EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION
- OVERVIEW
- EXPERIENCE
- INSIGHTS
- NEWS & EVENTS
- PROFESSIONALS
CONTACT
- Hope Abramov
- 314 552 6496 314 552 6496 direct | Email
- Cliff Godiner
- 314 552 6433 314 552 6433 direct | Email
- Laura Jordan
- 314 552 6469 314 552 6469 direct | Email
- Krissa Lubben
- 314 552 6389 314 552 6389 direct | Email
- Chuck Poplstein
- 314 552 6095 314 552 6095 direct | Email
-
RELATED PRACTICES
-
RELATED INDUSTRIES
-
REPRESENTATIVE CLIENTS
-
Baldor Electric Company
-
Bunzl USA
-
Charter Communications
-
Xerox
-
Thompson Coburn represents employers in employment discrimination, wrongful discharge, wage and hour, and breach of contract cases, ranging from individual lawsuits to class and collective actions. While we are typically on the defense side of cases, we have also successfully prosecuted numerous suits against former employees who leave to compete, utilizing a number of strategies and techniques to enforce restrictive covenants and breaches of fiduciary duties.
Our emphasis is on winning cases efficiently. To do this, we immediately marshal the facts of all new matters and prepare a preliminary analysis for the client. We collaborate with the client to develop a strategy for winning the case, either by motion or at trial. We are mindful of our clients’ need to contain legal costs, so at all times, we staff each matter appropriately, with the attorney best suited to the particular task.
We handle employment cases in many jurisdictions, defending companies in the District of Columbia and more than 35 states.
Representative Matters
A major chemical company chose Thompson Coburn to defend it in a suit brought by a 15-year employee who was dismissed for willfully violating a life-critical safety policy. The employee accused the company of discrimination and harassment based on race, national origin and color. The jury, seated in a plaintiff-friendly venue, deliberated for only 40 minutes before returning a verdict in favor of our client on all counts.
Won judgment as a matter of law in a federal age discrimination lawsuit at the close of plaintiff’s evidence in federal court in East St. Louis, Illinois, for a major U.S. banking company.
Obtained summary judgment in a race discrimination lawsuit on the grounds that the plaintiff had failed to disclose the existence of her claim when she filed for bankruptcy protection.
Obtained replevin order in favor of our client allowing U.S. Marshals to seize confidential information taken by former employees.
On behalf of a Fortune 500 manufacturer, obtained summary judgment on grounds that the ERISA plan participant had failed to exhaust her administrative remedies and the time for filing a further administrative appeal was now time-barred.
On behalf of an nationwide retailer, obtained summary judgment on grounds that the plaintiff failed to prove his ERISA 510 claim because he did not show that he had lost an entitlement to plan benefits and did not show that the company's stated reason for terminating his employment was pretextual.
Obtained dismissal of sexual harassment case and received award of sanctions against the plaintiff when it was discovered that the plaintiff had worked as an exotic dancer at a time during which she testified at deposition that she was unemployed.
Class and Collective Action Employment Litigation
By succeeding in limiting discovery, we prevented an Americans With Disabilities Case from becoming a class action over the requirement of providing a “full release with no restrictions” in order to return to work.
Successfully defended the world’s largest publishing company against a sex discrimination/hostile environment class action, resulting in a favorable settlement on the eve of trial.
Successfully defended a sex discrimination class action against the hiring practices of a major manufacturer. In the face of a compelling dispositive motion, EEOC settled for truly nuisance value.
FLSA collective action challenging policy of not paying employees for time spent at home uploading and downloading work information over the Internet. Almost 1,000 current and former employees opted in, and a collective action was preliminarily certified. Following discovery, our motion to decertify the class led to realistic settlement demands that resulted in a confidential resolution.
Several FLSA collective actions across the country were consolidated in California and challenged flat fixed-rate pay for over 300 nurse staffing coordinators working on-call during evening and weekend hours. We were able to greatly reduce the number of plaintiffs and then, with an expert, show that the number of hours plaintiffs claimed they worked was grossly exaggerated.
Putative class action brought to challenge the subjective decision making for promotions by a major financial services company. We succeeded in persuading the Court to deny class certification, with the case later dismissed as to the remaining plaintiffs. The dismissal was affirmed by the Eighth Circuit.
