Louis R. Lessig

Partner
360 Haddon Avenue, Westmont, NJ 08108
Tel: 856-854-8900 / Fax: 856-858-4967
llessig@brownconnery.com

Labor and Employment / Litigation / Government Litigation

Louis R. Lessig, Esquire, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, is a partner with the firm of Brown & Connery, LLP.  His practice concentrates in labor and employment counseling, litigation, negotiations and training.

Mr. Lessig represents clients in all types of employment matters, including but not limited to claims of discrimination, harassment, hostile work environment, wage and hour irregularities and retaliation in state and federal courts as well as before administrative agencies including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board, U.S. Department of Labor, American Arbitration Association, New Jersey Division on Civil Rights, New Jersey Office of Administrative Law, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, and Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations.

In 2018, he received the Delaware Valley HR Consultant of the Year Award. In 2016 he was an Honoree for the SmartCEO Centers of Influence Awards.  In 2015, he received the SmartCEO ESQ Industry Practice Award – recognizing the region’s most trusted advisors. Since 2012, Mr. Lessig has been selected each year as a “Super Lawyer” in Labor and Employment law.  In 2010, Mr. Lessig was selected by the New Jersey Law Journal as one of the “Top 40 Attorneys Under 40” in New Jersey.  Mr. Lessig was also selected in 2010 as a Delaware Valley Human Resources Consultant of the Year Nominee.  Mr. Lessig is a nationally recognized speaker and publishes articles that have appeared in periodicals including Xpert HR, Westlaw Journal Employment, Westlaw Journal Computer and Internet, the Family and Medical Leave Handbook, Employment Litigation Reporter, Corporate Risk Spectrum, HR Professional, The Tri-State and Labor and Employment Law Quarterly.  He was an adjunct professor at the Comey Institute for Industrial Relations at St. Joseph’s University.  Mr. Lessig was also a principal in the Pinnacle Employment Law Institute (PELI), which conducted training sessions and provided developmental assistance in employment relations.

Mr. Lessig received his bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College, and his law degree from Widener University School of Law. After graduating from law school, he served as judicial law clerk to the Honorable M. Allan Vogelson, Presiding Civil Judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey in Camden County.

He is admitted to practice in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia. He is also admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Mr. Lessig is a member of the American, New Jersey (Executive Committee, Labor and Employment Law Section), Pennsylvania, District of Columbia, and Camden County (Past President, Bar Foundation; Past President, Association Board of Trustees) Bar Associations.

In addition to his professional activities, Mr. Lessig currently serves on the Garden State Council – SHRM as the New Jersey State Director.  He is also a Past President of the Board for the National Speakers Association (NSA), Philadelphia chapter.  He is also a member of Tri-State HRMA where he is a Past President of the chapter and serves as Chair of the Legislative Committee. Mr. Lessig is past President of the Muhlenberg College Alumni Board.

*The Super Lawyers list is issued by Thomson Reuters. A description of the selection methodology can be found at https://www.superlawyers.com/about/selection_process_detail.html. No aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. **“This award is conferred by New Jersey Law Journal. A description of the selection methodology can be found at https://www.law.com/njlawjournal/almID/1202511097691/. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.”  ***Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Rating – This award is conferred by Martindale-Hubbell.  A description of the selection methodology can be found at https://www.martindale.com/ratings-and-reviews/.  No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

education

Muhlenberg College (B.A., 1993)

Widener University School of Law (J.D., 1996)

admissions

United States Supreme Court

United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

United States District Court for the District of New Jersey

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

New Jersey

Pennsylvania

District of Columbia

professional affiliations

American Bar Association

New Jersey Bar Association (Executive Committee, Labor and Employment Section)

Pennsylvania Bar Association

District of Columbia Bar Association

Camden County Bar Association (former President, Board of Trustees)

Society for Human Resource Management (New Jersey State Director, Garden State Council)

National Speakers Association, Philadelphia Chapter

Tri-State Human Resource Management Association (Chair, Legislative Committee)

recognition

National Speakers Association – Philadelphia Chapter – member of the Year (2019)

Delaware Valley Human Resources Consultant of the Year (2018)

Martindale-Hubbell “AV” Preeminent® Rating***

“Super Lawyer” in Labor & Employment, Super Lawyers Magazine, New Jersey Edition (2012-2023)*

SmartCEO – Centers of Influence Award – Honoree (2016)

SmartCEO – ESQ Industry Practice Award – Winner (2015)

“Top 40 Lawyers Under 40,” New Jersey Law Journal (2010)**

Delaware Valley Human Resources Consultant of the Year – Nominee (2010)

