. Dallas-based employment expert Kim Askew represents clients in matters relating to discrimination and harassment, as well as litigation connected to non-compete and trade secrets claims, among other areas.

Practice head(s):

Brian Kaplan

Other key lawyers:

Evan Parness; Kim Askew

Key clients

Neiman Marcus Group

Halliburton

National Financial Partners (NFP) Corp.

Lord, Abbett and Co.

Norton LifeLock

AMN Healthcare

Aetna

Mattel, Inc.

Retailwinds (NY & Co.)

TransPerfect

TRT Holdings Inc.

Dell

7-Eleven

Domino’s

ServiceNow

G6 Hospitality (Motel 6)

Work highlights

  • Advised a multinational pharmaceutical company on US and global employment law issues, including with respect to hiring and restrictive covenant issues.
  • Advised Square on the global employment aspects of its March 2021 $302m acquisition of rapper Jay-Z’s music streaming service company Tidal.
  • Represented a leading social networking service on domestic and international employment matters, including sensitive investigations involving senior executives.

Jackson Lewis P.C.

Jackson Lewis P.C. fields a sizeable team of employment law specialists dedicated to advising on management and workplace issues. The firm has the size and resources to provide advice across a range of areas, including employment applications, background checks, disability and leave management, fitness for duty examinations, handbooks and personnel policies, reductions in workforce, and preventing violence in the workplace. The team is led by New York-based partner Kevin Lauri and William Anthony in Albany. Other prominent lawyers include Katherine Van Dyke in Detroit; she specialises in the manufacturing and chemicals sectors. Daniel Doron joined from McDermott Will & Emery LLP at the start of 2022.

Practice head(s):

Richard Greenberg; Susan Groff; Patricia Anderson Pryor

Other key lawyers:

Katherine Van Dyke

Key clients

DuPont

Haas & Wilkerson Insurance

Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference

America East Conference

NHL Alumni Association

Work highlights

  • Advising DuPont on labor relations matters, benefits and immigration in all states and territories in which the company operates.
  • Advised multiple clients on remote work arrangements for employees, including multi-state support for a new and growing remote worker population.
  • Advising clients on complying with California regulations and requirements.

Paul Hastings LLP

Paul Hastings LLP has a nationwide labor and employment practice with a focus on complex employment law issues. Its caseload includes complicated wage and hour claims, government agency investigations, claims of individual and systematic discrimination, and labor disputes and negotiations. The firm is assisting employers who are more frequently turning to arbitration to resolve disputes. The practice is led by global chair Elena Baca, whose clients include major gaming and entertainment companies. Nancy Abell has notable experience representing employers in labor law and litigation cases. Both Baca and Abell are based in Los Angeles.

Practice head(s):

Elena Baca

Other key lawyers:

Nancy Abell; Barbara Brown; Carson Sullivan; Leslie Abbott

Testimonials

‘They helped me navigate some of the trickiest COVID issues. Excellent firm-wide resources to stay current on the ever-changing legal landscape. They would proactively reach out to me with information about developments that affect my company, which I greatly appreciate!’

‘Elena Baca – I would trust her with my most difficult matters.’

‘The Paul Hastings team are simply the most responsive and knowledgeable employment law experts with whom I have worked. They are creative, pragmatic and completely committed to the client’s interest.’

The California Practice led by Leslie Abbot is outstanding.’

Key clients

Google/Alphabet, Inc.

Microsoft Corporation

The Goldman Sachs Group L.P.

Facebook Inc.

Intel Corporation

GlaxoSmithKline plc

AT&T Inc.

Caesars Entertainment

Activision Blizzard, Inc

ESPN

United Continental Holdings Inc.

