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HUMAN RESOURCES

People are the primary asset of any business. Managing people—creating a work environment designed to attract and retain employees while protecting the interests of the organization—can be a challenge.

The attorneys in our Human Resources practice recognize the issues our clients face in meeting this challenge. We help address the unique needs of the organization while keeping the employee in mind. We provide employment and benefits advice to many public and private companies in locations across the U.S. We represent some of the largest companies in America, many with global operations. We also work with companies headquartered overseas in matters regarding their U.S. holdings.

We are experienced in defending employers against wrongful dismissal suits; age, race and sex discrimination suits; and other legal actions brought by existing or former employees. We are experienced in effectively prosecuting and defending cases for breach of non-competition agreements and misappropriation of trade secrets.

Thompson Coburn also has significant experience in traditional labor matters, such as union avoidance, contract negotiations, and labor grievances and arbitrations.

Publications

Illinois appeals court holds that BIPA Section 15(a) requires retention-and-destruction policies upon possession of any biometric data

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

California raises minimum wage for all employers

USCIS updates guidance on employment authorization for certain E and L nonimmigrant spouses

Illinois Appellate Panel Upholds Employer Defense Against Employee BIPA Claims: Union Employee BIPA Claims Preempted by Federal Labor Law

Sixth Circuit dissolves stay of OSHA vax or test mandate for large employers paving way for enforcement

Employers: Are you ready for new California HR laws in 2022?

IRS provides new guidance on the COBRA premium subsidy under the American Rescue Plan Act

EEOC issues new guidance on COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace

Missouri legislature passes new protections for businesses from COVID-19 suits

Illinois adds additional restrictions on use of background checks and new EEO requirements

COVID-19 and employee mental health: What employers can do

What employers need to know about the COBRA premium subsidy provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act

New DOL guidance on missing participants: What employers should know

What employers need to know about mandatory COVID-19 vaccines and exceptions

What employers should know about lifetime income disclosure requirements for defined contribution plans

COVID-19 and older employees: What employers should know and how they can lessen the impact

What employers should know about DOL’s final fiduciary rule and proposed prohibited transaction exemption for fiduciaries

Lawyering in color: The ethics of diversity and inclusion

NY federal district court ruling may impact DOL FFCRA regulation

Can employers be liable for COVID-19 cases?

What employers should know about the DOL final rule for electronic disclosure by retirement plans under ERISA

How employers are changing employee benefits to address the COVID-19 pandemic

How will the landmark Title VII decision in Bostock affect employer liability standards for LGBTQ+ employees?

Coming July 1: What Chicago employers need to know about the new paid sick leave, minimum wage and fair workweek rules

New relief for cafeteria plans and flexible spending accounts due to COVID-19

Five things you should know about the DOL’s new Coronavirus paid leave rules

Employee benefit changes under the CARES Act: What employers need to know

City of Los Angeles enacts new sick pay ordinance

Retirement plan considerations during COVID-19

The COVID-19 Crisis: Questions and answers for employee welfare benefit plans

What employers need to know about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

SECURE Act: What employers need to know for retirement plans

How the St. Louis City and County Orders may affect your business

Business tips during the Coronavirus outbreak

Coronavirus legislation may impact your paid leave and FMLA obligations

Proposed Section 162(m) regulations: Key provisions employers should know

Proposed price transparency rules for health care plans: What employers need to know about required disclosures

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

Seven things employers should know about Medicare for All

Employers: Are you ready for new California HR laws in 2020?

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

A government contractors’ checklist for building a FAR combating-trafficking compliance plan

Adopting a naloxone in the workplace program: What employers need to know

Seven things employers should know about EBSA investigations

New ruling requires employers to submit pay data to the EEOC by September 30, 2019

What do the Labor Department proposed overtime changes mean to me?

How employers can use employee benefits to address climate change

What’s new with the Illinois Wage Payment Act and four other HR law changes for 2019

A top hat plan checklist for employers

California says #MeToo: What employers need to know

5 takeaways from the employee ERISA win in McMillan

In California, when is a ‘worker’ considered an ‘employee’?

Is it time to address benefits for alternative work arrangements?

