About

Provided by Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC

We have deep expertise in the burgeoning area of the defense of retaliation and whistle blower claims, both in guiding employers in how to avoid such claims, and in defending them when such claims already have been made. To succeed in this area requires deep understanding of the client’s business and, in many cases, a strong knowledge of the underlying legal and financial issues that are at the root of such claims.

Our presence in Massachusetts offers employers a deep experience and expertise in defending class and collective actions, particularly in the area of wage/hour litigation. We work with clients to avoid litigation and to eliminate class actions on a single-plaintiff basis prior to class certification, as well as to analyze their pay practices and make the changes necessary to minimize the risk of systemic claims.

Our office continues to handle complex, high profile traditional labor relations matters including negotiating initial and successor labor agreements for larger bargaining units, high value labor arbitration cases, and defending dozens of unfair labor practice charges filed against our clients with the National Labor Relations Board.

We are recognized as leaders in the area of fixed and alternative fee arrangements, delivering high value services to clients with budget certainty. By leveraging technology and our firm’s broad expertise in a variety of practice areas, we are able to assist clients in all phases of labor and employment-related legal matters.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Labor & Employment - Massachusetts
3
Band 3
What the team is known for

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart fields experienced trial attorneys well-versed in a broad range of employment discrimination and unfair competition issues. It is equipped to handle local, national and international work. The department offers strong expertise across a diverse range of industry sectors, including retail and life sciences. The firm is often retained to advise on high-stakes labor and employment issues, with specialist expertise in whistle-blower and drug testing cases.

Work Highlights

Provided by Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC
  • Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC successfully defended VMware against allegations including wrongfully withheld earned commissions.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
Mark Burak
3
Mark Burak
3
Band 3

Mark Burak advises on the full range of employment issues, with a focus on acting for clients in the life sciences sector.

"He is very knowledgable."

Neil McKittrick
4
Neil McKittrick
4
Band 4

Neil McKittrick is a well-regarded traditional labor lawyer, noted for his expertise in noncompete matters. He is also well versed in handling class actions.

"Neil is a fantastic lawyer; he is experienced and skilled."

Francesco A. DeLuca
U
Francesco A. DeLuca
U
Up and Coming

Francesco DeLuca advises on a range of employment matters including whistle-blowing, harassment and issues relating to commission payments.

"He's very responsive, very knowledgable and is proactive in making us aware of changes that may impact us."

Ranked Lawyers at
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Massachusetts

Labor & Employment

Mark Burak
3
Mark Burak
3
Band 3
Neil McKittrick
4
Neil McKittrick
4
Band 4
Francesco A. DeLuca
U
Francesco A. DeLuca
U
Up and Coming

Members

Provided by Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC

Carson Burnham

Danielle Y. Vanderzanden

Diana Nehro

Katherine Rigby

Mark Burak

Head of Department

Patrick Curran

Rachel Mandel

Rebecca Marks

Robert Shea

Industries

Provided by Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC

Aerospace & Defence

Banks

Charities / Not for Profit

Chemicals

Commercial & Professional Services

Consumer Product Manufacturing

Energy

Financial Services

Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences

Real Estate

Retail

Software & Computer Services

Technology, Hardware & Electronics

Travel & Leisure

Utilities