In a class action challenging the exempt classification of software code writers and testers (approximately 150 employees in a variety of job classifications were involved), the Circuit Court tentatively granted class certification. We were able to convince class counsel that about one-half of the job classifications were most likely correct. As a result, the case settled for a low amount.
A major telecommunications company retained Thompson Coburn in a putative class action retaliation claim brought by a terminated employee on behalf of a class of employees who were offered a “last chance agreement,” whereby they would avoid termination only by agreeing, among other things, to a plenary release of claims to date against the company. After some discovery, we successfully moved to dismiss the class claims, and then were able to litigate the case as a single plaintiff case.
For a major insurance company we obtained summary judgment in an unlawful retaliation and race case claiming violation of Title VII and state law.
Publications
Missouri’s new marijuana law: What employers need to know
EEOC releases new “Know Your Rights” job discrimination poster
Employers: Get ready for new California HR laws in 2023 and beyond – 10 things to look out for
U.S. Supreme Court sides with employers over arbitration of PAGA claims
Illinois Department of Labor issues first guidance on the state’s Equal Pay Act
SCOTUS holds prejudice is not required for waiver of right to arbitrate
California raises minimum wage for all employers
Illinois Supreme Court ruling curtails prominent BIPA defense
New law to bar mandatory arbitration of sexual harassment and assault claims
Employers: Are you ready for new California HR laws in 2022?
President Biden announces new vaccine mandate for large employers
Be prepared for the new Illinois equal pay reporting and certification requirements
Illinois governor signs law that applies limits to non-competition and non-solicitation agreements
Missouri legislature passes new protections for businesses from COVID-19 suits
What employers need to know about mandatory COVID-19 vaccines and exceptions
Employers: March 2 is the deadline to file 2019 injury and illness summaries
NLRB overturns trio of Obama-era board decisions
23 tips for drafting employment arbitration agreements
Employers: Are you ready for new California HR laws in 2020?
Choice of law provisions in ERISA plans will not result in uniformity
An overview of the Illinois Salary History Ban for employers
What employers need to know about the DOL’s final rule on overtime exemptions
What you need to know about the City of Chicago Fair Workweek ordinance
Illinois’s newly enacted ‘Workplace Transparency Act’ responds to the #MeToo movement
Seven things employers should know about EBSA investigations
New ruling requires employers to submit pay data to the EEOC by September 30, 2019
How employers can use employee benefits to address climate change
Kina Hart’s message to EHS leaders: ‘Don’t leave safety to others’
What’s new with the Illinois Wage Payment Act and four other HR law changes for 2019
California says #MeToo: What employers need to know
Bifurcated trials: A road map for better results for insurers facing non-ERISA disability claims
In California, when is a ‘worker’ considered an ‘employee’?
Is it time to address benefits for alternative work arrangements?
Shoring up the PBGC’s insurance program for multiemployer plans: An update
Missouri enacts new employment law favoring employers
Missouri to join Right to Work ranks: Is the fight over or just warming up?
Are HR employees ‘investment advisors’ under the DOL’s fiduciary rule?
California expands pay equity, limits pay stub requirements
New Illinois law prohibits non-competition agreements with low-wage employees
Technology companies: Are your employment policies due for a reboot?
Former head of OSHA discusses workplace injury policies, DOJ enforcement
U.S. Department of Labor issues final rule updating overtime regulations
New OSHA reporting and anti-retaliation rules
What you need to know about federal trade secret protection
California ups the ante on minimum wages
What’s next for class action defendants after Tyson Foods?
Post that policy: California FEHA amended regs take effect April 1, 2016
EEOC wants employer payroll data to discover pay discrimination
Trick or Treat for California employers
DOL claims most workers classified as independent contractors are "employees" covered by the FLSA
DOL proposed rules limit overtime exemptions
NLRB posting requirement struck down by court; federal contractors still on the hook
TCLE
Recent Updates in Illinois Law
How to End a Business Relationship Without Litigating
Re-Opening Issues and Employer Liability Concerns In The Era Of COVID-19
Navigating HR Issues during the COVID-19 Emergency
Traffic Ahead: California Employment Law Update
Overtime Law 2016 – Expanded New Rule: What It Means for You
A New Horizon: What You Need to Know About California Employment Law
Blog Posts
7 facts employers and employees should know about HIPAA and the opioid crisis
Recreational cannabis in the workplace: A guide for California employers
Illinois takes the lead on employee privacy: What employers need to know
Illinois strengthens, expands scope of personal information protections
Gainful employment webinar recordings now available
Can colleges compensate recruiters based on graduation rates?