3 compliance obligations you may not know you have

Criminal antitrust prosecutions still loom for employers with ‘no-poaching,’ ‘wage-fixing’ agreements

Beware the tail of the dog: 5 tips in dealing with employee benefits in mergers and acquisitions

Benefit issues impacting older workers

An ERISA claim check: 9 tips for effective and compliant claims procedures

Someone to watch over me and my 401(k)

Four hot mid-year topics in California employment law

Shoring up the PBGC’s Insurance Program for Multiemployer Plans

Missouri enacts new employment law favoring employers

Supreme Court clarifies definition of ‘church plan’ under ERISA

DOL revises guidance regarding exercise of shareholder rights by ERISA fiduciaries

A victory for attorney-client confidentiality: DOL takes formal steps to rescind controversial persuader regulation

Halo looms over new decision that adds to ERISA risks for claims administrators

March 1 is just around the corner – Have you installed transgender restroom signs?

Missouri to join Right to Work ranks: Is the fight over or just warming up?

EEOC issues guidance on new wellness notice mandated for 2017

Are HR employees ‘investment advisors’ under the DOL’s fiduciary rule?

Did you consider the COBRA implications of your severance arrangement?

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?

IRS issues new rules for 'closed' defined benefit plans

Section 409A: Top 10 rules for compliant non-qualified deferred compensation

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

Post that policy: California FEHA amended regs take effect April 1, 2016

Get the basics on two federal bills affecting employee benefits

EEOC wants employer payroll data to discover pay discrimination

California employers: Are you ready for 2016?

California auto dealers: Re-check your pay plans and wage statements before January 1, 2016

Trick or Treat for California employers

EEOC Decision: Title VII protects employees' sexual orientation

California "cures" its new paid sick leave law

DOL claims most workers classified as independent contractors are "employees" covered by the FLSA

DOL proposed rules limit overtime exemptions

OSHA issues guidelines for restroom use by transgender employees

Department of Labor issues updated FMLA forms

Two key legislative developments impact wellness plans, non-qualified deferred compensation plans

Are you ready for California’s new paid sick leave law?

The battle over 4062(e) 'facility closure' liability

NLRB wishes employers a not-so-happy new year - Issues new election rules and overrules register guard

Time crunch: OSHA shortens reporting deadlines for workplace injuries

What does the Noel Canning decision mean for you?

Employers beware: Missouri Supreme Court heightens the risk of dismissing employees who filed workers compensation claims

New databases offer first step for disability and veteran hiring regulations

Illinois employers should aim for gun policy review

Fifth Circuit overturns NLRB decision on class and collective action waivers

But it’s our locker room: What is acceptable behavior in the sports workplace?

Federal contractors should prepare for new hiring burdens to take effect in early 2014

Missouri employers take note: don't wait to challenge the timeliness of a charge under the Missouri Human Rights Act

U.S. Department of Labor updates FMLA guidance about who is a "spouse" following Supreme Court ruling

Illinois employers face decision as appellate court limits offer of at-will employment as consideration for competition restrictions

U.S. Supreme Court strikes down DOMA: What it means for plan sponsors

NLRB posting requirement struck down by court; federal contractors still on the hook

Department of Labor issues new regulation expanding FMLA rights

TCLE

Recent Updates in Illinois Law

How to End a Business Relationship Without Litigating

Breaking Developments in Employee Benefits Plans

New OSHA Rules

Recent Developments in Labor & Employment Law

Remote Work Issues

New Vaccine Mandates

Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccines in Postsecondary Education

Returning to Work During COVID-19: Employment and Privacy Law Considerations

Labor, Employment and Employee Benefits Supreme Court Review

Remote Work Issues & Implications

Re-Opening Issues and Employer Liability Concerns In The Era Of COVID-19

FFCRA Update

Getting Back to Work in a Pandemic Environment

Navigating HR Issues during the COVID-19 Emergency

Financial Risks Common in Employee Benefit Programs

Hot Topics in Welfare Benefits

Traffic Ahead: California Employment Law Update

DOL Proposed Rules Limiting Overtime Exemptions

Top 5 Employment Policies to Revamp this Year

A New Horizon: What You Need to Know About California Employment Law

Workplace Privacy

Blog Posts

Follow Up: Impact of Families First Coronavirus Response Act – Who is considered a “health care provider” or “emergency responder”?

