Labor & Employment: New Jersey

THE FIRM This excellent employment and labor team has significant experience in defending major US clients in complex employee disputes involving single or multiplaintiff actions. It also assists clients with a full range of strategic labor and employment advice, counseling, compliance and dispute resolution. The team has particular strength in representing clients from the telecom, energy and logistics sectors. The team has acted for a series of major clients including Marriott, Sony and Novartis. 

Sources say: "Day Pitney has a very strong employment law department." "A first rate firm!"

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gregory Parliman has significant trial experience in a wide range of employment disputes. He represents distinguished US brands including AT&T and is considered a "wonderful lawyer - top-notch."

The experienced Patrick McCarthy advises clients on union and labor matters, particularly in collective bargaining and litigation before the National Labor Relations Board.

THE FIRM The highly experienced and skilled labor and employment team at McElroy, Deutsch delivers a full range of counseling and litigation services in this area. With advice ranging from union negotiations to defending employee grievances and disciplinary matters, the team is well-equipped to steer clients through complex and sensitive disputes, compliance issues and strategic planning with finesse. The team represents a range of clients including Citi, MasterCard and Rutgers State University of New Jersey.

Sources say: "The lawyers are thorough, careful with details and have a good deal of insight into state politics matters."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Francis Dee is applauded as an "unbelievable lawyer and a good person." He is incredibly well respected in the sector and has a wide practice advising clients particularly in the healthcare sector.

John Peirano is praised for his expertise in the labor field. Sources say he "has a wealth of experience in union negotiation and individual employee disputes. He has a detailed knowledge of the law and politics in these areas, is easy to work with and a pleasure to be around."

Michael Riordan has extensive expertise advising Fortune 500 companies and financial institutions including Citi, MasterCard and Morgan Stanley.

THE FIRM Ogletree's labor and employment practice is both broad and national with offices dotted throughout the country. The New Jersey arm of this specialist boutique can draw on an extensive number of attorneys nationwide with a broad spectrum of employment and labor knowledge and expertise. It houses attorneys practicing in litigation, labor relations, class actions and wage and hour disputes. Key recent clients include BASF Corporation and Kraft Foods Global.

Sources say: "Ogletree is a fabulous firm for employment and labor litigation issues but also for labor planning and general employment law guidance."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The deeply experienced Patrick Stanton is considered "practical and effective" with specific strength in labor relations on a national level.

Mark Diana is well respected as a litigator and represents employers from both the public and private sectors. He recently acted for Wakefern Food Corporation in the successful defense of a discrimination claim.

Peter Hughes is a litigator with experience of defending companies in a host of employee disputes. He also counsels clients on the measures they can take to mitigate the risk of future claims.

THE FIRM Epstein Becker & Green is recognized by sources as one of the leading national labor and employment firms. Its Newark-based team has broad experience across a range of sectors including healthcare, retail and hospitality. The team is well positioned to handle a variety of employer issues and has been particularly active over the past year defending class actions, whistle blowing, wage and hour and discrimination claims.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Experienced employment litigator Patrick Brady is "excellent to work with, he is very cost-effective and gets great results consistently," according to sources. He recently represented Home Depot in a nationwide collective action dispute regarding overtime compensation. 

David Garland "is meticulous and doesn't miss a thing," say sources. Commentators add he is "extremely competent, a good litigator and never overworks a case."

Carmine Iannaccone is an accomplished litigator and recently represented Celgene in a complex whistle-blowing case.

THE FIRM Based in Princeton, Atlantic City and Roseland, Fox Rothschild's New Jersey labor and employment practice is praised for its approach to dealing with a host of HR-related issues. Clients laud the team's legal and business acumen, especially in the areas of labor relations and contract negotiations. The team has also represented clients in occupational safety and health matters and NLRB election campaigns, recently advising Big M in a discrimination and whistle-blowing case.

Sources say: "Fox Rothschild has been very focused and successful. The group is extremely knowledgeable in all HR matters and has served as a great source for our organization. All of the individuals are extremely competent as well as personable."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients are quick to praise the work of Stanley Goodman. They say he is a "tremendous communicator and is at the top of the list in terms of knowledge and the ability to provide counsel. He is at the top of his game, knows the law and provides valuable guidance."

Labor relations expert Stephen Ploscowe is a "consummate professional with vast relevant experience and expertise, and clear devotion to his work and clients."

THE FIRM Jackson Lewis is regarded by commentators as a strong national player in the representation of management, especially in relation to labor law and union matters. The New Jersey team has been particularly active in litigation matters during the past year and has been successful in defending a number of protected class claims. The team represents significant employers including American Red Cross and Verizon Communications.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Client favorite John Bennett is "meticulous in his ability to call up facts. Often when a matter involves high-level employees we bring him in." He is praised for his ability to develop a strong rapport with those he works with.

Jackson Lewis's national director of litigation Vincent Cino is highly thought of by peers and represents Englewood Hospital and Medical Center and Pfizer.

Richard Schey is held in high regard by traditional labor clients. He is particularly sought after for his deep experience and expertise in this area.

