People are the primary asset of any business. Managing people—creating a work environment designed to attract and retain employees while protecting the interests of the organization—can be a challenge.
The attorneys in our Human Resources practice recognize the issues our clients face in meeting this challenge. We help address the unique needs of the organization while keeping the employee in mind. We provide employment and benefits advice to many public and private companies in locations across the U.S. We represent some of the largest companies in America, many with global operations. We also work with companies headquartered overseas in matters regarding their U.S. holdings.
We are experienced in defending employers against wrongful dismissal suits; age, race and sex discrimination suits; and other legal actions brought by existing or former employees. We are experienced in effectively prosecuting and defending cases for breach of non-competition agreements and misappropriation of trade secrets.
Thompson Coburn also has significant experience in traditional labor matters, such as union avoidance, contract negotiations, and labor grievances and arbitrations.
Employee v. Independent Contractor: A Distinction with a Difference
Implications and Current State of the FTC Non-Compete Ban
AI and Workplace Bias: What Employers Need to Know
Employee Benefits Legal Updates
Business Immigration: H-1B Visa Lottery Registration and Petition Process
Farewell 2023; Hello 2024: Employment Law Updates
The End of Non-Competes? A Federal and State Overview on Non-Compete Legislation
Hot Topics in California Employment Law
Changing State Laws: An Update for Employers on the C.R.O.W.N. Act and Marijuana Laws
OSHA: Increased Penalties, Increased Enforcement, Areas of Emphasis
Blurred lines: The Recent Rulings Changing the Game for Both Union and Non-Union Employers
Layoffs: Union, Plant Closing and Discrimination Considerations
New Year, New Laws: A look into the employment law landscape for 2023
Recent Updates in Illinois Law
How to End a Business Relationship Without Litigating
Breaking Developments in Employee Benefits Plans
Recent Developments in Labor & Employment Law
Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccines in Postsecondary Education
Returning to Work During COVID-19: Employment and Privacy Law Considerations
Labor, Employment and Employee Benefits Supreme Court Review
Remote Work Issues & Implications
Re-Opening Issues and Employer Liability Concerns In The Era Of COVID-19
Getting Back to Work in a Pandemic Environment
Navigating HR Issues during the COVID-19 Emergency
Financial Risks Common in Employee Benefit Programs
Hot Topics in Welfare Benefits
Traffic Ahead: California Employment Law Update
DOL Proposed Rules Limiting Overtime Exemptions
Top 5 Employment Policies to Revamp this Year
A New Horizon: What You Need to Know About California Employment Law
Federal Court Blocks Enforcement of FTC's Non-Compete Rule Nationwide
DOL Rule Blocked as to One Employer, the State of Texas, Foreshadowing More Legal Challenges
PAGA Reform Brings Relief for California Employers
Employer Update on California PAGA Reform
Impending Implementation of DOL Final Rule Draws Legal Challenges
BIPA Update: Illinois Senate’s BIPA Amendment Passes the House
EEOC Issues Enforcement Guidance on Harassment for the First Time in Years
DOL’s New Rule Increases Salary Threshold for FLSA Overtime Exemption Eligibility
New in New York City in 2024: Workers' Bill of Rights Notice and Posting Requirement
Upcoming New York Wage and Hour Changes
New York Employment Law Update: NDAs Involving Discrimination, Harassment or Retaliation
The Clock Is Ticking for Employers to Use the New Version of Form I-9 Beginning on November 1, 2023
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Expands Title VII Coverage in a Reversal of Longstanding Precedent
Silbergeld, Elalami Cover What You Need to Know About Biometric Data Violations for Daily Journal
Pay transparency may be coming to Illinois job postings sooner than we thought
New NLRB ruling changes what terms private sector employers can include in many severance agreements
Ninth Circuit strikes down California’s ban on mandatory arbitration agreements
Illinois Supreme Court holds that a five-year statute of limitations will apply to all BIPA Claims
The proposed FTC rule to ban non-compete clauses: What California employers need to know
New year, new laws: A potpourri of new employment laws that went into effect in 2023
Missouri’s new marijuana law: What employers need to know
EEOC releases new “Know Your Rights” job discrimination poster
Employers: Get ready for new California HR laws in 2023 and beyond – 10 things to look out for
U.S. Supreme Court sides with employers over arbitration of PAGA claims
California raises minimum wage for all employers
USCIS updates guidance on employment authorization for certain E and L nonimmigrant spouses
Employers: Are you ready for new California HR laws in 2022?