NJSBA Young Lawyer of the Year Professional Achievement Award (2002)

publications

“How to Conduct an HR. S.W.O.T Analysis” – Xpert HR (2019)

“Checklist for Conducting HR S.W.O.T Analysis” – Xpert HR (2019)

“Holiday Parties Gone Wrong:  Careful Where You Hang Your Mistletoe” – NPR Interview (2017)

“Before You Say Goodbye,” South Jersey Biz Magazine (June 2016)

“How to Discipline Misconduct Related to Social Media,” XpertHR (2015)

“The Top Six Legislative Things to Watch,” The Tri-Stater 1 (Dec. 2014/Jan. 2015)

“How to Protect Trade Secrets When Employing a Mobile Workforce and Telecommuters,” XpertHR (2014)

“A Medical Issue That Will Impact You This Summer; Medical Marijuana,” The Tri-Stater 8 (May/June 2010)

“New FMLA Rules Alter Definitions Related to Serious Health Condition,” Guide to the Final FMLA Revised Regulations 29 (Thompson, 2009)

“New Year’s Resolution for HR Professionals,” The Tri-Stater 2 (Jan./Feb. 2009)

“Examining a Common Myth About the Workplace, Husband, Wife Don’t Always Split 12 Weeks of Leave,” Family and Medical Leave Handbook 3 (Thompson, Sept. 2008)

“Military Leave is Changing the FMLA,” The Tri-Stater 6 (Mar./Apr. 2008)

“Firing Employee with Absence Requires Careful Following of FMLA,” Family and Medical Leave Handbook 2 (Thompson, Dec. 2007)

“Why Employers Must Pay Attention to Claims of Retaliation Under Title VII,” 21 Andrews Employment Litig. Rep. 13 (Aug. 1, 2006)

“The Changing Climate of Overtime Regulations,” 18 Andrews Employment Litig. Rep. 2 at 15 (Sept. 2, 2003)

“Drafting and Revising Employment Policies and Handbooks,” 2nd ed. Cum. Supp. 2002, Co-authored Decker, Kurt H.

“What Management Needs to Know About Hiring and Complying with the ADA,” 15 Andrews Employment Litig. Rep. 2 at 3 (2000), Co-authored Kermit M. Burley

“Counseling for the Next Millennium: Trends in Supervisor Sexual Harassment,” 14 Andrews Employment Litig. Rep. 4 (1999), Co-authored Kermit M. Burley

“When Employers Are Liable for Sexual Harassment,” 13 Andrews Employment Litig. Rep. 17 (1999), Co-authored Kermit M. Burley

“Supervisors, Employees and Harassment,” 13 Human Resource Prof. 5 at 28 (1999), Co-authored Kermit M. Burley

speaking engagements

“Managing Through Crisis:  How COVID-19 Spotlighted the Need for Great People Managers,”  SHRM Webcast (2020)

“Harassment Training” City of Gloucester (2020)

“How YOUR Workforce will be Affected!”  Business Recovery Podcast (2020)

“EEO Training” (multiple sessions) County of Gloucester (2020)

“Staff Harassment Training” (multiple sessions) County of Gloucester (2020)

“Supervisor Harassment Training” County of Gloucester (2020)

“Diversity and Inclusion In a New Decade” TD Bank (2020)

“FLSA Changes: A Look Into the DOL’s Final Overtime Rule and How You Can Prepare” Paycom Webinar (multiple sessions) (2019)

“Addressing the “People Side” of Your Business” Emerson Group (2019)

“Overtime Under the FLSA – Beyond 2019” Paylocity Elevate Conference (2020)

“Top 10 Employment Cases of 2019” Paylocity Elevate Conference (2019)

“FLSA Jeopardy” GSC-SHRM Annual Conference (2019)

“Top 10 Employment Cases of 2019” GSC-SHRM Annual Conference (2019)

“New FLSA Rule: Preparing Your Business for Overtime Changes Ahead” HR Break Room (2019)

“ADA Jeopardy 2019” SHRM Annual Conference Smart Stage (2019)

“CEO & CFO Views of Cybersecurity: The New Role of HR in Protecting the Organization” SHRM Annual Conference Smart Stage (2019)

“FLSA Jeopardy 2019” SHRM Annual Conference Mega Session (2019)

“Addressing Discrimination Issues for the LBHA – Understanding Supervisory Obligations in Employment and Housing” Board of Commissioners Training Long Branch Housing Authority (2019)

