Employment and Labor

Obtained summary judgment for a public school district in a disability discrimination case under the Missouri Human Rights Act. The plaintiff argued that a disability prevented her from performing job duties that became necessary due to distance learning models when schools were closed due to COVID-19. Although the job duties were not explicitly discussed in the job description for her position, we demonstrated that the job duties were essential, performed by all other employees in the department, and there was no other vacant position for which the plaintiff was qualified.

Successfully represented former CEO of publicly traded international business in dispute arising from the company’s termination of our client “for cause” and denial of all incentives and other compensation due to the client.

Counseled multinational hedge fund and financial serves company regarding post-employment obligations of employees.

Represented a global direct sales company in connection with breach of contract claims alleging that members of its independent contractor sales force were prohibited from recruiting salespeople from other direct sales companies.

Secured denial of conditional certification from the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Missouri for a large health care client in an action where alleged claims included overtime claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act and under Missouri wage and hour law.  

Served as lead counsel in jury trial where the jury returned a defense verdict for Fortune 500 client in Title VII race discrimination case. 

Conducted investigations for multiple clients related to complaints of employment discrimination, harassment and other allegations of conduct related to state and federal discrimination laws in addition to allegations concerning employee misconduct and whistleblower activity. Authored comprehensive investigative reports and executive summaries, and presented to executives and board members.

Obtained dismissal of Complaint alleging Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) violations in Illinois state court for a governmental client.

Secured a full defense verdict for a university and individual on multiple claims alleging violations of the Missouri Human Rights Act. After a one-week trial in the City of St. Louis Circuit Court, the jury returned verdicts in favor of our client on all counts.

Obtained defense verdict in Jackson County, Missouri, jury trial on claims of disability discrimination, employment retaliation, workers' compensation retaliation and whistleblower retaliation. The plaintiff alleged discrimination and retaliation following multiple job-related injuries and when defendant proposed termination following the plaintiff's failure to participate in the defendant's disability accommodation process.

Obtained summary judgment in Missouri state court on behalf of an employer in the health care and life sciences field. A former employee had sought over $850,000 in alleged unpaid bonuses.

Successfully defended school district in a wrongful termination and age discrimination lawsuit.

Represented a private investment firm in its acquisition of franchise restaurant outlets across multiple states. Handled the acquisition agreement and other operative documents, due diligence, franchise documentation and licensing.

Defended company placed in OSHA Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP) involving combustible dust explosion and serious injuries. The case was settled with no willful violations and the company was removed from SVEP.