The Walt Disney Company

American International Group (AIG)

Creative Artists Agency

Live Nation

Dollar Tree

PG&E

Montage

Work highlights

  • Assisting with highly complex proceedings, and matters connected with diversity, inclusion and equity.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP's broad expertise in non-contentious employment and workplace matters complements its strength in labour litigation. The team provides management – including employers, boards, board committees, directors and executives – with assistance across the gamut of employment-related issues. Its lawyers have extensive experience in administrative proceedings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Committee (EEOC) and National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The team is led by New York-based partner John Barry, who joined from Proskauer Rose LLP and brings experience in assisting clients with crisis management and business agreements. Gary Friedman and counsel Ami Zweig are other names to note. Jeffrey Klein retired from the firm in April 2021.

Practice head(s):

John Barry

Other key lawyers:

Gary Friedman; Ami Zweig

Testimonials

‘The firm provides helpful insight into best industry practices and trends in workplace and employment issues.’

‘Gary Friedman is a wealth of knowledge, particularly on New York employment law issues, and provides workable advice on compliance and implementation.’

‘Weil is amazing at providing practical advice on issues where judgement is paramount. Weil is always great at taking it one step further and providing real world advice based on their vast experience with how issues really play out in the real world. They are great at helping in-house lawyers see around the corner and create the best scenario. We often use them at the beginning of an issue and have been successful in preventing 100% of the matters we worked with them on from turning into a litigated matter. Now that is a great track record!’

‘Gary Friedman is the absolute best when it comes to counseling on employment matters. Gary is always great at seeing around the corner and helping in-house counsel ensure matters develop in the best way possible under the circumstances. Gary is an amazing sounding board and a trusted advisor to me on the most complex employment law issues.’

‘Excellent experience. Very responsive. Good counsel.’

‘Good understanding of client needs and client nuances.’

Key clients

Marsh & McLennan Companies

Goldman Sachs

Union Pacific

TIAA

Briggs & Stratton

Varian Medical Systems

Community Brands

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP handles complex and sensitive legal problems, from nationwide wage and hour class actions and equal employment opportunity (EEO) disputes to complex labor controversies and high-profile arbitration proceedings. The team is led by Washington DC–based partner Bob Lian, who deals with complex employment litigation, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) matters and whistleblower work. Lauren Leyden in New York has represented hedge funds, food producers and private equity funds in high-value acquisitions and restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Bob Lian

Other key lawyers:

Lauren Leyden; Richard Rabin; Daniel Nash

Key clients

Marvell Semiconductor

The Michaels Companies, Inc.

National Football League

Starbucks Coffee Company

The Home Depot

Vallourec Star, LP

Quanta Services, Inc.

Work highlights

  • Representing Marvell Semiconductor, Inc. in connection with all employment aspects of multiple recent acquisition and sale transactions, among other matters.
  • Advised the Dean Foods Official Committee on the employment aspects of the chapter 11 cases of Southern Foods Group, LLC formerly d/b/a Dean Foods and its affiliated debtors and debtors-in-possession.
  • Advised the Frontier Ad Hoc Group on employment aspects of the chapter 11 cases of Frontier Communications Corp. in the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.

Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.

Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. is a boutique firm with a particular focus on the healthcare and life sciences sectors, with advice spanning employment and workforce management matters, and litigation and business disputes. Clients include Fortune 500 companies, start-ups and non-profit organizations. The team is led by New York–based partner David Garland, who acts in cases of sexual harassment, employment discrimination and breach of contract. The firm has seen significant growth recently through the lateral hire of several partners. In Newark, Denise Merna Dadika has represented lawyers on cases concerning harassment and discrimination, as well as counselling on day-to-day workplace issues, and James Flynn works primarily with intellectual property matters.

Practice head(s):

David Garland

Other key lawyers:

Denise Dadika; James Flynn; Susan Gross Sholinsky; Marc Mandelman; Greg Keating

Testimonials

‘Practical, consultative approach. No pressure to upsell unnecessary services. I feel that my partners understand my organization and are on my team.’

‘Susan Gross Sholinsky is a standout counselor. She combines knowledge with approachability and a sense of humor when needed! I trust her to provide practical, cost effective and impactful partnership.’

‘The team is fantastic with a variety of relevant experience in-house.’

