We defend employers in high-value litigation, and we also regularly perform audits and investigations and participate in administrative proceedings and in union-related matters. Our litigation work includes individual, representative, and class-action wage and hour and discrimination claims, high-value executive claims, trade secret claims, claims relating to restrictive covenants, and other types of class actions alleging violations of various employment-related laws, including federal and state fair credit reporting act claims. We have broad litigation experience representing clients in state and federal courts and arbitration tribunals and before agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Wage and Hour Division of the US Department of Labor (DOL), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), the National Mediation Board (NMB) and related state and local government agencies.

Wage and Hour Claims

We have defended numerous wage and hour class and collective actions nationwide, including PAGA and California-specific matters, and are among the few defense firms to take these cases through trial—and win. Our firsthand trial and arbitration experience, including securing a rare FLSA class action jury defense verdict, enables us to develop effective, practical strategies for high‑stakes wage and hour disputes.

Discrimination Claims

We handle the full range of discrimination and harassment claims and have a strong record of securing jury verdicts, summary judgments, and appellate wins, including defeating class certification and reducing excessive damage awards. Working closely with our Supreme Court & Appellate team, we help clients navigate complex, high‑value discrimination matters and preserve key issues for appeal.

Whistleblower and Internal Investigations

We regularly defend whistleblower and retaliation cases and conduct confidential, thorough internal investigations that help clients address allegations, strengthen policies and limit litigation risk. Our team has achieved significant successes under statutes such as Sarbanes‑Oxley and works closely with our White Collar group—including numerous former federal prosecutors—to manage sensitive workplace issues and implement effective compliance measures.

Restrictive Covenants

We represent clients in enforcing and defending against trade secret, non‑compete, non‑solicitation, and confidentiality claims in courts and arbitration forums nationwide. Our team drafts and interprets restrictive covenant agreements, advises on enforceability across jurisdictions, and negotiates strategic pre‑litigation resolutions, leveraging deep knowledge of state‑by‑state legal variations to protect businesses and their proprietary interests.

Workplace Complaints

We guide employers through sensitive personnel decisions and help them mitigate risks of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims throughout the employment lifecycle. Our work includes drafting and updating policies, advising on disciplinary actions and restructuring decisions, and conducting or guiding privileged workplace investigations. When claims arise, we help clients resolve matters discreetly and efficiently and are equipped to defend them in related litigation.

Employment Contracts and Related Agreements

We assist clients in reviewing employment practices and policies and preparing key documents such as employment agreements, offer letters, arbitration agreements, and confidentiality and restrictive covenant provisions. We also advise on DEI programs and proactive strategies designed to reduce workplace disputes.

Wage and Hour Compliance

We counsel employers on all aspects of wage and hour law, including pay practices, worker classification, and exemption determinations. Our team identifies and addresses compliance risks, conducts wage/hour reviews, and provides strategic advice under the FLSA and state laws. When disputes escalate, we defend clients in individual, class, collective, and PAGA actions.

Leave and Accommodations

We advise employers on compliance with the FMLA and the growing array of state and local leave laws, including policy development and managing the interplay among FMLA, ADA, and workers’ compensation rules. We also defend employers in class actions and individual claims involving leave‑related allegations.

Labor Relations

We support employers in all facets of traditional labor relations, including union avoidance, collective bargaining, unfair labor practice matters, and arbitration proceedings. Our team helps clients respond swiftly to union organizing efforts and other union‑related pressures.

Workplace Safety and Health Compliance

We counsel clients on OSHA compliance and represent them in inspections, investigations and high‑stakes matters involving serious incidents. Our experience spans a wide range of industries, and we assist with safety policies, agency reporting, communicable‑disease protocols, and interactions with OSHA and related agencies.