Labor & Employment

Brown & Connery has a team of experienced attorneys in its labor and employment practice who represent employers and individual employees in litigation related to claims of sexual harassment, discrimination, hostile work environment, retaliation and other claims of wrongful termination. The firm’s attorneys are experienced in handling matters related to all federal and state laws including the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, Title VII, Section 1983, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Conscientious Employee Protection Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the New Jersey Family Leave Act and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.

Our attorneys have particular expertise in representing corporate and public entities in both union and non-union settings and in managing the work force, including:

• Directing and managing contract negotiations with collective bargaining units
• Handling grievances and arbitrations related to collective bargaining agreements
• Advising on the planning and implementation of reductions in workforce for public and private clients

We are experienced in defending employers in the state and federal courts, as well as the New Jersey Division of Civil Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the New Jersey Department of Labor, the United States Department of Labor, the Public Employment Relations Commission, the Office of Administrative Law, the Civil Service Commission, and the National Labor Relations Board.

Advising Clients and Avoiding Litigation Through Training Programs

The firm also provides comprehensive counseling related to drafting, review and revisions of employer handbooks and manuals. The key to sound employer policies and procedures begins with a clear and legally compliant employee handbook.

The best way for employers to prevent litigation claims in the future is by providing its employees with extensive training. Our firm has developed training presentations for employers that cover a broad array of topics, including:

• Workplace discrimination and harassment for both management and employees
• Managing employees including performance evaluations and discipline
• Union avoidance

The partners responsible for this area of practice include William M. Tambussi and Susan M. Leming.