What We Do

Employment Litigation

We defend employers facing claims of sex, race, age, disability, national origin, and religious discrimination; sexual harassment; retaliation; torts such as defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, false imprisonment, and conspiracy, among others; and, claims arising under employment-related statutes such as federal and state whistle blowing laws, the military leave act (USERRA), and the Family and Medical Leave Act.

We practice in state and federal courts, in arbitration, and before numerous state and federal agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Texas Workforce Commission, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the National Labor Relations Board.

 

Employment Counseling and Training

Our clients call on us to provide first-class and cost effective advice and counseling; to develop and implement employment policies and handbooks; consult on employment actions such as hiring, discipline, and termination of employment; comply with complex employment laws such as leave and disabilities laws; assist with I-9 compliance; and to represent them in unemployment, workers compensation, or payday law hearings. We also provide training on a broad range of workplace topics, including sexual harassment prevention.

 

Wage and Overtime Compliance and Litigation

The federal Fair Labor Standards Act and similar state wage and hour laws is an area of the law that is seeing a major increase in claims made and cases filed. These lawsuits can lead to significant potential liability because of the number of plaintiffs, back pay liability, and potential attorneys fees at stake. We counsel employers on how to avoid such lawsuits, how to implement the appropriate infrastructure to combat the “mischaracterization” argument, and we defend against such claims vigorously when they arise.

 

Covenants Not to Compete and Trade Secrets Litigation

The enforcement of non-competition agreements in Texas is a complex area of the law requiring specific expertise. We represent clients who wish to protect valuable trade secrets and confidential information by drafting enforceable agreements and litigating non-competition disputes, as well as other claims related to employees duties of loyalty and confidentiality. We also counsel employers regarding the enforceability of existing non-competition agreements.

 

Executive Compensation Matters and Employment Contracts

We represent companies or executives regarding compensation, severance pay, stock options, and non-competition issues. We draft executive employment and severance agreements, confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements and litigate issues arising therefrom.

 

Arbitration Agreements

Like non-competition and NDA agreements, creating and enforcing arbitration agreements requires expertise in what has come to be an ever-changing area of the law. We have experience in developing and enforcing arbitration agreements and programs and we litigate claims in arbitration.

 

Commercial Advice and Litigation

We represent businesses in all manner of commercial concerns, including the review and negotiation of basic and complex contracts and the litigation of contract and tort disputes with other businesses and/or individuals.