With a robust labor and employment disputes offering, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is regularly sought after by an impressive client roster, consisting of notable blue-chip companies from the technology, financial services, and telecoms sectors. The team is well-equipped to handle the full spectrum of mandates, ranging from wage-and-hour class actions to independent contractor misclassification cases and wrongful termination claims. Drawing on the firm’s wider national presence, the group is adept at representing clients before various federal and state courts – such as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the Superior Court of California – as well as the Supreme Court. Spearheading the department are the capable duo, Jason Schwartz, based in Washington DC, and Katherine Smith, based in Los Angeles. Schwartz stands out for his breadth of expertise, which spans whistleblower claims, executive disputes, and workplace safety litigation, while Smith is the main point of contact for employers facing individual, representative, and class action litigation. The practice also benefits from the expertise of Washington DC’s Molly Senger, a specialist in disputes involving trade secret misappropriation, sexual harassment, and discrimination. Other key practitioners include Orange County-based Michele Maryott, Washington DC’s Ryan Stewart, and Cynthia Chen McTernan, who is based in Los Angeles.

O'Melveny has developed a broad labor and employment disputes practice which is geared to support on wage and hour class and collective actions, litigation arising from COVID-19, and allegations of negligence, as well as discrimination and reverse discrimination claims, sexual misconduct cases, and wrongful terminations. With a robust offering and experience acting before federal and state courts – including District and Superior courts – the group has amassed an impressive client base, which consists of notable businesses from the media and entertainment, financial services, and aviation sectors, to name a few. Co-chairing the team in Washington DC is Aparna Joshi, a key point of contact for aviation companies facing federal court and class action litigation prompted by discrimination claims. Fellow co-chair Eric Amdursky is based in Silicon Valley and stands out for his scope of expertise which covers litigation elicited by sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation allegations, in addition to executive compensation, non-compete agreements, and trade secret misappropriation. The practice also benefits from the aptitude of LA’s Apalla Chopra, who specializes in class action discrimination and wage and hour litigation. Other key practitioners include LA-based Adam Karr and Mark Robertson, who is located in New York.

Operating across the technology, financial services, and energy sectors, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe is well-versed in handling complex labor and employment disputes for a range of multinational clients. The group has considerable experience representing notable blue-chip companies – including the likes of Oracle and BlackRock – in high-profile litigation arising from allegations of discrimination, pay equity, and harassment, as well as retaliation, labor code violations, and employment classifications. At the helm of the practice is Sacramento’s Julie Totten whose expertise spans wage and hour class and collective actions, discrimination class actions, and whistleblowing cases. She is also adept at leading on wrongful termination disputes and investigations, both internal and those prompted by federal agencies. In Silicon Valley, Lynne Hermle is the name to note for her jury trial prowess, while New York-based Mike Delikat stands out for his specialism in whistleblower claims. On the pay equity front, Erin Connell, based in San Francisco, is the key point of contact. The department also benefits from the proficiency of Silicon Valley-based Jessica Perry, and New York’s Lisa Lupion and Mark Thompson, all of whom are well-equipped to act before federal and state courts.

Turned to by an impressive client base comprised of notable names from the retail, healthcare, and entertainment sectors, Reed Smith LLP is trusted to handle a range of labor and employment disputes. The group is well-versed acting before federal and state courts in wage and hour class actions, allegations of discrimination, and retaliation claims, as well as FLSA violations, breach of contract, and unfair competition. With a robust offering and considerable experience handling high-value mandates, the practice continues to attract new clients, cementing its presence in the cosmetics and beauty, technology, and professional services industries. The team – led by London-based global chair Robin Jeffcott – has been bolstered by the arrival of Philadelphia’s James Boudreau and Atlanta-based David Long-Daniels, both of whom joined from Greenberg Traurig in May and April 2025 respectively. Boudreau stands out for his expertise in nationwide class and collective actions arising from overtime compensation, employment classification, and trade secrets disputes, while Long-Daniels is well-equipped to represent companies facing whistleblower claims, discrimination cases, and USERRA issues. Other key practitioners include Richmond-based Betty Graumlich, San Francisco’s Michele Gehrke, and Paulo McKeeby, who is located between Dallas and Houston.

