CHICAGO – Global law firm Reed Smith today announced that seasoned labor law attorney Thomas “Tom” J. Posey has joined the firm as a partner in the Labor & Employment practice in Chicago. Previously with Faegre Baker Daniels, Posey represents companies from a wide array of industries in all aspects of labor law and employment issues, including serving as a chief labor negotiator.

Posey’s addition continues the planned growth of Reed Smith’s Labor & Employment team in Chicago, following the recent arrival of Jill Vorobiev and Courtney Ofoso, previously of Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton.

“Tom brings extensive experience in traditional labor law in a multitude of industries, including manufacturing, hospitality, automotive, and building trade, and helps add more depth in this important area,” said Mark Temple, global practice group leader of Reed Smith’s Labor & Employment practice. “In addition, he is a seasoned litigator representing clients in trial and arbitration, and before administrative agencies.”

Posey represents employers on collective bargaining, grievance arbitrations, unfair labor practice proceedings and response to union organizing campaigns. He frequently advises companies on effective management in unionized environments, labor relations and union avoidance issues, workplace harassment, human relations and personnel issues, employment discrimination matters, and litigation practice and avoidance. He has successfully argued several cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Posey is committed to recruitment and retention of diverse attorneys, and has been a facilitator for the Legal Council on Legal Diversity’s Pathfinder Program.

“Employers face myriad challenges in navigating the complex and ever-changing landscape of labor and employment laws, on both a national and international level,” Posey said. “Reed Smith has a deep bench of talented and experienced attorneys helping employers meet these challenges on a global scale. The firm's clients also benefit greatly from its collaborative approach to the practice of law and its strong commitment to serve as a leader in the area of diversity. I am very excited to join the team.”