J.T. has a Chambers and Partners-recognized practice representing and advising employers of all sizes throughout the nation, ranging from multinational Fortune 500 companies to local start-up and non-profit organizations.
In his counseling practice, J.T. is committed to providing employers with practical guidance that balances their objectives of complying with federal, state and local laws, maximizing productivity, and controlling risks and costs, by assisting clients in understanding their options and formulating creative and effective strategies for achieving their desired outcomes. In particular, he is commonly called on to advise on “C-Suite” matters involving executives, senior business leaders, officers, and administrators, and to guide clients in managing their most challenging circumstances.
J.T. also has a robust nationwide litigation practice in which he defends employers in single-plaintiff and class action litigation in federal and state court, in arbitration, and before administrative agencies, including, for example, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Department of Labor, as well as many state and local agencies. In every case, J.T. works closely with clients to identify opportunities for an efficient, and at times creative, resolution of the dispute. And, in those cases where resolution is not feasible, he tirelessly advocates for and defends his client.
J.T.’s litigation and counseling experience has covered a broad range of subject matter, including: hiring and recruitment; background screening and Fair Credit Reporting Act compliance; employee privacy; drug testing and screening; conduct and/or performance management; corrective action and termination practices; prevention of discrimination, harassment and hostile work environment, and retaliation; prevention of workplace violence; workplace safety; staffing strategies; reductions in force and plant closings, including WARN and OWBPA compliance; disabilities and religious accommodations and the interactive process; leaves of absence; executive compensation and benefits; general employee compensation and benefits; bonus, commission and incentive pay plans; wage and hour law compliance, including timekeeping practices, meal and break periods, compensable time, and exemption classification; independent contractor classification; internship programs; arbitration agreements and policies; and non-disclosure, non-compete, non-solicitation and other restrictive covenant agreements.
J.T. also represents employers, with union and non-union workforces alike, in addressing traditional labor law matters. In particular, he has extensive experience in defending employers in proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board and in labor arbitrations. He also routinely advises employers in managing union organizing campaigns, requests for recognition, and potential representation elections, as well as potential strikes and other labor demonstrations and disputes. He provides training to management teams and works with them in formulating effective strategies for employee engagement and communications regarding union-related matters. J.T. also routinely serves as chief negotiator and/or outside legal counsel during negotiations and bargaining over collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and other labor agreements with unions, and has a proven track record of developing productive relationships during bargaining with union leadership and teams “on the other side of the table.”
J.T. also regularly conducts workplace investigations as an independent investigator and advises employers’ legal, human resources, and employee relations personnel through internal investigations, including formulation and implementation of investigation strategy, planning for witness interviews and fact gathering, preparation of investigative reports, and related recordkeeping practices.
J.T. also regularly conducts training covering various labor and employment topics to company executives, boards of directors, management and business leaders, as well as general employee populations.
Beyond directly counseling clients on such matters, J.T. also routinely serves as labor and employment counsel in connection with mergers, acquisitions, and other business transactions, including advising clients on their strategies relating to employment and traditional labor issues and in conducting due diligence reviews.