Reputed for its ‘ability to deliver highly sophisticated legal advice while remaining deeply pragmatic and client-centered,’ Seyfarth Shaw LLP is a good choice for aviation, retail, and technology businesses seeking assistance with a wide variety of labor and employment disputes. The team is particularly adept at representing companies before District Courts and the Supreme Court in wage and hour class actions, discrimination lawsuits, and wrongful termination cases, as well as COVID-19-related litigation, pay equity disputes, and retaliation claims. Spearheading the department is San Francisco’s Laura Maechtlen, an expert in class actions arising from violations of anti-discrimination laws. She is supported by Chicago-based Camille Olson – who specializes in PAGA actions – and Gary Friedman, who is based in New York and stands out for his aptitude for trade secrets and restrictive covenant litigation. On the wage and hour front, Atlanta’s Annette Idalski and Brett Bartlett are the names to note, alongside LA-based Jon Meer, while Dawn Solowey, based in Boston, concentrates on DEI-related disputes. Other key practitioners in the group include Atlanta’s Lennon Haas and Boston-based Michael Steinberg, both of whom have considerable experience representing clients in wage and hour class and collective litigation.

With a robust offering which encompasses unfair competition, discrimination, and harassment claims, as well as retaliation, wage and hour class actions, and worker classification disputes, Akin is well-equipped to handle the full gamut of labor and employment mandates. The group is regularly turned to by executives and companies from the financial services, media and entertainment, and technology sectors to handle high-profile cases, with a recent notable case being its defense of Vince McMahon in lawsuits brought about by former WWE employee alleging sexual assault. Heading up the department in Washington DC is Bob Lian who has considerable experience representing employers and executives before federal and state courts in litigation arising from restrictive covenants and competitive hiring. In New York, alternative asset management specialist Richard Rabin co-leads the team alongside Jessica Rosenberg, who stands out for her breadth of practice which spans FLSA violation class and collective actions, PAGA actions, and tort claims, in addition to discrimination, retaliation, and harassment, and unfair competition litigation. Laura Smolowe, who joined from Munger, Tolles & Olson in March 2025, spearheads the LA office and brings with her expertise in trade secret litigation, worker classification arbitration, and non-compete disputes.

With a particularly active labor and employment disputes practice, BakerHostetler is well-equipped to handle litigation arising from work and hour claims, allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and whistleblowing cases, as well as pay equity issues, restrictive covenants and trade secret violations, and unfair competition. Alongside its broad capabilities, the group has considerable experience representing companies before the federal and state courts in single- and multi-plaintiff disputes, and it regularly receives mandates from clients in the healthcare, energy, and sport and entertainment sectors. New York’s Amy Traub spearheads the department and specializes in litigation involving WARN Act violations, EEOC charges, and discrimination and harassment claims. She is supported by Houston-based Mark Temple – an expert in wage and hour class and collective actions – and Matthew Kane, a key contact for clients in LA and San Francisco facing PAGA actions. On the non-compete and trade secrets front, Joyce Ackerbaum Cox in the firm’s Orlando office is the name to note, while Cleveland’s Jeffrey Vlasek is the go-to for individual discrimination claims and non-solicitation disputes.

Praised by clients for being ‘exceptionally creative and solution-oriented,’ DLA Piper LLP (US) is a good choice for educational institutions, hotels, and real estate companies seeking representation in high-profile labor and employment disputes. The group regularly handles wage and hour class actions, litigation arising from allegations of discrimination, and whistleblower claims before various federal and state courts, including the New York Supreme Court and District Courts. In New York, Brian Kaplan is the name to note, with expertise in discrimination, harassment, and retaliation matters, and tortious interference claims, while LA’s Holly Lake stands out for her trial prowess where she often defends businesses in wage and hour class, collective, and PAGA actions. Other key practitioners include New York’s Garrett Kennedy and LA-based Ryan Estes. Marc Katz has left the firm.

Sought after for its ‘depth and breadth of resources,’ Greenberg Traurig’s labor and employment disputes group is a key point of contact for domestic and multinational blue-chip businesses from the media and entertainment, education, and financial services sectors. The practice routinely acts before state and federal courts in cases involving whistleblower claims, allegations of harassment, and privacy violations, as well as wage and hour class, collective, and PAGA actions, WARN Act claims, and employment classification disputes. Heading up the team in Denver is Naomi Beer, who specializes in multijurisdictional class actions concerning wage and hour issues, breach of contract, and FLSA violations, with a focus on the retail, manufacturing, and restaurant industries. In Boston, John Richards is the name to note, while Ronald Holland spearheads the San Francisco office. Holland comes recommended for his breadth of expertise, which encompasses wrongful terminations, harassment and discrimination accusations, and unfair labor practices, alongside wage and hour class actions, whistleblower cases, and contractual breaches. The department also benefits from the aptitude of New York’s Todd Girshon and Los Angeles' Ashley Pickett.

