Seyfarth Shaw LLP‘s team assists its impressive client roster on the full range of employment matters in both national and international contexts, with a specialism advising on litigation avoidance strategies. Chicago-based team lead David Baffa is noted for his expertise in crisis response and investigations as well as in employee relations and cultural assessment matters. New York is home to William P. Perkins whose workload includes discrimination and harassment claims, reductions in force, contract negotiations and day-to-day advice, and Gary Friedman who is an expert in the handling novel employment issues in litigation, investigation and counseling contexts. Washington DC’s Lawrence Lorber handles regulatory enforcement actions, while Boston-based Lisa Damon is noted for her experience advising C-suite executives on complex employment issues, including DE&I initiatives. From Chicago, Ellen McLaughlin and Camille Olson are also preeminent in their fields; McLaughlin specializes in leave and accommodation issues while Olson has capabilities undertaking discrimination, harassment, wage and labor, and independent contractor matters. Atlanta’s Renate Walker is a name to note. In 2024, Michele Beilke and Julia Trankiem joined the Los Angeles team, while Alan Marcuis joined the team in Dallas.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Seyfarth team has great experience in workplace and employment counseling. Their practical, real-world approach to these issues provides meaningful solutions to avoid legal problems while achieving positive results.’
‘Camille Olson has deep experience and her guidance has always been helpful and stood up long-term. I appreciate her practical approach to solving potential personnel problems.’
‘Tracy Billows and Josh Ditelberg provide high-quality service and are extremely responsive. They always make us feel like a priority even though we are aware they have many demands on their time.'
‘Seyfarth provided my organization a wonderful service. Our experience with each partner and associate was nothing short of exceptional. They are professional, extremely knowledgeable and always willingly to go the extra mile. The partners and associates alike ensure the business develops fair and sustainable labor practices which is a great value to our organization.’
‘Lauren Parris Watts ensures that we are updated with legislation its affects on our organization. She is consistently communicative and provides us with a wide variety of services from contracts to audits.'
'Shardé Skahan provided assistance with running equity analysis. She ensured we understood the process and results.'
'Joshua Seidman truly understands the ins and outs of timekeeping and labor laws.'
Key clients
- BNP Paribas
- New York Life Insurance Company
- Thomson Reuters
- Lyft
- Halliburton
- 7-Eleven
- Ulta Beauty
Work highlights
- Serving as outside investigators for the client in connection with allegations regarding misconduct by multiple NHL players.
- Responding to the current political and social “Culture Wars” and trending diversity, inclusion and equity issues, including political flashpoints, religious accommodation and related issues of our clients with a Cultural Flashpoints Task Force which help clients take a step back, assess the options and risks, and arrive at a consensus for a path forward.
- Working hand-in-hand the world’s largest HR organization, on modernizing worker relationships globally in the interests of workers and the business community.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Renate Walker
Practice head
David Baffa
Other key lawyers
William P. Perkins; Lisa Damon; Gary Friedman; Lawrence Lorber; Ellen McLaughlin; Camille Olson; Tracy Billows; Josh Ditelberg; Lauren Parris Watts; Shardé Skahan; Joshua Seidman; Renate Walker; Michele Beilke; Julia Trankiem; Alan Marcuis