Labor & Employment: Maryland

THE FIRM This practice has continued to grow and its depth of expertise, as well as its excellent reputation, sees it rise to the top tier this year. The team covers all aspects of workplace law from disability rights to complex ERISA litigation. Clients benefit from the firm's national footprint and are quick to praise the seamless approach between the offices.

Sources say: "Jackson Lewis has an absolutely excellent reputation in this area. It is top of the game right now."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Richard Hafets is considered to be a "top-notch attorney who is always able to assess and deliver practical, business-value driven advice." He has a broad labor and employment practice, including traditional labor-management relations and union avoidance. Larry Seegull is praised for his expertise in all types of employment litigation. One client says: "There is not a project he cannot handle, because he is so versatile!" Sources also commend him for his "terrific communication skills and timely manner." Gil Abramson joined the practice from Hogan Lovells and is praised for his knowledge of equal employment law. The "outstanding" Emmett McGee represents employers in all aspects of employment law, including litigation. Sources say "he is highly responsive and always considers the business realities." Stephen Silvestri recently joined the practice from Miles & Stockbridge. He is praised for his experience in trials of labor and employment discrimination.

THE FIRM This highly respected labor and employment boutique has a national presence and represents management in the full spectrum of labor and employment matters. Clients include The Baltimore Orioles, Genesis Healthcare and McDonald's.

Sources say: "A first-class firm that listens to what we want to do and really helps us achieve our objectives."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Shawe is best known for his expertise in traditional labor law matters. Sources say he is "an absolute star" and particularly commend him for his ability to explain complex legal problems in a clear manner. Michael McGuire has a fantastic reputation in the area and is highly experienced in representing employers nationally in labor law litigation, as well as in employment discrimination claims. Bruce Harrison is "extremely responsive and has a great eye for detail," say sources. He is experienced in handling a range of employment discrimination claims. Gary Simpler focuses on traditional labor law matters. He particularly excels at collective bargaining, where sources say "his negotiation skills are unparalleled." One client adds: "He has an amazing ability to communicate our position and achieve workable solutions that benefit both parties." Elizabeth Torphy-Donzella is best known for her expertise in defending management in employment litigation. She is a "dynamic young lawyer who never hesitates to help her clients understand the complexities of employment law."

THE FIRM This group continues to attract praise for the depth and breadth of its labor and employment practice. It covers the full spectrum of issues including collective bargaining, union avoidance, class actions, wage and hour and ERISA. Clients praise the attorneys for their success in high-profile litigation.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "extremely bright and diligent" Jeffrey Ayres focuses on employment litigation including ERISA and discrimination matters. He represents clients in a range of industries from banking and finance to healthcare. Sources say Todd Horn is "one of the best trial attorneys in this area of law," and he is particularly sought out for high-stakes litigation. He is experienced in handling an array of complex employment matters including discrimination, wage and hour class actions and ERISA. Robert Ames is best known for his expertise in representing employers in collective bargaining negotiations with unions. He is particularly prominent in the healthcare industry. Ronald Taylor is a "terrific lawyer who achieves great results for his clients," say sources. He has a broad employment practice, with particular expertise in the area of occupational health and safety. 

THE FIRM This group advises on a range of matters including employment discrimination, wage and hour, ERISA litigation and union contract negotiations. It acts for a varied client base including Fortune 500 businesses, educational institutions, real estate developers and nonprofit organizations.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Eric Paltell has a broad labor and employment practice covering wage and hour cases, employment discrimination, ERISA litigation and collective bargaining negotiations. He is said to be "one of the most talented employment lawyers around." Darrell VanDeusen represents management in all areas of labor and employment law. He attracts a broad client base including local governments and educational institutions. Sources say he is "very consistent, helpful and generous with his time." Frank Kollman is best known for his expertise in labor negotiations and is commended for his business acumen.

THE FIRM The labor and employment team at this full-service firm is experienced in advising clients from a range of industries on labor and employment matters. Recent highlights include representing a major Maryland institution of higher learning in litigation concerning professional employees, and representing a drug chain in a dispute with a labor union.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice group leader Kathleen Pontone is "extremely smart and adored by clients." She is experienced in an array of labor and employment matters including discrimination claims, workplace health and safety and traditional labor matters.

THE FIRM The Maryland team of this national group handles employment discrimination, union avoidance, ERISA claims and employment-related class actions. It has recently handled an increase in claims of violation of federal and state wage and hour law. Clients include American Radiology Associates and St. John Properties.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Russell Gardner is "always available and can handle any type of employment issue," say sources. He advises on all areas of management-side labor and employment discrimination law.

THE FIRM This group is regularly instructed on the full range of labor and employment matters, including discrimination, wage and hour and labor-management relations. Clients benefit from the firm's national footprint.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Douglas Topolski is an "outstanding lawyer who has unbelievable knowledge and great practical sense," say sources. He has recently been handling a significant amount of union campaigns.

THE FIRM This mid-Atlantic group provides advice on employment discrimination, wrongful discharge, wage and hour, collective bargaining, executive compensation and union-organizing efforts. It attracts clients from a range of industries including telecommunications, media and entertainment, financial services and healthcare.

Sources say: "An impressive, approachable firm." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gary Eidelman has a broad labor and employment practice including discrimination claims, wage and hour and ERISA. Clients praise his responsiveness and say he "makes everything seem like a piece of cake!" The "intelligent and straightforward" Harriet Cooperman handles a range of labor and employment issues for both international and domestic clients from a variety of industries. One source adds: "I feel in very good hands with her."

THE FIRM This group has a strong regional presence and advises clients on the full spectrum of labor and employment matters. Clients particularly commend the training programs provided and attentive client service.

Sources say: "Extremely responsive and acute attorneys."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources say James Gillece is a "fantastic employment litigator." He recently successfully represented SecureNet Payments Systems and its CEO in two actions by former corporate clients. Other clients include St. Joseph Medical Center and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. Peter Guattery is praised for his practical advice: "He really understands our organization and what we want to achieve so advises accordingly." Clients also commend his clear and thorough explanations. Kevin McCormick advises employers on all aspects of the employment relationship. He was recently involved in the successful negotiations of a three-year labor agreement for Seaboard Asphalt Products with the Steelworkers' Union.