IRS provides new guidance on the COBRA premium subsidy under the American Rescue Plan Act
EEOC issues new guidance on COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace
Missouri legislature passes new protections for businesses from COVID-19 suits
Illinois adds additional restrictions on use of background checks and new EEO requirements
COVID-19 and employee mental health: What employers can do
New DOL guidance on missing participants: What employers should know
What employers need to know about mandatory COVID-19 vaccines and exceptions
COVID-19 and older employees: What employers should know and how they can lessen the impact
Lawyering in color: The ethics of diversity and inclusion
Can employers be liable for COVID-19 cases?
How employers are changing employee benefits to address the COVID-19 pandemic
New relief for cafeteria plans and flexible spending accounts due to COVID-19
Five things you should know about the DOL’s new Coronavirus paid leave rules
Employee benefit changes under the CARES Act: What employers need to know
City of Los Angeles enacts new sick pay ordinance
Retirement plan considerations during COVID-19
The COVID-19 Crisis: Questions and answers for employee welfare benefit plans
What employers need to know about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
SECURE Act: What employers need to know for retirement plans
How the St. Louis City and County Orders may affect your business
Business tips during the Coronavirus outbreak
Coronavirus legislation may impact your paid leave and FMLA obligations
Proposed Section 162(m) regulations: Key provisions employers should know
Employers: March 2 is the deadline to file 2019 injury and illness summaries
NLRB overturns trio of Obama-era board decisions
23 tips for drafting employment arbitration agreements
Seven things employers should know about Medicare for All
Employers: Are you ready for new California HR laws in 2020?
An overview of the Illinois Salary History Ban for employers
What employers need to know about the DOL’s final rule on overtime exemptions
What you need to know about the City of Chicago Fair Workweek ordinance
Illinois’s newly enacted ‘Workplace Transparency Act’ responds to the #MeToo movement
A government contractors’ checklist for building a FAR combating-trafficking compliance plan
Adopting a naloxone in the workplace program: What employers need to know
Seven things employers should know about EBSA investigations
New ruling requires employers to submit pay data to the EEOC by September 30, 2019
What do the Labor Department proposed overtime changes mean to me?
How employers can use employee benefits to address climate change
What’s new with the Illinois Wage Payment Act and four other HR law changes for 2019
A top hat plan checklist for employers
California says #MeToo: What employers need to know
5 takeaways from the employee ERISA win in McMillan
In California, when is a ‘worker’ considered an ‘employee’?
Is it time to address benefits for alternative work arrangements?
3 compliance obligations you may not know you have
Beware the tail of the dog: 5 tips in dealing with employee benefits in mergers and acquisitions
Benefit issues impacting older workers
An ERISA claim check: 9 tips for effective and compliant claims procedures
Someone to watch over me and my 401(k)
Four hot mid-year topics in California employment law
Shoring up the PBGC’s Insurance Program for Multiemployer Plans
Missouri enacts new employment law favoring employers
Supreme Court clarifies definition of ‘church plan’ under ERISA
DOL revises guidance regarding exercise of shareholder rights by ERISA fiduciaries
Halo looms over new decision that adds to ERISA risks for claims administrators
March 1 is just around the corner – Have you installed transgender restroom signs?
Missouri to join Right to Work ranks: Is the fight over or just warming up?
EEOC issues guidance on new wellness notice mandated for 2017
Are HR employees ‘investment advisors’ under the DOL’s fiduciary rule?
Did you consider the COBRA implications of your severance arrangement?
California expands pay equity, limits pay stub requirements
New Illinois law prohibits non-competition agreements with low-wage employees
Technology companies: Are your employment policies due for a reboot?
