Practice Leader: Richard E. Morton
Attorneys: View Attorneys in this PracticeAttorneys in our Employment & Labor Practice Group have extensive experience defending employers in state and federal trial courts, appellate courts and before government agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the California Fair Employment and Housing Commission. Our employment attorneys have handled numerous discrimination claims involving race, sex, sexual harassment, religion, national origin, age, handicap and disability arising under federal and state anti-discrimination laws as well as wrongful termination and wage and hour claims.
Compliance
In the fluctuating environment of federal, state, and local employment laws, we help human resource professionals and in-house legal counsel meet the many challenges of compliance with applicable laws and regulations, preventative employment practices, and internal policy determinations. As active participants in the development of current law, pending legislation, and evolving legal precedent, our attorneys offer real-world interpretation and analysis of complex labor and employment issues.
Discrimination, Harassment & Retaliation
Our attorneys have experience advising employers on how to respond to allegations of unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment. We conduct investigations into whether the alleged discrimination or harassment occurred and then advise them accordingly. Our attorneys also provide in-house training to supervisors and their employees on a variety of issues, including the state-mandated sexual harassment avoidance.
Employee Benefits
We regularly counsel employers to ensure that termination of benefits is handled appropriately, to ward off discrimination or other fair employment-related claims.
Employment Litigation
Haight Brown & Bonesteel recognizes that litigation can be the least effective and most expensive method of dispute resolution. It is sometimes, however, unavoidable. Whether through direct representation or liability insurance (EPLI or D&O policies), our employment attorneys work with companies to streamline the litigation process internally and to manage litigation in a cost-efficient manner.
When litigation is necessary, you will find that we are experienced and effective in defending employers in the state and federal trial courts and before arbitrators, mediators and administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the California Fair Employment and Housing Commission. Our employment attorneys have handled numerous discrimination claims (involving race, sex, sexual harassment, religion, national origin, age, pregnancy, handicap, and disability arising under federal and state anti-discrimination law) as well as wrongful termination claims-two of the most frequently filed charges faced by employers in today’s workplace.
In-House Training
Through in-house training, educations seminars, and on-going advisories, we help our clients focus on cost-efficient measures that foster productive and responsible workplaces, the avoidance of litigation, and the best defensive posture in the event of litigation. Our attorneys focus on every aspect of existing and developing employment law.
Wage & Hour
HB&B attorneys have experience advising employers on overtime and minimum wage compliance issues. Some of the wage and hour issues in which we have counseled and defended employers include:
Disability Discrimination: Defended a major airline resulting in a favorable decision that established workers’ compensation as the exclusive remedy for discrimination based on a work-related disability;
Sexual Harassment: Summary judgment obtained in favor of a manufacturing client, where plaintiff claimed severe and pervasive sexual harassment throughout her employment;
FMLA/CFRA: Trial and appeal decision for a major insurance carrier that leave to care for a child terrorized by a nanny, was not a “serious health condition” warranting protected leave and that assigning new duties upon the employee’s return was not a constructive discharge;
ERISA Benefits: Obtained summary judgment, upheld in a published appeal in favor of a manufacturing client, finding an employee was not entitled to certain pension contribution benefits;
Gender Discrimination: Obtained a defense verdict on behalf of a large sport & gaming facility, reversing an EEOC finding that the client had discriminated against female employees;
Breach of Implied Contract/Fraud: Successfully argued a motion for summary judgment in favor of a broadcast media client against plaintiff’s claims of an employment contract that automatically renewed and guaranteed continued employment.
