Labor & Employment: Pennsylvania

THE FIRM This firm continues to have a stellar reputation in the field. Its full-service labor and employment practice has a significant number of attorneys specializing in employee benefits and compensation. The team has been busy handling high volumes of ERISA class actions, wage and hour disputes, and pension and welfare benefits cases. Key clients include Dell and ARAMARK, as well as a number of major financial institutions.

Sources say: "A fine firm that does wonderful work with talented lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Banks is a highly experienced litigator and receives praise from peers and clients as "a go-to guy when you are having major class action lawsuits." He recently represented Hewlett-Packard in a significant case against IBM. 

Robert Abramowitz is described as a "very accomplished" lawyer. He has deep knowledge in the area of employee benefits and executive compensation, and regularly counsels clients on ERISA concerns and retiree health plans.

Robert Lichtenstein is well respected for his work with private equity firms on transactions involving private and public companies. Clients solicit his advice on all aspects of benefits and compensation law, and note that he has "great knowledge in his area."

"Very good lawyer" Steven Wall offers strong traditional labor advice and receives accolades for his employment litigation skills before federal and state courts and regulatory bodies.  

Litigator Joseph Costello heads the labor and employment practice group at Morgan Lewis and recently represented Unisys in a putative class action case.

Michael Ossip cochairs the practice's wage and hour group and represents management clients. He counsels on employee relations and defends claims of discrimination and wrongful discharge.

Steven Spencer is known as "an incredibly accomplished lawyer." He has a solid reputation for handling pension and welfare health benefits, and has great depth of experience in ERISA litigation.

Mims Maynard Zabriskie counsels high-profile clients on their employee benefits plans, specializing in the design and implementation of executive compensation programs.

Amy Pocino Kelly is a "competent benefit plan specialist who gives good technical advice." Sources say she is "easy to work with on pension and employee benefit matters."

Brian Dougherty excels in plan design, compliance and administration for his employee benefits clients, and is also able to counsel on executive compensation matters.

Sarah Bouchard has developed a reputation as a "very knowledgeable, strategic, bright and effective" attorney. She recently assisted Michael Banks on the Hewlett-Packard litigation, and has been involved in a number of significant cases over the past year. "It's unique, the trust her clients place in her at this stage of her career," say interviewees.

Since publication, Doreen Davis has joined Jones Day

THE FIRM This Philadelphia-based group handles a broad range of labor and employment matters, appearing regularly before the NLRB on behalf of clients. Attorneys at the firm advise on wage and hour, pension, healthcare and union affiliation matters, and have particular strength in dealing with healthcare providers and municipal entities. The firm maintains an active employee benefits and executive compensation practice, assisting clients in consolidating asset management and 401(k) plans after M&A. Clients include Sunoco and DuPont.  

Sources say: "I don't know how we'd do it without them – the turnaround is incredible."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources say John Langel "has done it all, so his approach is practical and insightful." He represents health systems in the state in class actions dealing with ERISA, FLSA and RICO legislation.

David Fryman is known in the field as "a great guy and a good lawyer." He has worked closely with John Langel on matters relating to health systems and class actions relating to the status of employees.

Edward Leeds is described by one source as being "as good a welfare lawyer as there is." He earns acclaim for delivering cost-effective welfare and benefits plans to his clients.

Brian Pinheiro handles complex executive compensation projects. He has recently devoted his time to consolidating the varying 401(k) and asset management plans of companies involved in such transactions.

Kenneth Jarin represents municipal authorities, assisting in contract negotiations, grievances and matters before the NLRB and arbitration panels. His clients "really appreciate his expertise," viewing him as "a key member of the team."

Brian Pedrow has particular expertise in representing managers in employment-related litigation, and has served as chief outside labor negotiator for high-profile clients.

Shannon Farmer is "a wonderful resource and a delight to work with," according to her clients. She is respected for her work as lead negotiator and lead counsel in pension matters and litigation related to bargaining. She also counsels clients on FMLA issues.

Daniel Johns has a broad labor and employment practice, leading the team's representation of Sunoco and advising clients on a range of issues, from discrimination to noncompete agreements. Sources say: "He's a very good labor lawyer with some great clients."

THE FIRM This firm has a solid bench of attorneys operating out of its offices in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. It handles the full range of labor and employment services, and includes a well-respected benefits and compensation group. Attorneys at Buchanan Ingersoll have experienced a great deal of activity in noncompete cases and in representing employers in single plaintiff cases. 

