
Contact
- 716.848.1436
The attorneys in Hodgson Russ’s Labor & Employment Practice have extensive experience counseling public, private, union, and non-union clients in matters involving a wide range of labor and employment laws. We generally represent management exclusively.
We assist CEOs, CFOs, human resources professionals, employee benefits managers, and corporate counsel from companies headquartered across the United States and around the world with legal issues relating to managing employees and union relations. Hodgson Russ represents clients in a wide range of industries, including broadcast media, financial institutions, food service, health care providers, manufacturers, municipalities, retailers, school districts, service providers, technology companies, and a wide range of other businesses.
Hodgson Russ labor and employment attorneys focus on preventive steps first. Avoidance of litigation and human resource problems is the most efficient method of minimizing the risk of costly employment disputes. However, should a dispute occur, Hodgson Russ attorneys are well prepared to assist clients in resolving disputes with current and former employees and the unions that represent them. Keeping our clients’ fiscal, operational, and public relations needs in mind, our attorneys strive first to diffuse problematic situations without formal litigation, often using mediation from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Mediation Program, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, and the State Employment Relations Board. In cases where it is impossible to arrive at a resolution short of litigation, Hodgson Russ attorneys aggressively seek favorable results before arbitrators, administrative agencies, and the courts.
Our Labor & Employment Practice provides ongoing education and information to clients concerning changes in laws and regulations, and we regularly present conferences and on-site training sessions for executives, managers, and supervisors, to help in preventing situations that might result in litigation.
Our attorneys practice before all government agencies and courts that adjudicate employment and labor matters, including:
- All courts in New York State
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- Federal District Courts, U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals, and U.S. Supreme Court
- National Labor Relations Board
- Public Employment Relations Board
- Workers’ Compensation Board and Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board
- State fair employment practices agencies
- U.S. Department of Labor
Hodgson Russ has been awarded prestigious "Best Law Firms" Metropolitan Tier 1 rankings by Best Lawyers/U.S. News & World Report in the Labor Law – Management and Employment Law – Management categories.
Employment Law
Hodgson Russ’s labor and employment law practice, which has grown in scope for more than 50 years, includes extensive capabilities in matters involving the National Labor Relations Act, the Public Employees’ Fair Employment Act, and the Fair Labor Standards Act, as well as numerous civil rights laws, including the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII, the New York State Human Rights Law, the Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment laws, and other laws regulating an employer’s relationship with its employees.
Hodgson Russ attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in state and federal courts as well as alternative dispute resolution forums, such as mediation and arbitration, and regularly represent clients in contested proceedings, including administrative hearings, trials, motions, and appeals.
Hodgson Russ attorneys provide counsel to employers on issues including:
- Employment discrimination avoidance
- Pre-employment applications, employment contracts, restrictive covenants, confidentiality and non-compete agreements, employment contracts, and employee handbooks
- Affirmative action and OFCCP compliance reviews for federal contractors
- Effective, defensible programs for drug testing, family leave, attendance improvement, supervisor training, occupational safety and health, employee benefits, work force reduction, and sexual and other unlawful harassment avoidance
- Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Insurance compliance
- Federal and state wage and hour laws
Hodgson Russ defends employers in adversarial proceedings by:
- Representing employers before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and state fair employment practices agencies
- Investigating charges and complaints
- Providing counsel and representation in court proceedings
- Representing employers in proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board and state labor agencies
- Handling hearings and appeals before other federal and state administrative agencies
- Providing counsel on handling grievances, including drafting grievance answers
- Providing representation during arbitration through witness preparation and evidence gathering, preparation of pre-hearing statements, presentation of employer’s case at hearings, and writing post-hearing briefs
- Providing representation in audits of wage and hour and other employment practices by state and federal agencies
Labor Law
Hodgson Russ labor attorneys assist clients in managing union relationships. We also help clients who want to maintain union-free status by:
- Providing counsel on labor practices to identify weaknesses before problems are encountered
- Counseling and training supervisors and managers
- Providing advice on responses to union-organizing campaigns
- Providing advice on bargaining unit issues and employer campaigns in NLRB representation elections
Hodgson Russ attorneys help clients deal with unions that represent their employees by:
- Recommending strategic plans for negotiations
- Serving as spokespersons at the bargaining table
- Analyzing cost and consequences of proposals
- Working with mediators and other neutrals
- Drafting proposals, counter proposals, and final contract language
- Analyzing collective bargaining agreements
- Counseling on strike or lockout strategies
- Advising on documentation of incidents (affidavits, investigations)
- Instituting legal proceedings when necessary, including actions for temporary restraining orders and preliminary or permanent injunctions
- Defending unfair labor practice and improper practice charges
- Assisting in filing charges where appropriate
For information, analysis, commentary, and resources on the latest developments in employment law, subscribe to receive client alerts by e-mail.