IRS issues new rules for 'closed' defined benefit plans
Section 409A: Top 10 rules for compliant non-qualified deferred compensation
U.S. Department of Labor issues final rule updating overtime regulations
New OSHA reporting and anti-retaliation rules
What you need to know about federal trade secret protection
California ups the ante on minimum wages
Post that policy: California FEHA amended regs take effect April 1, 2016
Get the basics on two federal bills affecting employee benefits
EEOC wants employer payroll data to discover pay discrimination
California employers: Are you ready for 2016?
California auto dealers: Re-check your pay plans and wage statements before January 1, 2016
Trick or Treat for California employers
EEOC Decision: Title VII protects employees' sexual orientation
California "cures" its new paid sick leave law
DOL claims most workers classified as independent contractors are "employees" covered by the FLSA
DOL proposed rules limit overtime exemptions
OSHA issues guidelines for restroom use by transgender employees
Department of Labor issues updated FMLA forms
Two key legislative developments impact wellness plans, non-qualified deferred compensation plans
Are you ready for California’s new paid sick leave law?
The battle over 4062(e) 'facility closure' liability
Time crunch: OSHA shortens reporting deadlines for workplace injuries
What does the Noel Canning decision mean for you?
New databases offer first step for disability and veteran hiring regulations
Illinois employers should aim for gun policy review
Fifth Circuit overturns NLRB decision on class and collective action waivers
But it’s our locker room: What is acceptable behavior in the sports workplace?
Federal contractors should prepare for new hiring burdens to take effect in early 2014
U.S. Supreme Court strikes down DOMA: What it means for plan sponsors
NLRB posting requirement struck down by court; federal contractors still on the hook
Department of Labor issues new regulation expanding FMLA rights
BIPA Update: Illinois Is One Step Closer to Amending How Damages Accrue under BIPA!
Blog Browse: Get to know the new I-9 requirements
Blog Browse: Coronavirus legislation may impact your paid leave and FMLA obligations
Recreational cannabis in the workplace: A guide for California employers
Illinois takes the lead on employee privacy: What employers need to know
The serious security vulnerabilities of mobile devices
Tyson Foods decision leaves questions, and opportunities, for class action defendants
Keith Rasher Shares Insights on PAGA Overhaul
Keith Rasher Honored as 2024 Top Labor and Employment Lawyer
Cliff Godiner Named to Employment POWER List
Rich Reinis Discusses California Fast Food Council’s Kickoff
Howard Lavin Covers NY Employment Law Updates for Crain’s
John Viola Highlights New California Noncompete Agreements
Thompson Coburn Bounds into 2024 with Lateral Additions, Continuing its National Growth
City of Chicago Expands Paid Time Off for All Chicago Workers
Industry Coverage: Howard Lavin Joins Thompson Coburn
Thompson Coburn Bolsters New York Growth with Labor & Employment Partner Howard Lavin
Thompson Coburn attorneys recognized in 2022 Chambers USA
Susan Lorenc gives ‘Employment Law Master Class’ on business consultant Dave Lorenzo's podcast
Thompson Coburn is Texas proud after first year in Dallas
Congratulations to our 2021 Best Lawyers ‘Lawyers of the Year’ and ‘Ones to Watch’
Hope Abramov and Laura Jordan named 2019 BTI Client Service All-Stars
Sarah Wade, Felicia Williams honored as YWCA Leaders in the Workplace
Thompson Coburn earns 11 national top-tier rankings in U.S. News 2019 ‘Best Law Firms’ survey
Congratulations to our 14 ‘Lawyers of the Year’ for 2019
Tony Anderson among LGBTQ execs honored by the Washington Business Journal
A decade of commitment: Thompson Coburn receives its 10th perfect score in Corporate Equality Index
Thompson Coburn earns 12 national top-tier rankings in U.S. News ‘Best Law Firms’ survey
Gain Executive Insights on immigration with Thompson Coburn, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Congratulations to our 14 'Lawyers of the Year' for 2018
Laura Jordan named a 2017 BTI Client Service All-Star
Thompson Coburn again named a ‘Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality’ in 2017
Thompson Coburn named among top 30 law firms for client service
St. Louis Business Journal honors Thompson Coburn for outstanding wellness initiatives
Thompson Coburn earns 11 national top-tier rankings in U.S. News ‘Best Law Firms’ survey
23 Thompson Coburn attorneys recognized in 2016 Chambers USA
25 Thompson Coburn attorneys recognized in 2015 Chambers USA
Employment litigator John Viola joins Thompson Coburn in Los Angeles
Congratulations to the new Thompson Coburn partners for 2015
27 Thompson Coburn attorneys recognized in 2014 Chambers USA
Cliff Godiner, Chuck Poplstein named to ‘Most Powerful Employment Attorneys’ list
Partner
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St. Louis
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A partner in the Labor and Employment practice area, Hope's extensive labor and employment practice is bolstered by her experiences as an in-house attorney for more than ... A partner in the Labor and Employment practice area, Hope's extensive labor... |
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Senior Counsel
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Washington, D.C.
