Experience
Defense Jury Verdict for Employer in Discrimination Case
We obtained a total defense jury verdict for an employer, in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri, in a case seeking approximately $500,000 in damages based on alleged race and age discrimination and constructive discharge under the Missouri Human Rights Act. The plaintiff was a former human resources employee who alleged that she was demoted to a non-human resources assignment based on her age and Hispanic race in an effort to force her to quit employment. The defendant denied that any protected characteristics played a role in the assignment and that the plaintiff quit for a better employment opportunity.
Defense Verdict in Discrimination, Retaliation Case
Obtained a defense verdict in a Jackson County, Missouri jury trial on claims of race, gender, and national origin discrimination and retaliation. The plaintiff alleged that she did not receive a new contract as a school vice principal after making complaints of retaliation under the Missouri Human Rights Act.
Dismissal for Government Client on FOIA Claims
Obtained dismissal of Complaint alleging Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) violations in Illinois state court for a governmental client.
Summary Judgment for Fortune 100 Company on MHRA Claims
Obtained summary judgment on Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA) claims in state court for a Fortune 100 company based on untimeliness and failure to exhaust administrative remedies.
Handled Multiple Investigations of Employment Discrimination, Employee Misconduct and Whistleblower Conduct
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.
Successfully Defended College in Discrimination Case Before the EEOC
Successfully defended EEOC charges alleging race and gender discrimination on behalf of private liberal arts college.
Defense Verdict for Fortune 500 Logistics Company in Race Discrimination Case
Served as lead counsel in jury trial where the jury returned a defense verdict for Fortune 500 client in Title VII race discrimination case.
$65 Million Sale of Specialty Home Furnishings Business
Represented the seller, a manufacturer of specialty home furnishings, in its acquisition by a leading brand aggregator in numerous different consumer products spaces. The sale, for $65 million in cash and equity, represented the buyer’s first acquisition in the home furnishings space. We also provided counsel on employment, employee benefits, tax, patent, and intellectual property aspects of the transaction.
Obtained Defense Verdict for School District on Discrimination, Retaliation Claims
Obtained a full defense jury verdict in Jackson County, Missouri, circuit court for a school district on claims of race and disability discrimination and retaliation under the Missouri Human Rights Act, and retaliation under Missouri's public employee whistleblower protection statute. The plaintiff, who had been terminated from employment following discovery of time fraud, sought more than $500,000 in damages.
Representation of Logistics Provider in Noncompete Case
Represented a national third-party logistics provider in action to enforce noncompetition provision against a former employee.
Defense of Global Direct Sales Company in Breach of Contract Case
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.
Severance Package Negotiation for Top Executive
Negotiated an appropriate severance package for a top salesperson in the construction materials industry.
Counsel to Multinational Hedge Fund on Post-Employment Obligations
Counseled multinational hedge fund and financial serves company regarding post-employment obligations of employees.
Successful Representation of an Executive in a Wrongful Termination Case
Represented an executive in a wrongful termination case which settled during trial.
Vindicated CEO Terminated For “Cause” and Denied All Compensation
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.
Representation in Employee Terminations, Alleged Rutan Violations
Represented the state of Illinois in disputes involving employee terminations and alleged Rutan violations.
Defense of Chicago Manufacturer Against Wage Payment Action Claims
Successfully defended a Chicago manufacturer against Wage Payment Act claims brought by its former president.
Prosecution of High-Profile Embezzlers
Prosecuted embezzlers, including the partner of a real estate venture, the treasurer of an energy company and the bookkeeper of a significant business.
Prosecution in Matter Involving Breach of Employment Agreement
Prosecuted and defended claims for breach of an employment agreement.
Representation of National Aviation Insurance Broker in Noncompete, Nonsolicitation Case
Represented a national aviation insurance broker in action to enforce contractual noncompete and nonsolicitation provisions against a former employee.
Summary Judgment for School District in Disability Discrimination Case
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 Defended University, Individual Against Missouri Human Right Act Claims
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.
Summary Judgment in $850,000 Employment Contract Dispute
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.
Summary Judgment for Hospital in FMLA Retaliation Suit
Obtained summary judgment ruling for a hospital in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. The lawsuit brought by former employee alleged retaliation under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Successfully Defended School District in Termination, Discrimination Suit
Successfully defended school district in a wrongful termination and age discrimination lawsuit.
Dismissal of Suit for Public Entity in the Education Industry
Won a dismissal after removal to federal court on behalf of a public entity and its employees for failure to exhaust administrative remedies with proper administrative agency.
Acquisition of Franchise Restaurants
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.
Secured Withdrawal of OSHA Citations for Manufacturing Client
Defended company that received two willful citations under OSHA lead standard when manufacturing with leaded brass. OSHA withdrew both willful citations.
Successfully Resolved Matter for Company in OSHA Severe Violator Enforcement Program
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.
Dismissal of Multi-State Unpaid Overtime Class Action Claims
Obtained dismissal of numerous state law class action claims based on lack of standing in a multi-state unpaid overtime lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, resulting in a substantial reduction in the potential size of the class and, accordingly, substantially reducing the company's potential exposure.
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