We have defended public and private companies in lawsuits alleging discrimination and/or harassment on the basis of a protected class (including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation and transgender status), national origin), retaliation, or any other protections afforded under federal, state, or local laws. We also defended clients against discrimination or retaliation claims made under the ADA, ADEA, and FMLA. Our firm has counseled employers on executive compensation and executive contract disputes related to commission payments, employment terms, bonuses, wrongful discharge, and other related contract disputes. We counsel employers on enforcing restrictive covenants, non-compete agreements and protecting valuable trade secrets, such as customer lists and other proprietary information. Further, we are experienced at tactfully navigating public relations challenges that can accompany these matters and resolving matters discreetly for all parties.

We regularly advise and train corporate clients on various employment matters as part of their risk management strategy, including reviewing, drafting, and updating workplace policies and employee handbooks. We also counsel clients on handling employee performance concerns and recruiting and retaining executives and key personnel. We advise on HR compliance, executive retention, and compensation, guiding clients through employment changes, personnel downsizing, or changes of control. We develop and review executive compensation plan arrangements and programs, consulting services contracts, and severance arrangements, including deferred compensation, equity-based compensation and incentive compensation arrangements, stock option and variable compensation arrangements, as well as change in control and bonus arrangements. We regularly negotiate confidential separation agreements between employers and employees.

Our knowledge of developing employment trends and case law by jurisdiction allows us the flexibility and dynamism to engage and educate employees of all backgrounds and experience levels. Our training programs cover issues relating to discrimination and sexual harassment, social media usage, independent contractors, works-for-hire, and non-compete/non-solicitation agreements for employees ranging from C-Suite level leadership to front-of-house staff.

When employment disputes arise, the individuals involved are wary of the potential impact on their careers and reputations. We understand the importance of addressing discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and devising an exit strategy that allows our clients to move on to new opportunities without the taint of a public battle. We vigorously negotiate severance agreements that compensate clients for the financial consequences of employment disputes while preserving their professional options going forward. We counsel law firm and professional services partners, managers and associates, General Counsel and in-house lawyers, doctors and medical professionals, and C-Suite level executives and business partners on how to navigate a challenging work environment while working towards a resolution, including recovering from harm caused by wrongful discharge or breach of an employment contract.