- $275 Million Manufacturing Company Merger
- Acquisition on Behalf of France-Based Automotive Parts Manufacturer
- Cegedim SA Represented by Hodgson Russ in Its Acquisition of Dendrite International, Inc.
- Labor and Employment Representation for Food and Beverage Manufacturers
- Major Corporate Acquisitions Requires Counsel on Employment-Related Matters
- Multiple Claim Employment Matter
- Negotiation of Changes to Wage & Benefit Packages Saves Clients Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars
- Public Nursing Home Restructurings
- Representation of Integer Holdings Corporation in $1.7 Billion Acquisition
- Representation of Management Through Five-Month Strike, NLRB Proceedings
- Representation of Management Through Union Representational Petition
- Representation of Meat Distributor in Chapter 11 Proceedings
- Represented European-Owned Client in Major U.S. Acquisition
- Successful Defense of College in Matter of Discrimination Grievances
- Successful Defense of Public and Private Sector Employers Against Discrimination and Retaliation Complaints
- Successful Representation of Client Through DOL Audit Regarding Exempt Status of Workers
- Successful tax-free pro rata spin-off of medical device company
- Union Relationship Management on Behalf of For-Profit & Nonprofit Employers
- Well-Executed Plan Ends Union Organizing Drive Against Hodgson Russ Client
News
- Buffalo News, February 9, 2019
- Buffalo Law Journal, January 14, 2019
- Buffalo Business First, February 12, 2016
- Press Release, November 18, 2015
- Press Release, August 1, 2014
- Press Release, April 11, 2014
- Press Release, February 25, 2014
- Biz TV Canada, September 2012
- Biz TV Canada, August 2012
- May 9, 2012
- February 16, 2012
- Buffalo Business First, May 6, 2011
- Buffalo News, February 27, 2011
- January 4, 2011
- Buffalo Law Journal, July 30, 2009
- February 9, 2009
- February 8, 2009
- November 17, 2008
Presentations
- Tamarack Club at Holiday Valley, 557 Holiday Valley Road, Ellicottville, NY, March 28, 2019
- Buffalo Niagara Marriott, Amherst, NY, November 15, 2018
- October 16, 2018
- September 18, 21, 24 and 27
- Cheektowaga, New York, September 19, 2018
- Hodgson Russ, 140 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202, August 3, 2018
- Buffalo Niagara Marriott, Amherst, NY, November 2, 2017
- Classics V Restaurant, Amherst, NY, October 20, 2017
- Camp Finance 2017October 5, 2017
- June 1, 2017
- Buffalo Marriott Niagara, 1340 Millersport Highway, Amherst, NY, November 3, 2016
- The Modern American Workplace, Ultimate Software HR WorkshopBuffalo Marriott Harborcenter, 95 Main Street, Buffalo NY, May 17, 2016
- Buffalo/Niagara Marriott, 1340 Millersport Highway, Amherst, NY, November 5, 2015
- Buffalo Niagara Human Resource Association Annual Legal UpdateBuffalo, NY, September 16, 2015
- Amherst, NY, November 7, 2013
- New York, NY, September 26, 2013
- Buffalo, NY, May 16, 2013
- Amherst, NY, November 1, 2012
- New York, NY, October 24, 2012
- Saratoga Springs, NY, June 21, 2012
- New York, NY, May 22, 2012
- Amherst, NY, November 3, 2011
- Buffalo, NY, August 4, 2011
- Amherst, NY, November 4, 2010
- Buffalo, NY, June 30, 2010
- Buffalo, NY, May 11, 2010
- Cheektowaga, NY, November 12, 2009
- Buffalo, NY, March 26, 2009
- Buffalo, NY, February 26, 2009
Publications
- Labor & Employment Alert, December 26, 2018
- Labor & Employment Alert, December 26, 2018
- Labor & Employment Alert, December 26, 2018
- Labor and Employment Alert, December 26, 2018
- Labor & Employment Alert, December 26, 2018
- Labor & Employment Alert, December 26, 2018
- OSHA Alert, December 20, 2018
- Labor & Employment Alert, October 1, 2018
- Labor & Employment Alert, August 29, 2018
- Labor & Employment Alert, August 14, 2018
- Labor & Employment Alert, July 19, 2018
- Labor & Employment Alert, June 28, 2018
- Wine Beer & Spirits Alert, June 18, 2018
- Labor and Employment Alert, May 15, 2018
- Labor and Employment Alert, April 12, 2018
- Labor and Employment Alert, March 21, 2018
- Labor & Employment and Employment Litigation Alert, February 27, 2018
- Labor and Employment Alert, January 23, 2018
- Labor and Employment Alert, December 26, 2017
