Labor & Employment

The Labor and Employment Group at BSW is one of the largest practice groups of any multi-service law firm in the region. We have years of applied experience nationwide, the respect of clients, the community and the judiciary, and an unsurpassed record of successful results. This all supports two simple client service goals:

Prevent Conflict. We recognize the power of prevention in today's litigious workforce. Working in tandem with upper management, human resources professionals, insurers and in-house counsel, we design strategies, plans, and policies that assist our clients in achieving a conflict free workplace and significantly reducing the risk of employment related claims. We accomplish this goal through management and workforce training, audits, regular seminars and publications, client consultations, updates on recent or emerging issues, and constant accessibility.

Resolve Conflict. Of course, prevention sometimes falls short of the mark. When this happens, employers hire us to manage disputes and deliver optimal outcomes on cases proceeding before administrative bodies, judges and juries. While we handle a large number of cases through trial and on appeal each year, we are proud of our record of success in resolving many cases through motions for summary judgment or achieving early settlements when such is consistent with our client's goals.

Background and Experience

  • Internal employment policies and procedures, including Employee handbooks, forms, and contracts
  • Non-competition and confidentiality agreements
  • Compliance audits
  • Investigation of discrimination and harassment complaints
  • Investigation and inspection of accident sites for OSHA compliance
  • Comet/Salt management training
  • General supervisory training
  • Strategies for workforce reduction
  • ADR programs
  • Entire spectrum of federal and state employment discrimination and harassment claims
  • Constitutional Issues
  • State and Federal Wage & Hour Claims
  • Family and Medical Leave Act
  • Occupational Safety and Health Act
  • National Labor Relations Act (unfair labor practices)
  • Benefits litigation
  • State and Federal Retaliation and Whistleblower litigation
  • Unfair Trade Practices Act
  • Contract litigation, including non-competition, solicitation, confidentiality
  • Election campaign direction
  • Decertification proceedings
  • Negotiation of Collective Bargaining Agreements
  • Strike and picket management advice
  • Defense of unfair labor practice proceedings
  • Response to EEOC charges
  • Defense of unfair labor practices charges before the National Labor Relations Board
  • Challenges to unemployment compensation claims
  • Response to Department of Labor Wage and Hour investigations
  • Defense of OSHA investigations and complaints.