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Over the past 30 years, Tony has been a legal advisor to many of the nation's largest transit systems. Over the past 30 years, Tony has been a legal advisor to many of the nation... |
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Senior Counsel
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St. Louis
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Mary has spent her 40-year career representing major corporations in high-stakes trials and arbitrations. Mary has spent her 40-year career representing major corporations in ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Becky Christensen helps employers navigate issues of employment law, serving as a go-to resource on day-to-day workforce issues as well as investigations, training, strat... Becky Christensen helps employers navigate issues of employment law, servin... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Cathy focuses her practice on employee benefits, taxation and closely-held businesses. Cathy focuses her practice on employee benefits, taxation and closely-held ... |
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Counsel
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New York
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Liz is an experienced labor and employment attorney who provides comprehensive counsel in all aspects of employment law. Liz is an experienced labor and employment attorney who provides comprehens... |
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Partner
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Chicago
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Mike represents management clients in a wide variety of labor and employment matters and related litigation. Mike represents management clients in a wide variety of labor and employmen... |
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Associate
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St. Louis
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Rachel is an associate in the labor and employment practice group, representing employers in a range of workplace issues and disputes. Rachel is an associate in the labor and employment practice group, represen... |
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Associate
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St. Louis
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With previous experience in higher education and secondary school administration and a master's degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education, Stephanie is keenly awar... With previous experience in higher education and secondary school administr... |
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Partner
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Dallas
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Ryan is an experienced employment law attorney who serves as a trusted advisor and effective litigator for employers of all sizes. Ryan is an experienced employment law attorney who serves as a trusted advi... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Cliff is a nationally recognized labor and employment attorney who advises executives and HR leaders on all aspects of employment litigation and labor disputes. Cliff is a nationally recognized labor and employment attorney who advises ... |
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Senior Counsel
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St. Louis
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For more than 30 years, Lori has been helping clients solve some of the most challenging employee benefit problems. For more than 30 years, Lori has been helping clients solve some of the mos... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Laura provides high-level strategic human resources counseling to executives and HR managers on the challenging legal questions that crop up during every phase of employm... Laura provides high-level strategic human resources counseling to executive... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Fatima has practiced exclusively in the area of immigration and nationality law for nearly two decades, helping employers in a broad range of sectors address the immigrat... Fatima has practiced exclusively in the area of immigration and nationality... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Michael's practice is focused on providing practical, comprehensive solutions that meet the business goals of clients in the employee benefits area of human resources law... Michael's practice is focused on providing practical, comprehensive solutio... |
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Associate
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St. Louis
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Emma is an associate in the Firm's labor and employment practice group. Emma is an associate in the Firm's labor and employment practice group. |
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Partner
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New York
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Howard has a lengthy and vast history of representing employers in all aspects of employment and labor matters. Howard has a lengthy and vast history of representing employers in all aspe... |
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Partner
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Chicago
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Genevieve is a highly experienced litigator and HR counselor who assists employers in a range of industries with employment litigation and the successful handling of loca... Genevieve is a highly experienced litigator and HR counselor who assists em... |
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Partner
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Chicago
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Susan is a highly experienced employment law attorney who serves as a seamless extension of her clients' HR and in-house legal teams. Susan is a highly experienced employment law attorney who serves as a seaml... |
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Counsel
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Dallas
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Allyn is a board certified labor and employment attorney, certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Allyn is a board certified labor and employment attorney, certified by the ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Krissa practices human resources law, focusing on the representation of employers in employment litigation and client counseling. Krissa practices human resources law, focusing on the representation of emp... |
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Associate
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St. Louis
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Hannah is an associate in the Firm's Labor & Employment department. Hannah is an associate in the Firm's Labor & Employment department. |
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Counsel
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St. Louis
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Martha practices exclusively in the areas of immigration and nationality law focusing in employment-based and family-based immigration cases. Martha practices exclusively in the areas of immigration and nationality la... |