- Labor and Employment Alert, December 19, 2017
- Labor and Employment Alert, December 12, 2017
- Labor & Employment Alert, September 13, 2017
- Labor & Employment Alert, June 7, 2017
- Labor & Employment Alert, May 1, 2017
- Labor & Employment Alert, April 12, 2017
- Labor & Employment Alert, November 23, 2016
- Labor & Employment Alert, November 14, 2016
- Labor & Employment Alert, October 28, 2016
- Labor & Employment Alert, May 23, 2016
- Labor & Employment Alert, May 18, 2016
- Labor & Employment Alert, April 27, 2016
- Labor & Employment Alert, April 5, 2016
- Labor & Employment Alert, April 1, 2016
- Labor & Employment Alert, April 1, 2016
- Labor & Employment Alert, March 18, 2016
- Labor & Employment Alert, March 11, 2016
- Labor & Employment Alert, January 22, 2016
- Labor & Employment Alert, December 29, 2015
- Labor & Employment Alert, December 18, 2015
- Wage & Hour Alert, December 3, 2015
- Labor & Employment Alert, November 10, 2015
- Labor & Employment Alert, November 10, 2015
- Labor & Employment Alert, November 5, 2015
- Labor & Employment Alert, August 28, 2015
- Labor & Employment Alert, July 20, 2015
- Labor & Employment Alert, July 17, 2015
- Labor & Employment Alert, July 15, 2015
- Labor & Employment Alert, July 15, 2015
- Labor & Employment Alert, July 14, 2015
- Restrictive Covenants and ‘Contacts’: Whose Client List Is It?New York Law Journal, March 9, 2015
- Domestic Violence: Some Considerations for the WorkplaceCapital District Women’s Bar Newsletter, February 25, 2015
- Saratoga Business Journal, February 5, 2015
- Labor & Employment Alert, January 15, 2015
- Labor & Employment Alert, January 8, 2015
- Lawyers Weekly, November 14, 2014
- Hodgson Russ Alert, September 23, 2014
- Employers' Advisor, August 18, 2014
- Employers' Advisor, August 12, 2014
- Employers' Advisor, August 6, 2014
- April 25, 2014
- Saratoga Business Journal, February 6, 2014
- JD Supra, January 2, 2014
- JD Supra, December 30, 2013
- JD Supra, December 27, 2013
- JD Supra, December 6, 2013
- October 4, 2013
- Labor & Employment Alert, September 25, 2013
- Labor & Employment Alert, August 26, 2013
- Labor & Employment Alert, August 9, 2013
- Labor & Employment Alert, August 1, 2013
- Lawyers Weekly, July 5, 2013
- Employment Litigation Alert, June 27, 2013
- Employment Litigation Alert, June 26, 2013
- Labor & Employment Alert, June 18, 2013
- Labor & Employment Alert, June 7, 2013
- OSHA Alert, June 7, 2013
- On Board, May 27, 2013
- May 10, 2013
- Labor & Employment Alert, May 3, 2013
- Labor & Employment Alert, May 1, 2013
- Labor & Employment Alert, April 26, 2013
- Labor & Employment Alert, February 8, 2013
- New York Law Journal, November 20, 2012
- Health Law Journal, November 19, 2012
- Labor & Employment Alert, November 5, 2012
- Labor & Employment Alert, October 9, 2012
- October 2, 2012
- Biz TV Canada, September 2012
- Labor & Employment Alert, August 30, 2012
- For the Defense, August 14, 2012
- Labor & Employment Alert, May 18, 2012
- Labor & Employment Alert, April 18, 2012
- The Voice, a publication of the DRI, March 16, 2012
- Labor & Employment Alert, March 15, 2012
- Labor & Employment Alert, February 17, 2012
- Labor & Employment Alert, December 30, 2011
- December 6, 2011
- October 13, 2011
- Labor & Employment Alert, September 20, 2011
- Labor & Employment Alert, February 1, 2011
- Labor & Employment Alert, October 27, 2010
- Labor & Employment Alert, October 14, 2010
- New York Legislation Changes the Landscape of Worker Classification Law in the Construction IndustryLabor & Employment Alert, September 17, 2010
- Labor & Employment Alert, September 23, 2009
- Labor & Employment Alert, July 28, 2009
- Labor & Employment Alert, May 8, 2009
- Labor & Employment Alert, February 13, 2009
- February 3, 2009
- Labor & Employment Alert, January 12, 2009
- Labor & Employment Alert, December 10, 2008
- Labor & Employment Alert, October 29, 2008
- Labor & Employment Alert, October 21, 2008
- Labor & Employment Alert, January 2008
- Labor & Employment Alert, January 2008
- Boca Raton News, December 5, 2007
- Labor & Employment Alert, November 28, 2007
- Labor & Employment Alert, October 26, 2007
- Labor & Employment Alert, August 21, 2007
- July 18, 2007