“Addressing Discrimination Issues for the LBHA – Understanding Supervisory Obligations in Employment and Housing” Long Branch Housing Authority (2019)

“Addressing Discrimination Issues for the LBHA – Understanding Employment and Housing Obligations” Long Branch Housing Authority (2019)

“Legality of HR in the Modern Era” Inevitable Podcast (2019)

“Understanding the Latest Legislative Creations” – Ten40 Management Group, LLC (2019)

“Understanding the Latest Legislative Creations” – Guest Lecturer at Rutgers Labor Law Class (2019)

“Working Together to Make a Difference in the Workplace” Harassment Training – SimpleTire (2019)

“Bias in the Workplace: How to Address the Latest Issues and Strategize for Tomorrow” – TD Bank (2019)

“Managing in 2019:  How to Navigate the Latest Legislative and Legal Creations” – Greater Woodbury Chamber of Commerce (2019)

“Harassment Training” – Lafayette College (2019)

“Administrative and Management Training” – Lafayette College (2019)

“Dynamic Business Success in 2019: How to Prepare for the Latest Employment Challenges and Obligations” – Integrity Staffing Solutions (2019)

“Workplace Jeopardy 2018” – Greater Valley Forge HR Summit (2018)

“The Influence of You” Keynote – 27th Annual GSC-SHRM Conference and Expo (2018)

“Managing Under Duress:  How to Navigate the Latest Legislative and Legal Creations” – Emerson Group (2018)

“Top 10 Employment Cases from 2018” – Paylocity Client Conference (2018)

“Business Conduct & Harassment Training” – V&V Management Solutions, LLC (2018)

“Harassment Training” – V&V Management Solutions, LLC (2018)

“Keeping the Workplace Safe for All: Transgender Rights and the #Metoo Movement” – Camden County Bar Association (2018)

“Harassment Training” (supervisors and employees) – V&V Management Solutions, LLC (2018)

“Harassment Training” (multiple sessions) – V&V Management Solutions, LLC (2018)

“Harassment training” – Trodat (2018)

“Fun with the FLSA Today” Webinar – Paylocity (2018)

“FMLA training” – Ocean County Library (2018)

“Fun with the FLSA Today” Webinar – Paylocity (2018)

“The Landscape of Legislation Today” – Southern Shore Human Resource Management Association of New Jersey (2018)

“Employment Law Jeopardy” – Valve Industry Knowledge Forum (2018)

“Top 10 Employment Cases of the Year” – Valve Industry Knowledge Forum (2018)

“Harassment Training” – Trotec Laser (2018)

“Keeping the Workplace Safe for All: Transgender Rights and the #MeToo Movement” – TD Bank (2018)

“Workplace Jeopardy 2018” – Choice Hotels Owners Council (2018)

“Top 10 Employment Cases of 2017,” Paylocity, Chicago, Illinois (2017)

“FLSA Jeopardy,” Paylocity, Chicago, Illinois (2017)

“Labor and Employment Training,” Atlantic County (2017)

“Understanding the CEO & CFO Views of Cybersecurity: The New Role of HR in Protecting the Organization – MEGA Session,” GSC-SHRM Annual Conference (2017)

“Employer Shock:  The New State of Backgrounds,” SHRM of Lehigh Valley (2017)

“Hot Topics in Employment Law Impacting Your Business Today,” Integrity Staffing (2017)

“HR Feud,”  MAC HR Summit (Marubeni America) (2017)

“HR Feud Part II,”  MAC HR Summit (Marubeni America) (2017)

“Understanding the CEO & CFO Views of Cybersecurity:  The New Role of HR in Protecting the Organization,”  HR Web Advisors Webinar (20170

“FLSA Jeopardy – 2017 – Smart Stage,”  SHRM Annual Conference & Expo (2017)

“The Top 10 Employment Cases of 2017,” SHRM Annual Conference & Expo (2017)

“Ethical Issues for Attorneys Using Social Media,”  TD Bank Ethics Seminar (2017)

“Labor Contract Negotiations,” Rutgers University Class (2017)

“Administrators Training,” Lindenwold Public Schools (2017)

“The Top 10 Employment Cases of 2017,” Society For Human Resource Management Annual Conference and Exposition (2017)

“A SWOT Approach to Organizational Success Under the New FLSA Regulations,” Garden State Council – SHRM Annual Conference (2016)

“Discipline in the Age of Social Media,” MAC HR Summit (2016)

“FLSA Overtime Trainwreck Jeopardy,” MAC HR Summit (2016)

“Latest Developments in School Law,” Educational Information and Resource Center (EIRC) Annual Summer Institute for School Administrators (2016)