Sources say: "The lawyers know their craft and have a very good understanding of business."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alfred D'Angelo is highly regarded among peers and is described as "a really good guy and a very good lawyer." He recently represented the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in a major class action case and is expert at handling collective bargaining and unfair labor practice charges claims.

"Fantastic labor lawyer" Thomas Giotto receives high praise from peers and clients alike. He is highly experienced in handling collective bargaining situations for a wide range of clients.

Elizabeth Malloy is a strong employment litigator with a proven track record before state and federal courts and regulatory bodies. She has recently handled FLSA collective actions on behalf of clients from the healthcare sector.

THE FIRM The Pennsylvania practice at this national firm is comprised of attorneys with cultivated specialisms in higher education matters, and represents a group of more than 20 colleges in the state. It deals with unique problems arising from highly unionized sites and issues of tenure. The team continues to negotiate labor contracts for a number of clients, and also provides general counsel on collective bargaining matters.

Sources say: "An excellent firm and we value the global capability which is 40 paces from our front door."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Karl Fritton "possesses the unique ability to achieve better results with less drama than other attorneys." He counsels public and private sector clients on a wide range of labor and employment matters, including collective bargaining and labor arbitration.

William Bevan has a national reputation as "an outstanding labor lawyer." He handles complex arbitrations and has cultivated a niche practice focusing on the construction industry and its employees.  

Eugene Connors recently handled a significant class action grievance matter and is renowned for his work on behalf of employers, handling union issues and frequently appearing before state and federal courts and agencies. 

Martha Hartle Munsch is able to engage in high-stakes litigation for her clients. She has particular knowledge of matters concerning higher education clients and regularly handles complex questions relating to issues of tenure.

John Martini counsels pharmaceutical and technology clients on a wide range of employee benefits and executive compensation issues, concentrating on complex plan design and compliance matters.

Casey Ryan focuses on employment litigation, recently representing Bank of America and Informatica in complex cases involving discrimination and breach of contract. Sources say: "She works hard and gets great results." 

THE FIRM This Philadelphia-based practice is highly experienced in employment matters. Attorneys have been active on a healthy volume of wage and hour, noncompete agreement and compensation disputes. They advise bodies in the public sector on labor issues, counseling clients including the School District of Philadelphia and the City of Reading on grievances, disputes and contract negotiations. Attorneys at the firm are also skilled in compliance-related matters regarding employee conduct.

Sources say: "The lawyers establish an excellent working relationship with the client and come to know the business as much as possible."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Anthony Haller, who trained as a barrister in the UK before qualifying in the USA, specializes in complex labor and employment litigation and counseling. He acts regularly for Synthes in obtaining injunctions against former employees who have left to work for competitors or who have left to establish competing entities. Clients praise him for his ability to "strategize solutions with an understanding and deep knowledge of business practices."

Scott Cooper is described by one source as "one of the best oral advocates I've ever seen – his persuasion was incredible, well rounded and had a lot of perspective." Cooper covers the full range of employment law litigation for his clients.

Barry Klein has recently focused his practice on executive compensation plans for clients, designing packages and advising on separation agreements.

Michael Hanlon has expertise in highly politicized negotiations. He handles traditional union management work on behalf of private and public sector clients, and has been involved in important labor negotiations for the School District of Philadelphia, setting the basis for other school districts to follow. He is described as a "preeminent labor lawyer – a great strategist and negotiator."

Jennifer Hale-Eagland "is extremely capable" and "has tremendous potential." She handles a wide variety of employee-related matters for her clients, including whistle-blower investigations and discrimination claims.  

THE FIRM Cozen O'Connor is renowned for its union expertise and has a solid bench of attorneys, many of whom are known as strong litigators. They handle unfair labor practice charges, wrongful termination lawsuits and arbitration agreements for their clients, and are highly experienced in defending claims before federal agencies such as the EEOC and the NLRB. Due to an increase in employee movement over the past year, the firm has dealt with a number of noncompete and trade secrets cases.  

Sources say: "The attorneys are current with trends and changes in employment law; they demonstrate professionalism to the highest degree."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Foley chairs the labor and employment group and is described as "a very talented attorney." He represents employers and is well versed in procedure before local, state and federal courts and agencies.

Raymond Kresge has a broad labor and employment practice, defending FMLA and wage and hour claims as well as handling ERISA litigation and discrimination and harassment claims. Sources say he "does excellent work."