Goodwin

Goodwin maintains a broad and active employment counseling practice, advising on hiring and disciplinary actions, union-related work, and internal workplace investigations. Employment litigation is another strength. The practice is led by Robert Hale in Boston; he deals with matters concerning non-competition, discrimination and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) litigation, among other areas. San Francisco-based Koray Bulut leads the California branch of the employment practice, working primarily with technology companies.

Practice head(s):

Robert Hale

Other key lawyers:

Koray Bulut

Key clients

Confluent Medical Technologies

CHA Consulting, Inc.

Step Mobile, Inc.

Zoox, Inc.

Vincit Enterprises, Stellar Management Group, Inc.

HOPCo Intermediate Holdings, Inc.

Symphony Communication Services, LLC

Primus Capital Partners, Inc.

FusionZone Automotive, LLC

Work highlights

  • Represented Confluent Medical Technologies, Inc. in successfully achieving the dismissal of an employment-related action brought by Lake Region Medical.
  • Represented CHA Consulting, Inc. in an employment-related matter.
  • Representing Step Mobile, Inc. in a complex multi-jurisdictional dispute with Greenlight Financial Technology, Inc.

Greenberg Traurig LLP

Greenberg Traurig LLP operates a large labor and employment practice, with the size and resources to handle a range of matters, from pay equity to restrictive covenants to workplace investigations. Also of note is the firm’s GT Training Workshop, which offers clients highly interactive training on a wide variety of legal compliance topics. The team is led by Philadelphia-based James N. Boudreau and Denver-based Naomi Beer. Also in Philadelphia is Kelly Dobbs Bunting; she stands out for her work with technology companies.

Practice head(s):

Naomi Beer; James Boudreau

Other key lawyers:

Kelly Dobbs Bunting; Galit Kierkut

Testimonials

Access to and breadth and depth of consulting attorneys in the firm to turn to when necessary.’

Galit Kierkut stands out from her competitors because of her dedication to our corporation, ease of access and availability. Ms. Kierkut makes us feel as though we have our own in-house counsel. She is extremely knowledgeable about the law but has come to know our corporation and its idiosyncrasies just as well. Having such an in-depth understanding of our corporation allows for much more custom tailored, and therefore effective, advice.’

Key clients

DITO

GTL

Safe Horizon

New York State Assembly

Jones Day

The team at Jones Day provides counselling designed to minimize labor and employment risks. It advises clients on varied and complex issues such as the design and administration of compensation systems; dismissals; the implementation of non-discriminatory reductions-in-force and plant closings; the investigation of sexual harassment, theft and other misconduct; and compliance with complex new employment laws. Names to note include Elizabeth McRee and Michael Gray in Chicago, with Gray covering matters arising from the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act and state anti-discrimination laws; and Matthew Lampe in New York, who handles class actions, discrimination and wrongful discharge laws. In Atlanta, Deborah Sudbury is another active member of the practice, handling a range of cases across varied industries.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Lampe; Elizabeth McRee

Other key lawyers:

Matthew Lampe; Deborah Sudbury

Testimonials

‘The firm has been invaluable helping us navigate complex matters. They’ve been there when we’ve needed and helped us through countless fire drills.’

‘Always available, exceptional knowledge base, and honest.’

‘They are always available and treat us like we are the most important client. They are genuine and excellent team players.’

Littler Mendelson, P.C.

Specialised employment and labour law firm Littler Mendelson, P.C. manages all of its clients’ litigation needs. In addition, its lawyers, knowledge management staff and technology partners work together to identify emerging issues facing employers, including new legislation, technological advancements impacting the workplace and shifting enforcement priorities of government agencies. The team is led by Erin Webber in Denver since the retirement of Tom Bender in 2021. The firm also expanded with the hires of several shareholders during 2021.

