Harbison joins Reed Smith from the Houston office of Baker McKenzie, where she had practiced since graduating from the University of Houston Law Center in 2007.

“Emily is a strong addition to our Labor & Employment practice at a time when two of the key areas in which she works are exploding - wage and hour defense and the employment aspects of transactions,” said Tyree P. Jones, chair of the firm’s Labor and Employment group. “We’re looking forward to having her energy in the Houston market in our L&E practice.

In addition to advising clients on labor and employment matters in mergers and acquisitions and on wage and hour issues, Harbison regularly advises company management on pay equity and inclusion and diversity initiatives, leave and accommodation issues, federal contract/OFCCP compliance, as well as a variety of other issues under state and federal laws governing employment relationships. Harbison also has experience defending employers in employment discrimination actions, including claims under Title VII of The Civil Rights Act, the FMLA, ADEA, ADA and the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act.

She counsels company management on day-to-day employment matters including independent contractor matters, exemption status, covenants not to compete, employment agreements, among other daily employment issues. Harbison also has experience representing clients in traditional labor matters under the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act.