The team at DLA Piper LLP (US) advises on the full spectrum of employment matters from DE&I and compliance to reductions in force and issues arising from acquisitions. Marc Katz leads the group from Dallas and represents clients in disputes including those concerning trade secrets and unfair competition, as well as advising on day-to-day issues. Brian Kaplan is based in New York and has extensive experience representing clients before federal and state courts, administrative agencies and arbitration panels. Kaplan also handles internal investigations regarding harassment allegations, as well as pre-litigation resolution matters. In Palo Alto, Ute Krudewagen works with multinational companies on all aspects of global workforce management and handles issues such as global background checks, workplace privacy and global mobility programs. In Dallas, Todd Mobley counsels on hiring practices, handbooks, discipline and internal investigations; Mobley also prepares employment agreements which include restrictive covenants.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The breadth of expertise and experience is what really sets this group apart. It is really their ability to manage vast and complex situations and to be a thought-partner as situations arise that sets DLA apart.’
‘I have had the pleasure of working with Jimmy Russert and Julie Franki. They have been outstanding thought-partners as we deal with each unique situation and always ensure we are given options that fit the needs of achieving our goals. They are also focused on making our lives easier. They have helped us standardize documentation across multiple companies to ensure we are operating systematically and efficiently.’
‘DLA’s international breadth truly is a differentiator because their network of lawyers actually work together and act like one team.’
‘Todd Mobley and Amie Aldana are deeply trusted partners who know our company well and can anticipate what approach is best for us.'
'Credit to Ute Krudewagen for heading up such a wonderful and collaborative team.’
‘Brian Kaplan is excellent and provides timely, real-world, practical, business-minded counsel for sensitive and critical issues regarding employment, labor and benefits matters.’
‘Brian Kaplan and Alison Lewandowski are real stars of their field and have deep subject matter expertise and excellent client service to pair with their solid, business-minded advice.’
‘The practice is heavily focused on providing practical advice that in-house counsel and stakeholders can readily use without having to be filtered' for too much legalese or theory. Attorneys are very prompt with advice and feedback.’
Key clients
- Six Flags, Inc.
- SolarWinds Worldwide, LLC
- Qualcomm
- Databricks
- Cohesity Inc.
- Mozilla Corporation
- Paradox, Inc.
Work highlights
- Operated as exclusive national employment counsel to Six Flags, handling nationwide employment litigation including multiple wage and hour class actions, and continues to advise the company following its 2024 merger with Cedar Fair.
- Served as primary international employment counsel to Databricks, advising the tech leader on strategic global workforce matters, including international expansion plans and employment aspects of significant cross-border M&A transactions, including its $1bn acquisition of Tabular.
- Provided comprehensive employment counseling services to a leading luxury retail brand with a workforce of approximately 10,000 employees, offering strategic advice on day-to-day matters and keeping the client informed of emerging marketplace trends and regulatory developments.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Marc Daniel Katz
Other key lawyers
Ute Krudewagen; Todd Mobley; Jimmy Russert; Julie Franki; Amie Aldana; Brian Kaplan; Alison Lewandowski