David Islinger undertakes a range of counseling and traditional labor services for clients including representation before the National Labor Relations Board. He works with Sanofi Pasteur and Hackensack University Medical Center.

THE FIRM This major international firm's New Jersey team has been diligent in its representation of financial services and insurance businesses, particularly relating to wage and hour litigation. Strength and successes in employment dispute resolution over the past year in single plaintiff cases and class actions continue to cement the team's reputation as go-to advisers for complex litigation. Major representations include acting for Prudential Financial, Moody’s and American Express.

Sources say: "Very capable and responsive on all issues."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Employment litigator Richard Rosenblatt earns high praise from his clients. He is known to be "bright, aggressive, a quick thinker and fantastic in court. He thinks outside the box and is a pleasure to work with."

Commentators laud Rene Johnson as an impressive employment litigator and counselor. "She's very up to date with legal developments and provides practical and effective legal advice on a timely basis," say clients.

THE FIRM This boutique is commended for its specialist commitment to client needs, coupled with the depth of its practice. It impresses the market with the pragmatic, reasoned and pleasant approach of its attorneys. The firm has been engaged in a range of employment litigation, counseling and training matters over the past year and represents clients such as Matrix Information Consulting, Capital One Bank and MetLife among others.

Sources say: "I value the firm's integrity, efficiency, responsiveness, direct answers, up to date employment law knowledge, personable attorneys who were a pleasure to deal with, and fair billing."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources are quick to praise Suzanne Cerra, who say: "She is able to give focused, insightful advice. She is pragmatic, personable and responsive."

Katherin Nukk-Freeman counsels clients in relation to a wide range of employment issues. She has recently been at the forefront of major employment training operations for North Jersey Community Bank. 

Holly English is a new partner at Nukk-Freeman and counsels clients on management issues and disputes. She is "a pleasure to work with as you always feel that you’ve been given direct advice or answers," say sources.

Principal litigator Robin Rome is "amazingly thorough in her preparation and builds momentum through the case in a logical and substantial way."

THE FIRM The Newark office of this nationally recognized firm covers the whole spectrum of counseling, dispute resolution and immigration services. The team represents a host of major brands including JPMorgan Chase, T-Mobile USA and Bank of America. Its five-partner group has developed a strong market position in the state for its knowledge and expertise in dealing with complex employee disputes, particularly in the financial services sector. It recently won a significant victory for T-Mobile in an age discrimination, hostile work environment and retaliation claim.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Marvin Goldstein is highly thought of and "does high-quality work." He advises organizations from a wide range of sectors in labor relations litigation and arbitration matters. 

Lawrence Sandak has a healthy reputation as an experienced trial attorney and heads the firm's Newark office. He has built up an impressive practice representing legal and financial sector clients including JPMorgan Chase.

THE FIRM Labor management relations and post-employment litigation form a key part of the expertise and activity of this Cherry Hill-based practice. The seven-attorney team, which sits within the firm's litigation department, can tap into the national firm's wider employment capabilities. Commentators praise the team's ability to negotiate strongly and reach beneficial resolutions for clients. The team has been actively involved in a number of union negotiations in the healthcare sector.

Sources say: "As a large firm, it is able to have specialists in lots of areas who know the New Jersey laws."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steven Suflas, who heads the New Jersey office, is considered to be an "exceptional attorney." He is an experienced trial lawyer and provides a diverse range of labor and employment services for regional and national clients.

Denise Keyser is highly regarded for her expertise in the representation of management in labor and employment matters. She acts for leading New Jersey and national healthcare organizations. Recent highlights include assisting Virtua Health in a collective bargaining process.

According to clients, Patricia Smith "is very solid and her intuition has been very good. She knows what she's doing and has saved us money in litigious matters."

THE FIRM This compact Morristown boutique defense practice enjoys a strong reputation for its prowess in the representation of management. It has proficiency across the breadth of labor and employment matters with a number of seasoned trial lawyers. The team is particularly known for its representation of public and private organizations in the healthcare sector. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources hail Domenick Carmagnola as a "terrific trial lawyer." He enjoys an excellent reputation for handling complex and sophisticated employment litigation.

Steven Ritardi is held in high regard and litigates on behalf of employers and managers to defend employment disputes. He also has experience in relation to liability insurance claims.

THE FIRM Clients draw confidence from Drinker Biddle & Reath's full-service approach, which covers all practice areas and provides a one-stop shop for business needs. Divided between offices in Princeton and Floram park, the team defends employers and management in disputes from class actions to wage and hour claims. It can also draw on the firm's wider multistate labor and employment offering.

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Talented lawyer" John Ridley is described as a "strong litigator and counselor." He has experience in a series of employment class actions and various discrimination claims.

Lynne Anne Anderson recently joined Drinker from Porzio Bromberg & Newman. She specializes in litigation defense for businesses, particularly in the areas of restrictive covenants, discrimination, harassment and breach of contract claims.

THE FIRM Newark-based Genova, Burns & Giantomasi is significantly accomplished in providing traditional labor support to organizations, particularly in the public sector. It also represents nonprofit organizations and harnesses its strength in public sector labor negotiations to counsel a wide range of entities including schools and universities. The compact specialist team is also active in arbitrations, employee disputes and OFCCP compliance.

