Kelley Drye's Labor and Employment Practice Group represents employers in a variety of industries with respect to all workplace matters. Our clients are local, national and international, and turn to us for counsel on many labor issues such as seeking to avoid litigation, or representing clients after a lawsuit has been filed. We appear on behalf of our clients before federal, state and local agencies in matters involving traditional labor relations, wage and hour issues, employment contracts and employment discrimination claims.

Our team knows that cost-efficiency begins with the prevention and containment of workplace disputes. We encourage clients to involve us early in the preventative aspect of counseling on employee relations issues to avoid litigation. In the event of litigation, we take steps to minimize the risk and expense, while defending our client's interest to the extent permitted by law.

Client Counseling

We provide advice regarding a wide range of employee relations issues including compliance with the FMLA and ADA, performance management, recruitment, compensation and Equal Pay Act compliance, benefits, discipline and termination.

We also advise our clients with respect to reductions in force, employment contracts and non-compete agreements, sexual harassment policies and the review of employee handbooks and human resources policies. Our practice also includes the preparation of affirmative action plans and counsel regarding drug and alcohol issues.

Agency Representation and Employment Litigation

We regularly appear before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and various state and local fair employment practice agencies in response to administrative charges of discrimination. Our practice includes the preparation of position statements, appearances at fact findings and participation in alternative dispute resolution including arbitration and mediation.

Sometimes legal action is unavoidable. Our clients count on us to represent their interests before state and federal courts in a wide range of employment related disputes. These include single plaintiff and class action matters involving age, race, gender, disability and national origin discrimination.

Traditional Labor Relations

Our labor relations practice includes the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, WARN Act compliance, and the sale, transfer or shutdown of operations. We also regularly represent clients at arbitrations and in matters before the National Labor Relations Board, such as elections and unfair labor practice proceedings.

Our Approach to Client Service

We work closely with our clients to partner on a wide range of workplace matters. Increased labor and employment litigation has attracted many general litigators. However, these matters demand the know-how and experience that Kelley Drye's Labor & Employment attorneys have provided for more than 60 years. Our practice group also offers a full range of seminars in all areas of labor and employment topics.

Download: Labor & Employment Training Seminars (PDF, 2.59 M)

For further information about Kelley Drye's Labor & Employment Practice Group, please contact:

Barbara E. Hoey
(212) 808-7836
bhoey@kelleydrye.com

John E. Kiley
(212) 808-5000
jkiley@kelleydrye.com