With considerable experience advising blue-chip companies from the financial services, technology, and media and entertainment sectors, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is well-equipped to handle high-profile and high-value disputes. The group is well-reputed for its expertise in discrimination allegations, misappropriation of trade secrets and confidential information, and contract breaches, as well as tortious conduct claim, harassment, and wage and hour violations, among other areas. With a robust offering and a solid track record, the practice continues to attract new and impressive clients, including the likes of Crédit Agricole and Goldman Sachs. Kevin Leblang oversees the department and stands out for his state and federal litigation prowess, where he regularly defends banking and financial services groups in disputes arising from wrongful alleged wrongful termination, negligent hiring, and discrimination. The team also benefits from the aptitude of Robert Holtzman who is a key point of contact for businesses facing FLSA violation, whistleblower, and retaliation claims. Other key practitioners include the ‘superb’ Jordan Fisher, and Izabel McDonald. All attorneys mentioned are based in New York.

The labor and employment group at McGuireWoods LLP is well-equipped to handle a wide array of disputes ranging from wrongful termination and misappropriation of trade secrets lawsuits, to discrimination and tortious interference allegations. With a robust offering, the practice continues to grow its client roster which consists of impressive names from the food and beverage, financial services, and real estate sectors, including the likes of Wells Fargo and Coca-Cola Refreshments. At the helm of the department is Elena Marcuss who is based in Baltimore and regularly represents companies in federal and state litigation arising from wage and hour, whistleblower, and pay equity claims. In Los Angeles, Sabrina Beldner is the main point of contact and specializes in wrongful termination, harassment, and retaliation suits, as well as PAGA actions. On the restrictive covenants and trade secrets front, Richmond’s Christopher Michalik is the name to note, while eastern Virginia-based Amy Turk is the go-to for class actions affecting businesses in the consumer products and retail industries. Other key practitioners include Washington DC-based David Greenspan and John Thomas, and Chicago’s Joel Spitz.

Praised by clients for its ‘consistent attentiveness and strong client‑centric approach,’ Akerman LLP is a solid choice for businesses from the technology, aviation, and industrials sectors facing labor and employment disputes. The group is well-versed at representing clients before federal and state courts in wage and hour litigation, PAGA actions, and discrimination claims, as well as harassment cases, wrongful termination disputes, and allegations of tortious interference. Eric Gordon chairs the group from West Palm Beach and stands out for his expertise in discrimination and retaliation cases, frequently defending companies from the business process outsourcing industry. Deputy chair Marissa Alguire leads the Los Angeles office and has extensive capabilities to handle wage and hour class actions, PAGA actions, and harassment claims, as well as alleged discrimination. The department also benefits from the aptitude of Mishell Taylor, who is based between LA and Houston, West Palm Beach’s Arlene Kilne, and Tampa-based Scott Silverman.

ArentFox Schiff is well-equipped to litigate before federal and state courts in a wide array of matters, ranging from PAGA actions and allegations of discrimination to misappropriation of trade secrets and claims of unfair labor practices. With broad capabilities, the group has amassed a strong client base, made up of notable names from the food and beverage, retail, and financial services sectors. At the helm of the department is Boston’s Nancy Puleo, a ‘terrific litigator’ with considerable experience representing employers in high-value discrimination, harassment, and retaliation lawsuits, in addition to wage and hour class actions, pay equity disputes, and restrictive covenant violations. In San Francisco, Robert Carrol is the name to note, with expertise in wrongful termination suits, discrimination claims, and wage and hour class actions. Other key practitioners include Washington DC-based Linda Jackson, Los Angeles’ Morgan Forsey and Daniel McQueen, and Lauren Schaefer, who is located in Boston. John Zaimes is no longer at the firm.

Sought after for its ‘collaborative and proactive’ approach, Dickinson Wright PLLC is a good choice for healthcare, automotive, and construction companies facing high-value labor and employment disputes. The group is well-versed at representing clients before state and federal courts in a broad range of mandates, including non-compete and trade secret cases, allegations of discrimination, and wage and hour collective actions, as well as harassment lawsuits, wrongful termination disputes, and whistleblower claims. Kentucky’s Brian Johnson sits at the helm of the department and stands out for his aptitude for discrimination claims, with a particular focus on the education sector. He is supported by the ‘excellent’ Timothy Howlett who concentrates on wrongful termination suits, alleged retaliation, and race and sex discrimination cases. On the FLSA class action front, Nashville’s Reid Estes is the name to note, while Aaron Burrell, in Detroit, specializes in litigation arising from unfair labor practices.