Sources say: "This is a very well-known firm with strong client relationships and high-profile activity in the public sector."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Angelo Genova is "probably the most important public sector lawyer in the state." He is deeply versed in the full range of labor and employment litigation and law, and is praised for his strategic approach.

THE FIRM This prestigious New Jersey firm has clear strength and expertise in the employment law arena. It has successfully defended multiple employers in race, age, and disability discrimination, retaliation and harassment claims over the past year. The team represents a range of clients in the pharmaceutical, financial and manufacturing sectors.

Sources say: "The firm is very practical, to the point and thorough, and the fees are reasonable."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christine Amalfe is praised for her strength in employment litigation. She recently represented Konica Minolta Business Solutions in a series of complex claims alleging race, age and disability discrimination.

Kelly Ann Bird is a "really excellent" attorney who practices in labor and employment law, compliance and litigation.

Susan Nardone is praised by clients for being "extremely thorough, very aggressive, and familiar with federal court system and how to maneuver through it."

THE FIRM This nine-attorney Newark team is able to handle multistate employment litigation and class action defense. Its portfolio of nationally and globally recognized companies can take advantage of the firm's renowned expertise in labor and employment and its 120-strong specialist global team. It is regularly involved in matters with national scope and has been particularly active over the past year helping companies protect their IP through noncompete and employee contract litigation.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Cochair of K&L Gates' worldwide labor and employment practice Rosemary Alito is held in particular high esteem by the market. She is regularly involved in defending employee discrimination and contact claims.

Vincent Avallone is praised by sources for his high levels of performance and expertise in employment matters.

THE FIRM The 22-attorney Newark office of this nationally respected specialist labor and employment firm offers clients full-service expertise in state and federal laws governing the workplace. It has represented clients in NLRB elections, restrictive covenant and breach of contract litigation, and labor relations during the past year.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alan Model works predominantly on the labor side and is described as "diligent and responsive" and "a good relationship partner who he is good at marshaling resources."

Glenn Smith is the firm's New Jersey Office managing shareholder. He is actively involved in litigation and arbitration matters.

THE FIRM The five-partner New Jersey team from this specialist national labor and employment firm provides clients with a full complement of services in this practice area. The team is well placed to help clients defend complex high-value claims thanks to its vast array of expertise and experience in litigation and counseling both on a local and national basis.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Cynthia Jacob has a vast range of experience as a trial attorney. She is considered a "terrific lawyer" and serves as a mediator in state and federal courts.

THE FIRM With an emphasis on developing cohesive strategies for dealing with employment issues, Lowenstein helps devise HR policies, and provides counsel and advice on major employment litigation. The team represents a diverse client base including private equity funds, startups, pharmaceutical businesses and Fortune 500 companies. It is also known for its strong commitment to pro bono activities.

Sources say: "Lowenstein has a deep understanding of New Jersey law nuances."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Wissert is a firm favorite among clients. He is praised for his "prompt and practical legal advice, especially in difficult and complicated matters. He has developed innovative ideas to handle unusual issues."

William Greenbaum is "knowledgeable and gives good, efficient, and sensitive advice." He is particularly known for his expertise in the healthcare sector.

THE FIRM This local firm has an in-depth understanding of state and federal labor and employment laws, coupled with comprehensive litigation experience and expertise. Building on a long heritage of business management employment representation, the team advises a broad cross-section of industries both in the private and public sector, including representation of individuals.

Sources say: "This is a great firm made up of really specialized lawyers" 

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Very impressive" department chair Wayne Positan is well-respected for his labor law expertise and negotiation skills. He is also involved in litigation matters for public organizations and whistle-blowing cases.

THE FIRM Riker Danzig represents a diverse cross-section of businesses from Nestlé Infant Nutrition to technology companies such as IBM. The team's expertise in labor and employment matters is just as diverse, with recent activities ranging from whistle-blower defense to discrimination and post-employment agreement enforcements.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Furey is considered a highly able litigator and is actively involved in defending clients against discrimination, restrictive covenant and wage and hour claims.

THE FIRM Although this firm has suffered several departures over recent years, a series of new arrivals to its New Jersey-based team has seen enhancement to its expertise across a number of labor and employment specialisms. The group is particularly known for its strengths in sophisticated employment disputes, and is especially well-versed in cases concerning sexual harassment, whistle-blowing, restrictive covenants, and employment contract issues.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Galit Kierkut, who recently joined the firm from Greenbaum Rowe Smith & Davis, handles employment disputes and internal investigations for clients. "She is exceptionally communicative and knowledgeable. Her legal expertise is top-notch and I have every confidence in her legal advice," say sources.

THE FIRM Wolff & Samson undertakes a range of labor and employment services for clients including counseling and defense against harassment, discrimination and wage and hour claims. The team represents a number of high-profile brands in relation to employee disputes including Bank of America and MLS franchise New York Red Bulls.

Sources say: "The firm always does a good job: always effective, good communication, good technical skills, good written work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Catherine Wells is valued as a "helpful and insightful" practitioner who is praised for being both "good on her feet and a great writer."