LeClairRyan’s Employment Litigation attorneys apply their breadth and depth of knowledge and experience to advise employers concerning personnel policies and employment discrimination. We regularly provide representation to employers in a variety of employment litigation matters in federal and state courts nationwide, and before:
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The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
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The Department of Labor
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The National Labor Relations Board
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The Virginia Workers Compensation Commission
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The Virginia Employment Commission
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The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry
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The Virginia Council on Human Rights
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And similar state agencies throughout the nation
Our lawyers defend employers in both individual and class actions against the following types of claims:
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Employment discrimination
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Unlawful harassment
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Retaliation
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Unpaid wages and benefits
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Breach of employment agreements and restrictive covenants
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Wrongful termination
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Negligent hiring or retention
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Defamation
We also have significant experience representing employers in employment and labor arbitrations and mediations throughout the nation. In addition to our appearances before trial courts, administrative agencies, and mediators and arbitrators, we have a successful track record affirming our clients’ trial and summary judgment victories before appellate courts in Virginia and throughout the nation, including most of the United States Courts of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.
Attorneys in this practice area represent employers in a wide variety of employment litigation matters including the following:
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Defense of wrongful discharge claims
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Breach of employment contracts
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Disability discrimination claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act
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Age discrimination claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act
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Claims for relief under the Family Medical Leave Act and Fair Labor Standards Act
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Claims of sexual harassment and race and gender discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 42 U.S.C. § 1981
LeClairRyan is well-known for thoroughly preparing every case as if it were going to trial. We draw on the knowledge and experience from across our firm and use an interdisciplinary, multi-dimensional team approach that makes use of industry specific knowledge whenever appropriate. This enables us to personally respond to client requests promptly and respect specific cost needs. This emphasis on full preparation not only benefits us in the courtroom, but also gives us an advantage should settlement become an option, allowing us to always be well-positioned and obtain optimal results for our clients.
REPRESENTATIVE CASES INCLUDE
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Obtained defense verdict for nationwide emergency services company which was sued for $20 million by an employee claiming sexual assault in the workplace
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Obtained favorable judgment and $500,000 award of attorneys’ fees for nationwide publishing company from former employee who violated covenant not to compete
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Obtained defense verdict for nursing home chain in religious discrimination lawsuit
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Received summary judgment for nationwide HMO organization in gender discrimination case regarding COO of company and for large federal financial institution on race discrimination claim
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Successfully defended nationwide food retailer and government contractor from defamation claims made by former employees
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Conducted successful defense for nationwide airline in 15 separate binding arbitrations regarding racial harassment and discrimination in the workplace
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Obtained summary judgment for national retailer in ADA action alleging disability discrimination and retaliatory discharge
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Won defense verdict for defendant employer in Title VII action for unlawful harassment and termination
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Received summary judgment for retail employer in FMLA ADA termination case