Carolyn Cairns
Chris Farias
Thomas A. Lerner
Brendan Monahan
Frederick T. Rasmussen
employment
Our effective handling of employment matters over the years is attributable to the ability to serve the multiple needs of our clients. Whether Stokes Lawrence's role is advisor, advocate, investigator, litigator, mediator or troubleshooter, the principles are the same. Our approach encompasses a thoughtful strategy, a collaborative team and practical experience.
Strategy
The most appropriate and cost-effective strategy in employment matters is to conduct a prompt and thorough initial investigation of the case in order to determine the best approach and evaluate risk. Employment problems raise economic, privacy and morale issues that are minimized with early evaluation and resolution.
Teamwork
Delegation to teams is frequently the most cost-effective and service-minded case management strategy. We respond to each client's technical, logistical and budgetary requirements with the appropriate support system. Clients tell us that the ability to call any team member for assistance provides the needed responsiveness and peace of mind.
Experience
Employment matters are often emotional, requiring a trusting relationship between counsel and client. Our employment group, led by senior partners with over 20 years of experience, offers a combination of legal, interpersonal and industry know-how. We are as comfortable advising the seasoned HR director as the fast-track high tech entrepreneur.
The major areas of the firm's employment practice include:
Employee Relations. We assist employers with the day-to-day management of employee relations, including drafting handbooks and other policies and procedures, hiring and termination guidelines, wage and hour issues, benefits and employment contracts. We also have provided analyses of issues such as pay practices, plant closures and leave laws.
Equal Employment Opportunity. We discreetly handle all types of discrimination allegations—age, disability, gender, HIV status, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, and sex—representing defendants as well as plaintiffs.
Protection of Intellectual Property. We are experienced in drafting sound, enforceable employment contracts and confidentiality, non-competition and trade secrets agreements.
Litigation. We have successfully litigated countless lawsuits, ranging from sexual harassment and disability discrimination claims to wrongful discharge and enforcement of non-competition agreements.
Labor Relations. We develop responses to union organizing campaigns, manage union elections, negotiate collective bargaining agreements and handle unfair labor practice charges. Additionally, we frequently represent employers before the National Labor Relations Board, defending charges of unfair labor practices. We also have extensive experience representing management at grievance arbitrations.
Mediation and Arbitration. Our lawyers are experienced mediators and arbitrators as well as client advocates in those forums. Highly-regarded among their peers, our employment partners are frequently chosen by other members of the employment bar as mediators and arbitrators in employment matters.
Dispute Avoidance. We regularly advise employers on avoiding litigation. We review employment policies, analyze legal risks and provide swift responses to emerging employee relations crises. We also conduct training for businesses that wish to minimize their liability exposure.