Employment

Employment Counseling & Litigation Group

The members of the Employment Counseling and Litigation Group have extensive experience in providing employment law counseling and litigation services to industry, non-profit educational and medical institutions, and individuals, on a local, regional, national and indeed global basis. Our attorneys understand not only the applicable law, but also the practical reality that businesses and individuals face when confronted with litigation or other serious legal issues. We understand that your business is important and that our advice matters.

We believe it is impossible for a lawyer without substantial litigation experience to effectively counsel clients how to protect their trade secrets and other intellectual property, comply with the increasing statutory obligations imposed upon employers by state and federal governments, handle internal discrimination complaints so as to avoid litigation, or strategize effectively and prepare for trial should litigation ultimately ensue. Our attorneys are trained and experienced trial lawyers with a special emphasis in employment law, and provide unparalleled service in these ways.

We also understand that a business can only operate through its employees, and that a company’s “human capital” is often its greatest investment and its greatest asset. That same asset, however, can represent a major liability, and the attorneys in the Employment Counseling and Litigation Group have extensive experience in helping clients minimize and manage this risk. Our clients receive a regular newsletter devoted to specific employment law topics (Heads Up) and timely e-mail alerts on breaking employment news. Of course, all have access to our LegalBites blog concerning employment law developments at http://www.nkmlawyers.com/legalbites/.

Trade Secrets and Non-Competes

In today’s economy, employees who leave the employers who trained, educated, and introduced them to valuable business and customer information can transfer such assets to eager competitors who may seek an unfair advantage against the former employer. We can help employers develop an intellectual property protection program and advise businesses on how to protect their trade secrets, confidential information, and goodwill through use of coordinated internal practices and well-drafted nondisclosure agreements and covenants not to compete. When necessary, our attorneys have successfully litigated cases to enforce restrictive covenants, protect trade secrets, and stop unfair competition in jurisdictions across the United States.

Human Resources Training

Employers who have trained their employees in sexual harassment and discrimination prevention often are relieved of liability, or face reduced exposure to liability, when such cases arise. Our attorneys can help you develop training programs specific to your company’s culture and can conduct group or individualized training sessions on a regular or one-time basis, whichever way suits your company’s needs.

Employment Counseling

Employers face an ever increasing number of statutes and regulations that govern the relationship between employers and employees. Our attorneys provide skilled advocacy and counseling to help companies:

  • Develop employment applications, job descriptions, employment contracts, and policy handbooks;
  • Conduct internal investigations
  • Manage individual terminations or mass layoffs and plant closings;
  • Respond to investigations and audits by federal and state human rights commissions, departments of labor, and other government agencies.

Perhaps in no other area of the law can a brief telephone call so easily save a client from exposure to so many troublesome issues or such enormous potential damages.

Employment Litigation

Our employment attorneys have extensive litigation and trial experience. As lead trial counsel in civil rights and other employment matters, the Group offers representation for employers in class action litigation, whistleblower protection claims, discrimination matters, wage and hour claims, non-compete disputes, trade secret protection matters, securities and benefits litigation, partnership dissolutions, fiduciary duty claims, internal disputes in closely held corporations, and other forms of contract claims, employment disputes and enforcement actions. We also help clients manage the indirect costs of employment litigation, including bad publicity, deteriorating employee morale, and the potential destruction of an established corporate culture.

"You do great work, and your bills reflect real value. I never worry about any matter in your hands."    

Executive, National Retail Chain


Employment Resources

[8/19/2011] Five Key Things to Remember When Pursuing a Post-Settlement Contribution Action
[6/22/2011] Supreme Court Helps Employers With Decision in Wal-Mart v. Dukes Class Action Lawsuit
[6/3/2010] The Employees Strike Back: Mega Employment Class Actions
[6/1/2010] How to Handle a Hijab?: Balancing business with belief in an increasingly multicultural world under Title VII.
[4/12/2010] Healthcare Law Has Plenty to Digest; for the restaurant industry
[4/1/2010] Employment Counseling & Litigation Update
[2/22/2010] NKMS Top 10 Entries in the "Legal Bites" Blog for 2009
[2/2/2010] Employment Law Update
[1/4/2010] Employment Law Update
[12/3/2009] Work in the Time of an H1N1 Pandemic: EEOC Guidance on the H1N1 Pandemic Can Help Employers Avoid Liability
View Additional Resources


Employment News

[10/2/2009] Webinar Presentation- Disparate Impact and Recent Cases from the Supreme Court