Successfully defended global pharmaceutical companies in employment-related matters including allegations of breach of contract, harassment, whistle-blower claims, leaves of absence and discrimination.Represented pharmaceutical client undertaking a major re-organization impacting 800 employees in 50 states, including two plant closure beginning in 2009. Provided advice and partnered with the client to prepare documents related to plant closures, federal/state WARN Acts, severance, outplacement agreements, benefits continuation, releases, wage and hour compliance. Negotiated joint venture agreement for successful collaboration for large music festival on behalf of an event management/technical production client. Agreement enhanced client’s reputation as the pre-eminent producer for large music festivalsPrepared, negotiated and executed separation agreements and releases for 75 employees of pharmaceutical company undertaking reductions-in-force.Provided employment law counseling to a national background screening and onboarding provider, inclusive of wage and hour compliance, harassment/discrimination issues, separation agreements and compliance with federal WARN and state mini-WARN acts.Represented a surveying services company in an audit and collection action initiated by a union benefits fund. The arbitration proceeding was dropped after submission of a detailed statement of position.Provided advice to a leveraged buy-out firm on the employment and employee benefits aspects of the transaction to purchase a large pharmaceuticalcontract manufacturer.Represented companies in audits and investigations relating to denial of overtime pay, unemployment benefits and misclassification of employees as independent contractors.Conducted investigation of inappropriate workplace behavior by a member of senior management for a media company and investigation of alleged leaks of confidential information to the press for a technology company.

Employment Services, Employee Benefits and Health Law Practice Groups

Assistant General Counsel, Employment Law, at Warner-Lambert Company (1984-2000), which was acquired by Pfizer Inc. in June 2000. In that position, he assisted and directed the company, group and division executives, human resources managers and outside counsel in federal and state EEO, wrongful termination, unfair labor practices and ERISA court litigation. He also participated in and supervised workplace investigations relating to employee discrimination complaints, sexual harassment allegations and claims of financial impropriety and criminal wrongdoing involving employees; and conducted management seminars and training sessions on employment law issues.

Majority of responsibilities involving practice before EEOC, OFCCP, other state and federal fair employment practices agencies and state and federal courts; assisting and directing company officials and local counsel in federal court discrimination and safety and health litigation, EEOC complaint investigations, and OFCCP on-site compliance reviews; participating in conciliation with EEO agencies and negotiations with labor unions; counseling clients on EEO compliance; advising clients on compliance with OSHA standards; preparing affirmative action plans and collective bargaining agreements; addressing meetings and conferences of trade associations on legal issues in the employee relations field; conducting management seminars and training sessions on equal employment opportunity; preparing comments on proposed EEOC, OFCCP and OSHA regulations; and supervising legal research on related issues.Remainder of responsibilities involving a variety of corporate and litigation matters including:• drafting corporate documents• antitrust counseling and litigation• motion practice and general commercial litigation in state and federal courts.