Noted for its ‘unwavering commitment to client-centric service, combining deep legal expertise with a proactive, solutions-driven approach,’ Fisher Phillips is a trusted advisor to construction, manufacturing, and aviation companies facing labor and employment disputes arising from PAGA actions, misappropriation of trade secrets, and unfair competition claims, as well as allegations of discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination. The group is also well-equipped to act before federal and state courts in litigation prompted by wage and hour class actions and alleged hostile work environment cases. Todd Ewan – based between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh – co-chairs the practice alongside Seattle’s Suzanne Michael, who has considerable experience representing employers in compensation and discrimination lawsuits. On the wage and hour and pay equity fronts, New Jersey-based Kathleen Caminiti is the name to note, while Washington DC’s Daniel Farrington is the main point of contact for litigation in the aviation sector. Other key practitioners include San Diego-based Danielle Moore and Los Angeles’ Kristen Nesbit.

With expertise in unfair competition cases, allegations of discrimination, and contractual breaches, Ford Harrison LLP‘s labor and employment disputes group is regularly sought out by notable retail, aviation, and insurance businesses. Heading up the team in Atlanta is John Monroe, Jr., who works alongside Tampa’s Tracey Jaensch and Dawn Siler-Nixon; both are adept at handling discrimination lawsuits.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP‘s labor and employment disputes group is adept at representing employers before state and federal courts in litigation prompted by restrictive covenant and trade secrets violations, allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and unfair competition matters. The team, which ‘stands out for the depth of its expertise, the consistency of its client service, and its ability to provide highly practical, business-oriented advice across the full spectrum of employment matters,’ is active across a wide range of industries, with its client roster comprising notable companies spanning the retail, media and entertainment, and food and beverage sectors. Los Angeles’ Emily Vicente co-heads the department alongside Kevin White – who is based between Washington DC and Houston – and specializes in sexual harassment claims, pay equity disputes, and wage and hour class actions. White stands out for his expertise in discrimination class actions and wage and hour litigation, with a particular focus on energy and retail.

The bulk of the workload for the versatile practitioners at Jackson Lewis P.C. includes breaches of contracts and fiduciary duties, misappropriation of trade secrets, and allegations of discrimination, as well as wrongful termination lawsuits, employment classification issues, and wage disputes. With a robust offering and experience acting before federal and state courts, including The Supreme Court and The Superior Courts, the group has amassed a strong client base comprising notable names from the retail, financial services, and technology sectors. Kevin Lauri heads the team in New York, while in Orange County Samantha Hoffman oversees the department. They are supported by Orlando’s Stephanie Adler-Paindiris, who has considerable experience defending companies in class actions concerning alleged FCRA violations and race and gender discrimination and retaliation cases. On the wage and hour front, Jeffrey Brecher – who is based in Long Island – is the key point of contact, and specializing in high-stakes trade secrets cases is Miami-based Jennifer Schwartz.

Praised by clients for providing ‘solid, well-informed, and business-oriented advice,’ Kelley Drye & Warren LLP is a trusted advisor to notable names from the financial services, retail and healthcare sectors facing state and federal labor and employment litigation. The practice is well-equipped to represent employers in discrimination lawsuits, breach of contract matters, and allegations of defamation, as well as wage and hour class actions, sexual harassment claims, and trade secret disputes. The department is under the capable leadership of Mark Konkel, an expert in employment litigation and class actions concerning discrimination, breach of contract, and restrictive covenants and trade secrets. He works alongside Barbara Hoey who is adept at handling wage and hour disputes, with a particular focus on the healthcare industry. The team also benefits from the expertise of Blythe Lovinger, who has extensive experience defending executives in tort claims, unfair competition cases, and FLSA violations. All lawyers mentioned are based in New York.

The labor and employment department at Littler Mendelson, P.C. is regularly turned to by notable healthcare and technology businesses facing discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims, wrongful termination cases, and wage and hour class actions. Its scope also extends to representing clients before state and federal courts in litigation arising from restrictive covenants and trade secrets, breaches of fiduciary duty, and whistleblowing. Key practitioners include Milwaukee’s Jennifer Ciralsky, Washington DC-based Joshua Waxman, and James Witz, who is based between Chicago and Denver, as well as Atlanta’s Richard Black.

Morrison Foerster‘s labor and employment group is well-geared to support on a wide range of disputes before federal and state courts, including breach of contract, unfair competition, and tortious interference, as well as fraud claims, whistleblower allegations, and wage and hour class actions. The San Francisco office is under the joint leadership of Eric Akira Tate and Cooper Spinelli; Tate comes recommended for his experience representing clients in wrongful termination suits, discrimination and retaliation claims, and allegations of executive misconduct, while Spinelli stands out for his expertise in trade secrets and restrictive covenants, employee mobility issues, and whistleblower cases. Co-leading the department in Washington DC are Andrew Turnbull and Michael Schulman; Turnbull is the main point of contact for discrimination cases, both at the individual plaintiff and class action levels, while Schulman is adept at handling litigation arising from restrictive covenants and labor law violations prompted by the EEOC and the Department of Labor.

