Labor & Employment: New Hampshire

THE FIRM Clients admire this established group for its breadth of expertise in a range of labor and employment issues. It represents clients in matters involving ERISA and benefits, risk management, litigation, tax and healthcare issues. The group's full-service offering is also enhanced by its strength in pension and retirement plans. It recently acted as general counsel to a large New Hampshire governmental public pension fund, providing advice on all issues relating to federal tax law and New Hampshire state law compliance. 

Sources say: "The McLane firm is excellent at maintaining control over potentially volatile situations."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Cochair of the litigation practice group, Linda Johnson acts on behalf of management in both federal and state court cases. She recently represented one of New England's largest distributors of meat and other food products in an action against a former division director. "She is a superb trial attorney with a great record for winning cases," say clients. Jennifer Parent chairs the employment practice group, and has of late been increasingly active in matters relating to discrimination. She recently led the team defending a large materials and lighting products employer in a race and ethnic discrimination claim brought by a former employee. Also involved in this case was the "exceptionally bright" Charla Stevens. She has a wealth of experience in all forms of discrimination issues. Cameron Shilling chairs the employment litigation group, and is well versed in contract cases and discrimination and harassment matters. He recently represented a global developer and distributor of hi-tech engineering software against a primary competitor and a former employee. Benefits specialist John Rich is lauded as "personable and attentive to detail" by his clients. He has, in light of recent federal tax law changes, been involved in the restatement of multiple retirement and welfare benefit plan documents for a nationally known boarding school. 

THE FIRM This highly regarded team represents private and public sector clients throughout New England in the full range of employment matters. It also handles more traditional labor matters for management, including union-organizing campaigns, collective bargaining, and grievance and unfair labor practice hearings. Recent work highlights includes the successful defense of several New Hampshire employers who had received substantial assessments of proposed civil penalties and wage adjustments from the New Hampshire DOL.

Sources say: "The lawyers reach out to their clients and never overbill or bog you down with needless services."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head James Reidy"knows labor law inside and out." Clients note: "If he is on a case, he will make sure to achieve the best possible outcome." His practice is focused on assisting employers in effectively avoiding or defending against employment disputes. He is experienced in operations before the New Hampshire DOL, the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights, the EEOC and the US DOL. Diana Wieland exclusively represents management, and has been involved in union-organizing campaign issues, negotiated labor agreements and represented employers in arbitration cases. Elizabeth Bailey "has a genuine interest in this area, which is something you really need in order to be good at it," say sources. This enables her to counsel and train employers about ways to effectively avoid or defend against employment disputes or claims. New entry David McGrath handles trade secret, noncompetition, predatory hiring, fiduciary duty, discrimination and wage and hour cases. Clients are full of praise for his professionalism and effective communication. ERISA and pension plan specialist Alan Cleveland's deep experience allows him to regularly provide expert testimony to federal and state professional organizations on various pension and corporate-related topics. 

THE FIRM Clients point to this firm's ability to handle complex labor law matters, particularly with regard to union relations. It also represents local and national companies, financial institutions and nonprofit organizations in employment matters involving contract negotiations, litigation and harassment. The group has a strong reputation in Maine and also continues to enhance its local presence, having recently acted before the state's Public Employee Labor Relations Board and its Superior Court. 

Sources say: "Not only does it have a robust knowledge of labor law, the lawyers are also very accessible. I can honestly not think of a time when I haven't had a quick response."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Terry Shumaker joins this year's rankings as a result of widespread endorsement. Clients praise his strategic acumen and his "exemplary negotiation skills."

THE FIRM This seven-attorney team handles public and private sector labor law, employment litigation, client counseling, workplace training and employee benefits. Peers recognize it as a genuine market competitor, while clients provide enthusiastic praise for its effective and efficient communication and training. It represents clients from a wide range of industrial sectors including the Public Service Company of New Hampshire, Lloyd’s of London and Cheshire Oil.

Sources say: "It has a good knowledge of labor law and an in-depth understanding of our company's labor history."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Broth chairs the group, and is praised by clients as "both practical and legalistic." He represents a number of nonprofit organizations in a broad range of labor and employment matters. Newton Kershaw is a highly regarded employee benefit specialist. His practice covers matters such as pension plans, ESOPs and executive compensation, as well as numerous general ERISA matters. 

Since publication, Mark T Broth has left this practice.

Since publication, Newton H Kershaw Jr. has left this practice.

THE FIRM Jackson Lewis moves up the rankings following its acquisition of the team from former Exeter firm Flygare, Schwarz, Closson PLLC. As a result, it now has the strength in depth to handle all areas of workplace law and related litigation on behalf of employers. By combining a strong nationwide profile with an exclusive management-side focus, the group is able to provide clients with a seamless service in employment and employee benefit matters.

Sources say: "The lawyers are very professional, business-oriented, easy to communicate with and extremely competent."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Debra Weiss Ford is described by clients as "awesome to deal with." She is praised for her analytical skills and her courtroom ability, where she is regarded as "respectful, confident and commanding." She regularly litigates on matters including unlawful discrimination, noncompetition agreements and wage and hour issues. He is joined at his new firm by Tom Closson and Dan Schwarz, who are both vastly experienced in employment law and remain leaders in the field. 

Since publication, the firm has mourned the passing of the very highly esteemed Thomas Flygare.

THE FIRM This practice has a fourfold focus with particular attention paid to workplace investigations and employee defense, IP, reductions in workforce and human resource counseling. The group is active across a number of industrial sectors, including the retail, technology and automobile industries. It also represents a range of nonprofit organizations.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Trial lawyer Emily Gray Rice defends clients in employment, media and civil rights litigation, and also has expertise in medical and legal malpractice. She has been successfully involved in FLSA litigation. Steven Winer focuses on immigration and employment law. He has worked for HR clients and represented them before state and federal courts and in administrative tribunals. 

Since publication, Emily Gray Rice has joined Bernstein Shur

THE FIRM This practice is particularly active in the nonprofit sector and has recently expanded into the healthcare arena. This new area of focus has added to the team's established expertise in education and governmental relations. It also has a presence in the private sector, where it represents clients in wrongful discharge suits, wage and hour matters and other employment-related litigation.

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Dean of the New Hampshire labor and employment Bar," Edward Kaplan remains a deeply respected practitioner. His broad practice enables him to represent corporations, businesses, school districts, universities and hospitals in all areas of labor and employment law, product and professional liability and litigation. Jeanine Poole advises both private and public sector employers in matters including employment-related decisions and wage and hour issues.