Employers and medical marijuana: Are California's anti-drug policies up in smoke?
Why the GE regs apply to some programs and not others
Reporting gainful employment data to DOE: Time to get started
Possible hospital malpractice exposure in Missouri for non-employed physicians
News
Susan Lorenc gives ‘Employment Law Master Class’ on business consultant Dave Lorenzo's podcast
Fatima Khan joins Thompson Coburn as an immigration partner
Business litigator Jasmine Wynton joins Thompson Coburn in Dallas
Congratulations to our 14 ‘Lawyers of the Year’ for 2020
17 Thompson Coburn attorneys recognized in 2019 Chambers USA
Thompson Coburn presents ‘Secrets of the Firewalkers’ at the 2019 CLOC Institute
Hope Abramov and Laura Jordan named 2019 BTI Client Service All-Stars
Sarah Wade, Felicia Williams honored as YWCA Leaders in the Workplace
Thompson Coburn earns 11 national top-tier rankings in U.S. News 2019 ‘Best Law Firms’ survey
Thompson Coburn earns 12 national top-tier rankings in U.S. News ‘Best Law Firms’ survey
Nelson Williams joins the board of Forward Through Ferguson
Laura Jordan named a 2017 BTI Client Service All-Star
Thompson Coburn earns 11 national top-tier rankings in U.S. News ‘Best Law Firms’ survey
25 Thompson Coburn attorneys recognized in 2015 Chambers USA
Nelson Williams named one of Business Journal’s 30 Under 30
Employment litigator John Viola joins Thompson Coburn in Los Angeles
Congratulations to our 15 St. Louis ‘Lawyers of the Year’
Cliff Godiner, Chuck Poplstein named to 2014 ‘Most Powerful Employment Attorneys’ list
27 Thompson Coburn attorneys recognized in 2014 Chambers USA
Krissa Lubben, Mark Sableman named 2014 Lexology Client Choice Award winners
Webinar will review attorney client privilege for in-house counsel
Three partners named 2013 Up & Coming attorneys
Lori Jones talks Affordable Care Act delays, employee benefits in a post-DOMA world
Cliff Godiner, Chuck Poplstein named to ‘Most Powerful Employment Attorneys’ list
Cliff Godiner, Hope Abramov to dissect a modern labor dispute at SHRM annual conference
Thompson Coburn wins union election, decertifies longtime union facility
Thompson Coburn secures Illinois appellate victory for community hospital
19 Thompson Coburn partners named 2013 St. Louis Lawyers of the Year
Chuck Poplstein elected to College of Labor and Employment Lawyers
Laura Jordan selected for 2012-2013 class of Leadership St. Louis
Thompson Coburn part of team that won landmark religious liberty case in U.S. Supreme Court
|
Partner
|
St. Louis
|
A partner in the Labor and Employment practice area, Hope's extensive labor and employment practice is bolstered by her experiences as an in-house attorney for more ... A partner in the Labor and Employment practice area, Hope's extensive ... |
|
|||||
|
Partner
|
New York
|
John draws on his more than 30 years of litigation experience to represent a wide variety of clients in federal and state trial and appellate courts. John draws on his more than 30 years of litigation experience to represent ... |
|
|||||
|
Senior Counsel
|
St. Louis
|
Mary has spent her nearly 40-year career representing major corporations in high-stakes trials and arbitrations across the region. Mary has spent her nearly 40-year career representing major corporations in... |
|
|||||
|
Partner
|
Chicago
|
Mike represents management clients in a wide variety of labor and employment matters and related litigation. Mike represents management clients in a wide variety of labor and employmen... |
|
|||||
|
Associate
|
Dallas
|
Ryan represents employers in a variety of employment law matters in state and federal courts, mediation, arbitration and appeals. Ryan represents employers in a variety of employment law matters in state a... |
|
|||||
|
Partner
|
St. Louis
|
Cliff is a labor and employment attorney who advises executives and HR leaders on all aspects of employment litigation and labor disputes. Cliff is a labor and employment attorney who advises executives and HR lead... |
|
|||||
|
Partner
|
St. Louis
|
Laura provides high-level strategic human resources counseling to executives and HR managers on the challenging legal questions that crop up during every phase of employm... Laura provides high-level strategic human resources counseling to executive... |
|
|||||
|
Associate
|
St. Louis
|
Emma is an associate in the firm's labor & employment practice group. Emma is an associate in the firm's labor & employment practice group. |
|
|||||
|
Partner
|
Chicago
|