Blog Browse: Coronavirus legislation may impact your paid leave and FMLA obligations

Recreational cannabis in the workplace: A guide for California employers

Illinois takes the lead on employee privacy: What employers need to know

The serious security vulnerabilities of mobile devices

Tyson Foods decision leaves questions, and opportunities, for class action defendants

New desk guide: How to project gainful employment rates

How to project gainful employment rates – Part 4

News

Thompson Coburn attorneys recognized in 2022 Chambers USA

Susan Lorenc gives ‘Employment Law Master Class’ on business consultant Dave Lorenzo's podcast

Thompson Coburn is Texas proud after first year in Dallas

Congratulations to our 2021 Best Lawyers ‘Lawyers of the Year’ and ‘Ones to Watch’

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

Congratulations to our 14 ‘Lawyers of the Year’ for 2019

Tony Anderson among LGBTQ execs honored by the Washington Business Journal

A decade of commitment: Thompson Coburn receives its 10th perfect score in Corporate Equality Index

Thompson Coburn earns 12 national top-tier rankings in U.S. News ‘Best Law Firms’ survey

Gain Executive Insights on immigration with Thompson Coburn, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Congratulations to our 14 'Lawyers of the Year' for 2018

Nelson Williams joins the board of Forward Through Ferguson

Laura Jordan named a 2017 BTI Client Service All-Star

Thompson Coburn again named a ‘Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality’ in 2017

Thompson Coburn named among top 30 law firms for client service

St. Louis Business Journal honors Thompson Coburn for outstanding wellness initiatives

Thompson Coburn earns 11 national top-tier rankings in U.S. News ‘Best Law Firms’ survey

23 Thompson Coburn attorneys recognized in 2016 Chambers USA

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 the new Thompson Coburn partners for 2015

27 Thompson Coburn attorneys recognized in 2014 Chambers USA

Cliff Godiner, Chuck Poplstein named to ‘Most Powerful Employment Attorneys’ list

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 ...

Hope Abramov
Partner
Washington, D.C.

Over the past 30 years, Tony has been a legal advisor to many of the nation's largest transit systems.

Over the past 30 years, Tony has been a legal advisor to many of the nation...

Tony Anderson
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...

Mary Bonacorsi
Associate
St. Louis

With previous experience in higher education and secondary school administration and a Master's degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education, Stephanie is keenly awar...

With previous experience in higher education and secondary school administr...

Stephanie Cohan
Partner
St. Louis

Cathy focuses her practice on employee benefits, taxation and closely-held businesses.

Cathy focuses her practice on employee benefits, taxation and closely-held ...

Cathy Conrad
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...

Michael Duffee
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...

Ryan Gehbauer
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...

Cliff Godiner
Partner
St. Louis

For more than 30 years, Lori has been helping clients solve some of the most challenging employee benefit problems.

For more than 30 years, Lori has been helping clients solve some of the mos...

Lori Jones
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...

Laura Jordan
Partner
St. Louis

Fatima has practiced exclusively in the area of immigration and nationality law for nearly two decades, helping employers in a broad range of sectors address the immigrat...

Fatima has practiced exclusively in the area of immigration and nationality...

Fatima Khan
Partner
St. Louis

Michael's practice is focused on providing practical, comprehensive solutions that meet the business goals of clients in the employee benefits area of human resources law...

Michael's practice is focused on providing practical, comprehensive solutio...

Michael Lane
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.

Emma Lapp
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...

Susan Lorenc
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...

Allyn Lowell
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...

Krissa Lubben
Associate
St. Louis

Martha practices exclusively in the areas of immigration and nationality law focusing in employment-based and family-based immigration cases.

Martha practices exclusively in the areas of immigration and nationality la...

Martha Mendez-Fischer
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.

Jeremy E. Miller
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...

Stephanie Milner
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...

Conor Neusel
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...

Amy Oslica Dougherty
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...

Colin Pajda
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...

Rick Pautler
Partner
Chicago

Emily is a litigation partner who represents companies, their executives and officers in a variety of business disputes.

Emily is a litigation partner who represents companies, their executives an...

Emily Peel
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...

Chuck Poplstein
Associate
St. Louis

Melinda is a business immigration attorney who helps clients hire and retain foreign national workers in the United States and transfer employees between international of...

Melinda is a business immigration attorney who helps clients hire and retai...

Melinda Potmesil
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...

Keith Rasher
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...

Tim Sarsfield
Senior Counsel
St. Louis

Linda advises companies that provide goods or services to the federal government; she also has extensive experience in business immigration matters.

Linda advises companies that provide goods or services to the federal gover...

Linda Shapiro
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.

Zoe Spector
Associate
St. Louis

Amy advises employers on retirement plans, health and welfare plans, compensation packages and other benefits.

Amy advises employers on retirement plans, health and welfare plans, compen...

Amy Dygert Stansfield
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...

John Viola
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...

R. Nelson Williams
Senior Counsel
St. Louis

In an era of escalating pension liabilities and sweeping health care reforms, Trish serves as an employee benefits advisor to public and privately-owned businesses and go...

In an era of escalating pension liabilities and sweeping health care reform...

Trish Winchell