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Associate
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Chicago
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Jeremy counsels corporate management and HR directors on all matters of labor and employment law. Jeremy counsels corporate management and HR directors on all matters of lab... |
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Associate
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St. Louis |
Los Angeles |
In her labor and employment practice, Stephanie partners with clients to develop solutions to complex workforce challenges. In her labor and employment practice, Stephanie partners with clients to de... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Conor provides counsel to management in various types of labor and employment disputes. Conor provides counsel to management in various types of labor and employme... |
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Partner
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Chicago
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In his national practice, Carlos provides sophisticated counsel to clients in the areas of employment compliance, immigration and mobility and has extensive experience in... In his national practice, Carlos provides sophisticated counsel to clients ... |
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Counsel
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St. Louis
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Amy is an employment law attorney focused on counseling in-house lawyers and HR professionals through both day-to-day and complex workplace issues. Amy is an employment law attorney focused on counseling in-house lawyers an... |
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Senior Counsel
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St. Louis
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Rick devotes his entire practice to the defense of employers in ERISA litigation related to pension, life, health, and disability benefits, both self-funded and insured. Rick devotes his entire practice to the defense of employers in ERISA litig... |
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Partner
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Chicago
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Emily is an experienced litigator representing companies, financial institutions, executives, officers, and individuals in a wide range of business issues, including cont... Emily is an experienced litigator representing companies, financial institu... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Chuck is a creative and highly efficient employment litigator and advisor to private and public sector employers across a wide spectrum of industries. Chuck is a creative and highly efficient employment litigator and advisor t... |
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Counsel
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St. Louis
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Melinda is a business immigration attorney who helps clients hire and retain foreign national workers in the United States and transfer employees between international of... Melinda is a business immigration attorney who helps clients hire and retai... |
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Partner
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Los Angeles
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Keith represents employers of all sizes in a variety of litigation arenas, including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and wage and hour matters. Keith represents employers of all sizes in a variety of litigation arenas, ... |
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Partner
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Dallas
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Tom Reddin brings his extensive employment law and litigation experience to the Dallas office. Tom Reddin brings his extensive employment law and litigation experience to... |
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Senior Counsel
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St. Louis
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Linda advises companies that provide goods or services to the federal government; she also has extensive experience in business immigration matters. Linda advises companies that provide goods or services to the federal gover... |
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Partner
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Los Angeles
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Art represents employers in high-stakes employment litigation and labor relations matters. Art represents employers in high-stakes employment litigation and labor rel... |
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Associate
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Chicago
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Zoe is an associate in the Firm's Labor & Employment practice group. Zoe is an associate in the Firm's Labor & Employment practice group. |
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Associate
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St. Louis
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Amy advises employers on retirement plans, health and welfare plans, compensation packages and other benefits. Amy advises employers on retirement plans, health and welfare plans, compen... |
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Associate
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Los Angeles
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Cara is an associate in the labor and employment practice group. Cara is an associate in the labor and employment practice group. |
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Partner
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Los Angeles
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John serves as a one-stop resource for employment counseling and litigation for companies in California and across the country. John serves as a one-stop resource for employment counseling and litigation... |
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Senior Counsel
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St. Louis
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In an era of escalating pension liabilities and sweeping health care reforms, Trish serves as an employee benefits advisor to public and privately-owned businesses and go... In an era of escalating pension liabilities and sweeping health care reform... |
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Associate
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Dallas
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Jordan is an employment law attorney who counsels and litigates on behalf of employers in state and federal court. Jordan is an employment law attorney who counsels and litigates on behalf o... |
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NOTICE.
Although we would like to hear from you, we cannot represent you until we know that
doing so will not create a conflict of interest. Also, we cannot treat unsolicited
information as confidential. Accordingly, please do not send us any information
about any matter that may involve you until you receive a written statement from
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