Practice head(s):

Erin Webber

McDermott Will & Emery LLP

McDermott Will & Emery LLP has offices across the US, with members of the workplace and employment counseling team based in Chicago, New York, Miami, Washington DC, Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Although the firm works in many industries, it is especially prominent in representing many of the country’s major movie studios. The team has been increasingly involved in pay equity reviews, and has also seen an uptick in work involving the labour aspects of M&A transactions. The workplace and employment counseling team is led by Chicago-based partner Michael Sheehan, who can regularly be found assisting companies against allegations of harassment. He is supported by Rachel Cowen, who is sought by multiple companies for advice on pay equity issues. Maria Rodriguez in Los Angeles handles retail and entertainment cases.In New York, Daniel Doron left the firm at the start of 2022.

Practice head(s):

Michael Sheehan

Other key lawyers:

Rachel Cowen; Maria Rodriguez

Testimonials

‘The labor and employment team features outstanding depth that can seamlessly cover our needs. They are unmatched when it comes to keeping small problems small and finding practical business solutions.’

Key clients

20th Century Fox

Baker Hughes

Circle K

H.I.G. Capital

Hidden Harbor Capital Partners

Maimonides Medical Center

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

NBC Universal

Oasis Petroleum

Warner Brothers

Work highlights

  • Provided employment training tailored to the Hollywood film industry for several clients.
  • Assisted on the employment aspects of two deals for Oasis Petroleum, an independent exploration and petroleum company.
  • Advising clients in the alcoholic beverage industry on labour and employment matters.

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. runs a nationwide employment, labor and benefits practice, which advises businesses on building and improving their employment infrastructure while complying with applicable employment laws and regulations. It advises publicly and privately held companies, non-profits and trade associations, and executives in a broad range of industries, including healthcare, financial services, security, hospitality and professional sports. The firm is led by New York–based partner Michael Arnold, who works in particular in the financial services and real estate sectors.

Practice head(s):

Michael Arnold

Other key lawyers:

Jen Rubin; David Barmak

Key clients

Ideanomics

Global Atlantic Financial Company

Epic Game

Work highlights

  • Advised Epic Games on a broad range of employment and HR issues, including Covid-19-related advice and the onboarding and negotiating of agreements with senior executives.
  • Advised Global Atlantic Financial Company on workplace compliance matters, including employment issues related to Covid-19.

Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP

Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP‘s employment practice is closely integrated with the corporate team, ensuring a steady flow of transactional work, in which the group advises on the labour law aspects. Its clients range from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies and governmental entities. The Atlanta-based team is led by Edmund Emerson, while Ellenor Stone covers work from private equity firms to executive recruitment, and Meredith Caiafa works with emerging companies.

Practice head(s):

Edmund Emerson

Other key lawyers:

Ellenor Stone; Meredith Caiafa

Testimonials

‘Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP have been a tremendous asset to our company. The staff has been excellent at answering our questions and giving us the pertinent advice and direction that we need.’

‘Meredith Caiafa has been wonderful. She responds to our communications in a timely manner and fits us in on short notice to answer questions and offer guidance. She makes my life easier and sets my mind at ease that we are doing things properly.’

Key clients

K1 Investment Management, LLC

Greater Sum Ventures

Routematch Software

Syntellis, Inc. Executive Team

Aptos Management Team

Sealy & Company

Digital Insurance, LLC

Trellis Rx, LLC

SPC International

Intrinio

Reed Smith LLP

The 'distinguished' team at Reed Smith LLP is highlighted as 'excellent in crisis management'. The firm balances a broad, nationwide labor and employment practice, under the leadership of is Washington DC–based partner Tyree Jones. Linda Husar, Michael Correll and Lori Armstrong Halber left the firm, and Emily Harbison joined from Baker McKenzie in August 2021.

Practice head(s):

Tyree Jones

Other key lawyers:

Emily Harbison

Testimonials

‘The key employment lawyers I have engaged work with me as partners rather than service providers. They ensure that the work product is tailored to my needs, and they serve as a discussion resource rather than just a source for answers.’

‘The Reed Smith team is incredibly distinguished. When I need expert advice on employment law matters I know who to call. When I need counsel for new territory and I am not able to see around my blind spot the RS team is able to provide real life examples.’

‘The firm provides excellent legal advice on high-profile cases. They are excellent in crisis management.’