The "very effective" Jeffrey Pasek is able to handle complex employment law matters such as severance agreements and continued employment arrangements. "He did an excellent job and understood my objectives," noted one client.

Sarah Kelly has impressive depth of experience in the field of employment law, particularly discrimination and sexual harassment matters.

THE FIRM This national firm runs its labor and employment practice out of two offices in Pennsylvania. Attorneys at the firm provide advice on union disputes and assist in fighting organizing drives. They have recently been involved with a major class action case incorporating eight hospitals in the Philadelphia region. They also run a successful training institute supporting the practice, and current clients include Catholic Health East and Rite Aid.

Sources say: "Excellent value for money and a good working relationship."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas Servodidio provides counsel to businesses and individuals on a broad range of employment matters. He has defended wrongful discharge, wage and hour and discrimination claims for clients, and is highly experienced before the NLRB.

Jonathan Segal focuses on the healthcare sector, advising high-profile clients on preventive action and union-related issues. One client states: "I have 100% confidence in him."

THE FIRM Littler Mendelson's Philadelphia and Pittsburgh-based teams form part of a renowned national labor and employment practice, serving clients across a wide range of industries including healthcare, higher education and retail. The team has been involved in major cases before the Supreme Court of late, as well as handling wage and hour class actions for key clients. Its impressive reputation has attracted the business of major corporations such as AstraZeneca and CIGNA.  

Sources say: "One of the best labor firms in the country."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Terrence Murphy is lauded as "an excellent lawyer with a sophisticated practice." He recently assisted Roswell Park Cancer Institute in complex labor negotiations, and has also been involved in FLSA collective action disputes.

Traditional labor lawyer Thomas Bender has recently handled a series of matters for Waste Management, including a significant withdrawal liability case.

THE FIRM This firm's traditional labor and employment practice is complemented by a strong employee benefits and executive compensation team. Between the two groups, Pepper Hamilton is able to offer counsel to a wide range of healthcare and industrial clients. Issues handled at the firm include unfair competition claims and trade secrets, and providing general counsel to companies on labor relations.

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Excellent lawyer" Andrew Rudolph advises high-profile clients such as Comcast on retirement, health and welfare, and executive programs.

Jonathan Clark cochairs the employee benefits and executive compensation group. He divides his practice between advising large benefits clients such as Constar on compliance issues and developing a nonprofit practice serving major hospital clients.

Group cochair David Kaplan is recognized for his executive compensation expertise and is frequently called upon to advise leading clients on major transactions. He represents clients such as Amicus and Evercore.

THE FIRM This firm represents both union and nonunionized clients out of its Pittsburgh office. Its attorneys are highly experienced at handling the labor and employment aspects of business transactions. They also counsel clients from a range of industries on matters relating to employment litigation, workers' compensation and employee training.

Sources say: "A very good firm with good practitioners."

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Brown has a formidable reputation in litigation, with particular expertise in employment discrimination cases. He also handles labor negotiations for private and public sector clients.  

THE FIRM This international law firm houses its Pennsylvania labor and employment practice in Philadelphia, where attorneys represent employers in both class actions and individual litigation. Clients are drawn from a range of industries, including higher education and healthcare. The team provides counsel on hiring, termination, benefits and FMLA questions.  

Sources say: "The quality of the work is very high, and the lawyers are responsive, accurate and practical."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Jones chairs the employee benefits practice group at the firm. He has cultivated a specialism in advising clients on issues involved in M&A activity.

Alan Berkowitz is highly experienced in complex employment litigation and has represented clients before state and federal courts. He handles cases of employment discrimination, among other issues, and is described as "an extraordinary attorney." 

Jerome Hoffman has recently acted as the lead trial attorney on a reverse race discrimination case in the media arena. He also counts AstraZeneca among his clients, providing advice on a wide range of labor and employment matters.

THE FIRM Attorneys at Drinker Biddle work closely with clients on the full range of labor and employment issues, with a particular emphasis on employment litigation. The firm has handled a variety of employment discrimination cases involving harassment and wrongful termination. It also has a dedicated team able to advise on the specialized areas of employee benefits and executive compensation. 

Sources say: "A highly respected firm with good people."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas Barton is "a terrific attorney" who handles noncompete and trade secret cases for clients including Fortune 50 companies. He is also known for his work on EEOC compliance and discrimination claims, and has recently represented the University of Pennsylvania.