Described by clients as a ‘premier team of lawyers with significant expertise in litigation,’ Norton Rose Fulbright‘s labor and employment department is rated for its disputes capabilities, which span wage and hour, discrimination, and trade secrets, as well as non-competes, breach of contract, and non-solicitation. The team’s robust offering continues to attract new clients to its roster, which is made up of notable names from the financial services, telecoms, and oil and gas sectors, to name a few. Heading up the group is Shauna Clark, who comes recommended for her ‘unique skillset in providing practical and actionable legal advice.’ She has considerable experience defending employers before federal and state courts in a wide range of mandates, including litigation concerning discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, in addition to whistleblowing, hostile work environments, and company policy violations. Clark works alongside the ‘zealous’ Carter Crow, who stands out for his jury trial prowess, and on the non-compete front, Kimberly Cheeseman is the go-to.

The ‘highly responsive and collaborative’ labor and employment team at Sheppard is a trusted advisor to household names from the food and beverage, automotive, and technology sectors. Clients turn to the group for its extensive disputes services, which span wage and hour class actions, discrimination claims, and allegations of retaliation, as well as partnership conflicts, breach of contract, and misappropriation of trade secrets, among other areas. Co-leader Denise Giraudo, based in Washington DC office. is highly regarded for her expertise in discrimination and trade secrets cases, in addition to litigating claims of FMLA, FLSA, and FEHA violations. Jason Kearnaghan, based in Los Angeles, is a proficient trial lawyer with considerable experience representing companies in wrongful termination, whistleblower, and retaliation lawsuits. Other indispensable practitioners include New York’s Jonathan Stoler and Brian Murphy, Chicago-based Mikela Sutrina, and Tracey Kennedy, who is located in LA.

The practice at Vedder, an ‘outstanding and highly accomplished team of attorneys’, has a solid track record defending and prosecuting before federal and state courts in labor and employment disputes. The group is well-equipped to handle unfair competition claims, wrongful termination, and wage and hour class actions, as well as allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.  Its strong track record has amassed an impressive and expanding client roster, which is made up of household names from the oil and gas, retail, and healthcare sectors. The department is under the capable leadership of Chicago’s Elizabeth Hall, an expert in single plaintiff and class actions involving breach of contract, invasion of privacy, and FMLA violations. Alongside Hall in Chicago is Nicholas Anaclerio, who stands out for his jury trial prowess, while on the medical leave and disability accommodations fronts, Miami’s Kimberley Lunetta is the name to note. Los Angeles-based Candice Zee specializes in unfair labor practices claims.

Offering representation in both federal and state courts in trade secrets and restrictive covenants litigation and class actions arising from allegations of discrimination, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is a trusted advisor to notable names from the cosmetics and beauty, financial services, and media and entertainment sectors. Leading the practice from New York is John Barry, an expert in gender, pregnancy, and parental discrimination claims and unfair competition matters, including employee poaching, non-compete agreement violations, and misappropriation of trade secrets. He is supported by Rebecca Sivitz, who is based between Boston and New York and concentrates on wage and hour, harassment, and retaliation disputes. The team also benefits from the expertise of New York’s Celine Chan, who has considerable experience acting before the EEOC. On the compliance and litigation avoidance fronts, Xander Tabloff and Peter Mee – both of whom are based in Boston – are the key points of contact.

Winston Taylor‘s labor and employment group, spearheaded by Chicago’s Michael Roche, is adept at defending employers in litigation concerning discrimination, breach of contract, and wrongful termination, as well as harassment, retaliation, and fraud claims. The practice, well regarded for its ‘attentiveness, integrity, responsiveness, creativity, and ability to listen to the client,’ is a trusted advisor to impressive names from the consumer goods, healthcare, and professional services sectors, including the likes of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Roche is a key point of contact for professional services firms facing whistleblower claims, executive compensation disputes, and restrictive covenant issues, and he has experience acting before state and federal courts, in addition to jury trials. He is supported by Cardelle Spangler, also in Chicago, who focuses on discrimination and pay equity mandates. Other notable practitioners include San Francisco-based Joan Fife, Los Angeles’ Laura Petroff and Jason Campbell, and Aviva Grumet-Morris, who is located in Chicago.