Ropes & Gray

Ropes & Gray LLP‘s workplace and employment counseling group is entrusted by clients with sensitive matters, from cross-border investigations to pay equity audits. The practice also focuses on the labour aspects of major corporate transactions and executive employment matters. Key practitioners include Megan Bisk and Jennifer Cormier in Boston, who have worked extensively with clients in the financial services, healthcare and technology sectors.

Practice head(s):

Meg Bisk

Other key lawyers:

Jennifer Cormier

Key clients

TPG Capital LP No

American Industrial Partners No

GHO Capital No

The TJX Companies Inc. No

Advent International Corporation No

Qorvo Inc. No

Bain Capital LP

Partners Group Administration Services AG

Avista Capital Partners LP

Silver Lake Partners

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

University of Southern California

Work highlights

  • Advised Harvard Pilgrim Health Care on employment aspects of its $8bn combination with Health Plan Holdings.
  • Represented Baring Private Equity Asia (BPEA) on cross-border employment matters in connection with its $1.07bn sale of the surgical business of Lumenis to Boston Scientific.
  • Advised Brandeis University on the negotiation of its highly publicized university president’s contract.

Vedder Price

Vedder Price deals with complex and challenging labor and employment issues, and provides counsel on sensitive and high-risk employment decisions. Its team has developed a comprehensive workplace harassment training program for its clients, who have increasingly requested this service since the expansion of media reporting on sexual harassment claims. The team is led by Chicago-based Elizabeth Hall, whose work involves providing advice to employers and executives relating to remote working and pandemic-related issues.

Practice head(s):

Elizabeth Hall

Other key lawyers:

Amy Bess; Nicholas Anaclerio

Testimonials

We have received a level of service, counsel, strategy and direction that has caused us to prevail in every matter that they have supported us in. They are personable, fact-based compassionate professionals.’

They have a willingness to help and the ability to empathize with a situation. They listen and and collaborate with other lawyers as needed.

We have had the opportunity to work with several members of the Vedder Price workplace and employment counseling practice. The team has made a major impact on our organization by helping us in the development and delivery of training.’

Vedder Price is responsive, efficient and works hard to understand their client’s interests, pain points, and culture. I feel like they are a true partner and deeply invested in our success.’

Amy Bess is the most thoughtful, intelligent, and helpful attorney ever. Amy responds to every question – no matter how big or small – with attention, thoughtfulness and insight. Amy is always ready to brainstorm solutions and ensure she us supporting our success.’

Key clients

BMO Financial Group

Follett Corporation

Option Care Enterprises

Signode Industrial Group LLC

University of Chicago Medical Center

Euromarket Designs dba Crate & Barrel

Cresco Labs, Inc.

Able Services

Ferrara Candy Company

Satellite Healthcare

California Pizza Kitchen

Adventist Health

Balyasny Asset Management, L.P.

OpenText, Inc.

Sonendo

Madden Corporation

University of Southern California

Reyes Holdings

Canvas Worldwide

AAR Corporation

Work highlights

  • Advised a national cannabis provider on labor strategy, union organizing and Covid-related labor relations matters.
  • Advised a client on Covid-19-related collective bargaining and economic negotiations, including work rules, implementation of OSHA and state regulations.
  • Provides ongoing labor and employment advice and counseling for Ferrara and its US operations.

BakerHostetler

BakerHostetler fields a sizeable employment counseling and training group. It has an established track record in advising large, multinational clients on workplace issues, and regularly advises clients on all aspects of employment law and employment-related statutes, including on issues involving leave, hiring and firing, immigration, non-competition agreements and prevention of trade secrets theft, among other areas. The team is led by New York–based group chair Amy Traub, who focuses on the healthcare, hospitality and retail sectors.