Susan is a highly experienced employment law attorney who serves as a seamless extension of her clients' HR and in-house legal teams. Susan is a highly experienced employment law attorney who serves as a seaml... |
|
|||||
|
Counsel
|
Dallas
|
Allyn serves as counsel in the Firm's labor & employment practice group. Allyn serves as counsel in the Firm's labor & employment practice group... |
|
|||||
|
Partner
|
St. Louis
|
Krissa practices human resources law, focusing on the representation of employers in employment litigation and client counseling. Krissa practices human resources law, focusing on the representation of emp... |
|
|||||
|
Partner
|
New York
|
Steve represents financial institutions, businesses and constituencies in federal and state courts throughout the United States in a wide variety of major commercial disp... Steve represents financial institutions, businesses and constituencies in f... |
|
|||||
|
Associate
|
Chicago
|
Jeremy is an associate in the Firm's labor and employment practice. Jeremy is an associate in the Firm's labor and employment practice. |
|
|||||
|
Associate
|
St. Louis |
Los Angeles |
In her labor and employment practice, Stephanie partners with clients to develop solutions to complex workforce challenges. In her labor and employment practice, Stephanie partners with clients to de... |
|
|||||
|
Associate
|
St. Louis
|
Conor provides counsel to management in various types of labor and employment disputes. Conor provides counsel to management in various types of labor and employme... |
|
|||||
|
Partner
|
New York
|
Zachary delivers practical, tactical, and experienced advice to corporate, lending, and fiduciary clients with respect to all phases of litigation, alternate dispute reso... Zachary delivers practical, tactical, and experienced advice to corporate, ... |
|
|||||
|
Associate
|
St. Louis
|
Amy assists employers in various labor and employment matters, including litigation and human resources counseling. Amy assists employers in various labor and employment matters, including li... |
|
|||||
|
Associate
|
St. Louis
|
Colin counsels management and HR directors on a wide array of human resources issues and employment decisions. Colin counsels management and HR directors on a wide array of human resourc... |
|
|||||
|
Senior Counsel
|
St. Louis
|
Rick devotes his entire practice to the defense of employers in ERISA litigation related to pension, life, health, and disability benefits, both self-funded and insured. Rick devotes his entire practice to the defense of employers in ERISA litig... |
|
|||||
|
Partner
|
St. Louis
|
Chuck is a creative and highly efficient employment litigator and advisor to private and public sector employers across a wide spectrum of industries. Chuck is a creative and highly efficient employment litigator and advisor t... |
|
|||||
|
Associate
|
Los Angeles
|
Keith represents employers of all sizes in a variety of litigation types, including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and wage and hour matters. Keith represents employers of all sizes in a variety of litigation types, i... |
|
|||||
|
Partner
|
Los Angeles
|
A dynamic litigator with a breadth of experience, Kacey creates and executes effective and practical litigation strategies to address a variety of complex disputes for cl... A dynamic litigator with a breadth of experience, Kacey creates and execute... |
|
|||||
|
Partner
|
St. Louis
|
Tim provides practical, in-depth counsel to management during two of the most critical junctures in the employer-employee relationship: union organizing and employee term... Tim provides practical, in-depth counsel to management during two of the mo... |
|
|||||
|
Associate
|
Chicago
|
Zoe is an associate in the Firm's Labor & Employment practice group. Zoe is an associate in the Firm's Labor & Employment practice group. |
|
|||||
|
Partner
|
Los Angeles
|
John serves as a one-stop resource for employment counseling and litigation for companies in California and across the country. John serves as a one-stop resource for employment counseling and litigation... |
|
|||||
|
Partner
|
St. Louis
|
Nelson represents employers in various aspects of employment law and litigation. Nelson represents employers in various aspects of employment law and litiga... |
|
|||||
|
Partner
|
Dallas
|
Jasmine is an experienced litigator who focuses her practice on high-stakes business litigation, employment law, and white collar criminal defense. Jasmine is an experienced litigator who focuses her practice on high-stakes... |
|
|||||