“Discipline in the Age of Social Media,” Society For Human Resource Management Annual Conference and Exposition (2016)

“The Top 10 Employment Cases of 2016,” Society For Human Resource Management Annual Conference and Exposition (2016)

“Cybersecurity: Best Practices to Protect Your Business,” Construction Financial Management Association – South Jersey chapter (2016)

“Take Control of Your Organization: How to Use Employment Issues to Your Advantage,” Emerson Personnel Group (2016)

“Technology in Your Workplace – SWOT Style,” York SHRM (2016)

“Technology in Your Workplace – SWOT Style,” XpertHR (2016)

“The Business Case: For Thoughtful Background Determinations,” SEPA-SHRM (2015)

“The Top 10 Employment Issues You Need to Know,” Rowan College at Burlington County (2015)

“Developing and Protecting Your Organization in 2016,” Integrity Staffing (2015)

“The Top 7 Tech Issues Transforming Your Workplace,” Garden State Council – SHRM Annual Conference (2015)

“The Top 10 Employment Cases of 2015,” Garden State Council – SHRM Annual Conference (2015)

“ADA Jeopardy,” MAC HR Summit (2015)

“FMLA Jeopardy,” MAC HR Summit (2015)

“ADA Jeopardy: The 2015 Version,” Society For Human Resource Management Annual Conference and Exposition (2015)

“FMLA Jeopardy,” Society For Human Resource Management Annual Conference and Exposition (2015)

“What Today’s CIO Must Know About Employees – Tricks, Trends & Avoiding Litigation,” Premier CIO Forum (2015)

“Technology in the Workplace: SWOT Style,” Tri-State HRMA Annual Conference (2015)

“Developing and Protecting Your Organization in 2015,” Integrity Staffing (2014)

“The Business Case for Thoughtful Background Searches,” Lehigh Valley SHRM Conference (2014)

“Technology in the Workplace: SWOT Style,” Garden State Council – SHRM Annual Conference (2014)

“Employment Background Screening Strategy & Alignment with Organizational Objectives,” Emerson Personnel Group (2014)

“Emerging Employment Law Issues Impacting Your Business,” Emerson Personnel Group, September 17, 2014, Cherry Hill, NJ.

“The Top 10 Employment Cases of 2014,” Society For Human Resource Management Annual Conference and Exposition (2014)

“Hiring Disability Candidates in 2014: Compliance and Beyond,” Garden State Council – SHRM (2014)

“Bring Your Own Device Policies: Legal Risks and Rewards for Your Organization,” HR Web Advisor (2014)

“The Top 10 Employment Cases of 2013,” Clear Law Institute (2014)

“Minimizing Liability in an Age of Accountability”, Legal One (2013)

“The Top 10 Employment Cases of 2013,” Garden State Council – SHRM Annual Conference, October 29, 2013, Atlantic City, NJ.

“Building a Better Mousetrap – To B.Y.O.D. or Not?” Garden State Council – SHRM Annual Conference (2013)

“Hot Topics in Employment Law – Things that Keep HR up at Night,” Integrity Staffing (2013)

“Emergent Issues in Employment Law Impacting Your Business Today,” Emerson Personnel Group (2013)

“The Top 10 Employment Cases of 2013,” Society For Human Resource Management Annual Conference and Exposition (2013)

“Building a Better Mousetrap – To B.Y.O.D. or Not?” Society For Human Resource Management Annual Conference and Exposition (2013)

“Some of the Pitfalls of Employment Background Screening in the Information Age,” Human Resource Association of Southern New Jersey (2013)

“ADA Jeopardy – Are You Ready?” Chester County HR Association (2012)

“The Top 10 Employment Cases of 2012,” Southern Shore Human Resource Association of New Jersey (2012)

“ADA Jeopardy- Are You Ready?” Garden State Council – SHRM Annual Conference (2012)

“Influence Driven Employee Engagement,” Garden State Council – SHRM Annual Conference (2012)

“HR and Business Ethics: Lessons from the Downturn,” Pennsylvania State Council of SHRM – State Conference (2012)

Speaker, “The New Tenure Law 2012,” Kingsway Regional School District (2012)

“The Top 10 Employment Cases of 2012,” Society For Human Resource Management Annual Conference and Exposition (2012)

“FMLA Jeopardy,” Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources (2012)

“HR and Business Ethics: Lessons from the Downturn,” Garden State Council – SHRM Annual Conference (2011)

“The Top 10 Employment Cases of 2011,” Garden State Council – SHRM Annual Conference (2011)