Practice head(s):

Amy Traub

Other key lawyers:

Gregory Mersol; Scott McIntyre

Dentons

International firm Dentons connects its US workplace and employment counseling practice with a global network of lawyers with extensive experience. Its New York office focuses on restrictive covenant, trade secret and unfair competition litigation, while its California team has extensive experience in wage and hour class actions as well as global counseling and litigation avoidance. The practice is led by Atlanta-based partner Daniel Beale, who represents employers in litigation, administrative charges and governmental investigations. The firm has undergone significant expansion, hiring numerous shareholders; seasoned litigator Rodney Moore was among the new hires in 2020.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Beale; Robert Cottington; Andrew Gruber; Rick Hymas; Jo Ellen Whitney

Other key lawyers:

Rodney Moore

Key clients

Verity Health Systems of California

Ripple

Sutter Health

Worldwide Clinical Trials, Inc.

DIRTT Environmental Solutions, Ltd.

Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation

Work highlights

  • Assisted multiple clients with navigating complex employment issues surrounding Covid-19, including exposure mitigation, leave issues, compensation adjustments and disability accommodations.
  • Assisting Verity in the context of its employment agreements, employee benefits, and employment policies at its various hospitals and entities.
  • Representing Sutter Health Board of Directors in employment and executive compensation matters involving its executive team.

Jones Walker LLP

Jones Walker LLP combines its depth in labor and employment law with a broad base of experience in other practice areas to address unique workplace and industry situations. Its experience extends to defending claims involving race, sex, age and disability discrimination and sexual harassment; employee benefits issues; wage and hour law; wrongful discharge; breach of contract; and employment torts such as defamation, interference with contract rights, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. It also handles complex litigation involving non-disclosure and non-competition agreements and employee theft of confidential information and trade secrets. The firm is led by New Orleans–based Sidney Lewis, who handles union elections and labor arbitration. In Jackson, JoJo Adams advises on banking and Covid-related matters.

Practice head(s):

Sidney Lewis

Other key lawyers:

Jennifer Faroldi Kogos; JoJo Adams; Joseph Lavigne; Jane Henican Heidingsfelder

Key clients

Ochsner Clinic Foundation

Crest Pumping Technologies, LLC

Total Safety

Acme Truck Line, Inc.

The Home Depot

Mayer Brown

Mayer Brown often advises on employment due diligence in the context of M&A and finance transactions. The team is led by Chicago-based partner Andrew Rosenman, who acts for consulting firms and financial institutions in matters related to race, gender and pregnancy discrimination, and Ruth Zadikany in Los Angeles, who deals with class actions and employment litigation matters. Also in Chicago is Marcia Goodman, who represents global banks in litigation regarding discrimination.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Rosenman; Ruth Zadikany

Testimonials

‘The team is highly talented, responsive and pragmatic. They provide steadfast support and are reliable like no other. They offer skilled support across all areas of employment law and have been invaluable in assisting in the transformation of key areas of our organization.’

‘The MB team is awesome! They are extremely flexible, honest, knowledgeable, informative, and most of all personable. They keep us informed through each stage of litigation and make sure we understand the risks involved with our decisions. This is something that has really set them apart from some of the other firms we used to use.’

‘They are very open to explaining different aspects of the case and they don’t treat any question like it’s a dumb one.’

‘Mayer Brown’s employment counseling uses a great, team-oriented approach to getting their clients the best outcome. They identify the best resource for the job, to get the client the best result. They are smart, practical, and efficient. I never feel a matter is being “over-lawyered”.’

‘The team we work with at Mayer Brown is excellent. They have provided outstanding advice on how to proceed on a wide range of issues.’

‘We have found the two Mayer Brown lawyers we work with to be always ready to help us with any issue. They listen carefully, work to understand our organization and the issues we are facing, and help us develop strategies to address any issue we are facing.’

Key clients

Foster Poultry Farms

Cushman & Wakefield

Homepoint Financial

TH Foods

Allscripts Healthcare

Work highlights

  • Advised Cushman & Wakefield on all aspects of its global labor and employment issues, from drafting template agreements, to advising on personnel issues.
  • Advised Homepoint Financial with respect to day-to-day wage/hour questions, reasonable accommodation requests, leaves of absence, Covid-19-related inquiries and other areas.