At Heller Ehrman, our lawyers have decades of experience helping employers with every aspect of their business, whether it involves a lawsuit, an arbitration or the day-to-day operation of the company.
We work in partnership with industry leaders, partnerships, companies, up-and-coming firms and non-profits to assure a smooth running business. When a dispute ends up in court, Heller Ehrman is one of the preeminent firms in litigation and we have handled virtually every lawsuit that arises in the work place, including discrimination, harassment and wrongful termination complaints.
Our lawyers have represented clients in numerous class actions, including those in the evolving area of wage and hour disputes. We understand the dynamics of these massive suits and how to effectively defend against them.
One of our primary goals, however, is to save our clients from time-consuming and costly litigation. We take pride in the fact that we are advisors as well as trial lawyers, guiding clients through an increasingly complex and sensitive work environment and keeping them apprised of the constant stream of new laws and regulations.
Our Clients
With our years of experience, we have represented companies spanning many industries that include retail, wholesale, manufacturing, financial institutions, restaurants, health care, technology, distribution, food products, securities, bio-technology, real estate, energy and trade associations, accounting, non-profit, hospitality and entertainment.
Counseling
We have maintained strong relationships with companies as they’ve changed and grown over the years. But we also have stepped in to help companies just getting started with such basic issues as hiring, discipline and discharge.
We assist companies in developing employee handbooks and management training programs and devise strategies to implement policies. And we are there to ease the company through major transitions, including downsizing and mergers and acquisitions.
We have developed diversity programs for a variety of companies and we have conducted sexual harassment training programs at numerous businesses, stressing the importance of dignity and respect in the work place. We also accommodate our clients by hosting a training program for supervisors at our offices.
We advise employers on COBRA and employment–related matters involving the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. We also counsel clients on how to handle on-the-job drug and alcohol abuse, immigration and AIDS-related issues.
Heller Ehrman has been heavily involved in one of the hottest areas in high technology and other industries – trade secrets and non-competition agreements. To help guard some of our clients’ most precious assets, we draft agreements with prohibitions on solicitations of customers, advise employers when they are about to terminate an employee who has confidential company information, and represent them in court when they file suit or are being sued.
A key to our success is our hands-on approach. We get to know the company and the individuals, we strive to help our clients maintain a fair and law-abiding working environment, but we are always prepared to vigorously defend them in court.
Litigation
Our lawyers have represented clients before state and federal agencies, trial and appellate courts and administrative forums, including the EEOC, OSHA, NLRB, Department of Labor, and the OFCCP.
We have years of experience litigating not only discrimination and wrongful termination suits but also employment-related claims, including breach of contract, defamation and violations of public policy.
We are experienced in defending employers against individual state laws, such as California’s sweeping Unfair Competition Law, whistle blower laws and the like.
Traditional Labor Law
We have spent years representing clients in union-related issues. We try to help them create an atmosphere that discourages union organizing. If there is a union campaign, we advise employers on devising the most effective strategies while staying within the law.
If a union is organized, we know that honesty and trust are essential for employers in dealing with their employees. We have represented clients before the National Labor Relations Board, in collective bargaining, arbitration and in federal or state court.
Above all, we try to help our clients treat their employees fairly while achieving their ultimate business goals.
Kenneth Kirschner
kenneth.kirschner
@hellerehrman.com
+1 (212) 847-8569