Experience
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.
Advised Defense Contractor in U.S. Government Inquiry
Successfully advised a defense contractor in connection with a U.S. Government inquiry, pre-award.
Obtained TRO and Preliminary Injunction in Noncompete Case
Obtained a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in federal court for a company against several defendants regarding the violation of noncompete and nonsolicitation covenants and the use of trade secrets in violation of the Defend Trade Secrets Act. Resulted in the return of and destruction of confidential information, a complete victory against the defendants, and favorable resolution of the case.
Summary Judgment for Higher Education Client on MHRA Claims
Obtained summary judgment for a higher education client on Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA) claims in state court where the claims were based on gender and race discrimination, sexual harassment, hostile work environment and retaliation.
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.
Reversal of a Default Judgment
Secured a reversal of default judgment for a large commercial client by demonstrating the original judgment was null and void.
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.
Investigated, Counseled and Presented on Topics Related to Title IX
Conducted investigations concerning alleged violations of Title IX. Assisted in drafting, revising and advising on Title IX policies, and presented trainings to prepare higher education staff to conduct Title IX investigations.
Selected to Assist OIG DHS as Directed by IL Governor in Investigation of Veterans' Home
Selected to assist the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Human Services (OIG DHS), as directed by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, in conducting an investigation into the Fall 2020 COVID-19 outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home in LaSalle, Illinois, and in preparing a summary report. To ensure the investigation considered all relevant information, the investigative team spoke with Home personnel, including management and front line staff. In addition, the investigative team interviewed officials with the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and reviewed hundreds of documents.
Led Governor-Ordered 35-Day Investigation of Missouri Veterans Homes After COVID-19 Outbreak
Selected to conduct a rapid, independent, external review of seven Missouri Veterans Homes – as ordered by Gov. Michael Parson – to assess their performance and identify what steps, if any, should be taken to improve their management and prevention of COVID-19. Led a 35-day investigation that considered all relevant information, including interviewing 174 individuals including Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC) staff, Veterans, Veterans’ families and Missouri government officials; implementing a hotline staffed by attorneys for Veterans’ families to voice concerns; reviewing and analyzing hundreds of documents; directing a management and consulting organization serving clients in the long-term care and post-acute care industry, to conduct on-site audits of all seven Homes, following all necessary safety protocols; and issuing early recommendations to the MVC. Compiled and delivered a 53-page summary report and a comprehensive 415-page report, including recommended corrective actions, to state officials.
Decertification of Collective Action, Denial of Class Certification, Partial Summary Judgment in Overtime Misclassification Complaint
Secured collective action decertification and denial of class certification for a client in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, regarding a complaint in which current and former employees asserted overtime claims based on alleged misclassification as exempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act and under the wage and hour laws of the states of Missouri and Washington.
