Stradley Ronon’s Employment & Labor Practice Group attorneys work with businesses to foster trouble-free relationships and avoid disputes with employees, unions and government authorities.

We counsel businesses on how to prevent employment-related problems before they arise. At the first sign of a problem, our clients receive practical, step-by-step advice on how to manage the situation. If a dispute erupts, our lawyers render advice at every stage – investigation, negotiation and, if necessary, litigation.

We represent clients in employment issues relating to: 

• discrimination and sexual harassment 
• employee privacy and drug testing 
• employee terminations 
• family and medical leave 
• manuals and handbooks 
• non-compete and non-solicit agreements 
• occupational safety and health concerns 
• unemployment compensation 
• wage and hour requirements 
• union organizing efforts and elections 
• compliance with federal, state and local labor laws 
• litigation in federal and state courts

Strategies for a Changing Workplace
Contingent workforces, whistle-blower claims, the proliferation of e-mail and Internet usage, and the increased use of alternative dispute resolution agreements are among the evolving conditions that could affect business. We help clients anticipate trends in the workplace and develop policies and procedures in response to technology advances, workforce changes and shifts in the regulatory climate.

Resolution of Disputes
Our attorneys resolve disputes before federal and state courts, administrative agencies and arbitration panels. We regularly represent employers in arbitrations, mediations, class-action suits, unfair labor practice proceedings and appearances before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the National Labor Relations Board.

Cooperative Approach to Preventive Counseling
Stradley Ronon works together with our clients to prevent employment-related problems. We address not only broad issues like ADA compliance, but also everyday issues including hiring and firing, employee handbooks, and profit-sharing and health plans. We frequently review personnel policy manuals, employment applications and contracts and other materials, and advise clients on sound employment practices, working conditions and procedures.

We keep clients apprised of important developments in employment and labor law through newsletters, emails and faxes, and informal telephone consultations. Our lawyers have been involved in training for many corporate clients. The training sessions are customized depending upon each client’s particular needs and concerns. Some topics that we have covered include: 

• Anti-harassment training – a discussion of prohibited behavior, reporting and investigating complaints, resolving complaints and potential penalties. 
  
  
• An overview of employment law today – a brief discussion of federal and state discrimination statutes, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the concept of protected classes. 
  
  
• Evaluating, disciplining and terminating employees – a discussion of verbal and written reprimands, how to prepare an appropriate evaluation and termination. 
  
  
• Dealing with the disabled employee – a discussion of “reasonable accommodation,” dealing with drug and alcohol problems, and handling mental illness.