Gina Wodarski practices in the Firm's Litigation Management Department, where she focuses on the area of employment and ERISA (The Employee Retirement Income Security Act) law, managing employment and ERISA lawsuits filed against a Fortune 20 client and two major financial institutions.
Gina experience includes employment litigation and advice, and ERISA litigation and advice, on both a multi-state and national level. Gina leads the ERISA group of the Litigation Management Department, notably with a record of success managing a national portfolio of ERISA matters. Her ERISA practice includes litigating claims involving medical, life, prescription-drug, disability, severance, pension and other benefits. Gina's employment litigation practice involves a wide-variety of employment matters, including claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation and wrongful discharge, as well as non-competition, non-solicitation, breach of contract, wage and hour, and stock option matters. She also counsels clients to address human resource demands, facilitate business success and resolve client challenges. Gina has successfully appeared in state and federal courts and agencies nationwide, and her experience includes complex commercial, insurance, tort, and contract disputes.
Notable Experience
· She obtained numerous voluntary dismissals of suits against employer-clients, including a voluntary dismissal on behalf of a Fortune 20 client during preliminary trial proceedings, due to successful litigation strategy and outcomes.
· She has prevailed at summary judgment on behalf of her employer-clients in numerous employment cases, including cases involving claims of discrimination, harassment and retaliation, alleged violations of the FMLA and FLSA, breach of contract and various employment torts.
· She has prevailed at summary judgment on behalf of her employer-clients in countless ERISA cases, including cases involving claims for pension, prescription-drug, life, disability, severance and other benefits.
· She has effectively negotiated countless cases on behalf of her employer-clients, including those that led to the non-monetary settlement of disputes on terms favorable to the client.
· She won before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of a Fortune 20 client in an ERISA class action, where the plaintiffs sought millions of dollars in benefits and other relief for alleged breaches of fiduciary duties in connection with the alleged administration of a prescription drug plan.
· She recently prevailed before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of a large financial institution in an employment case involving claims of religion, race, national origin, and disability discrimination and retaliation.
Recent Speaking Engagements and Publications
· ERISA Compliance 101 Webinar, February 9, 2012, presenter, sponsored by EBS Capstone.
· Family Medical Leave Act in Massachusetts, presenter, a program hosted by Lorman Education Services October 30, 2007, New Bedford, Massachusetts.
· FMLA Update 2007, presenter, the Council on Education in Management, September 6-7, 2007, Providence, Rhode Island.
· "Reductions in Force," presenter, Lorman Education Services.
· "State and Federal Personnel Recordkeeping and Retention Requirements," Lorman Education Services.
· "Disability Accommodations," Lorman Education Services.
· "Discipline and Investigations," MetroWest Human Resources Management Association.
News & Publications
December 17, 2008, Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge Announces Six New Partners and Three New Counsel
Before Edwards Wildman
During law school, Gina served as a clerk to the Honorable Joseph H. Rodriguez in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New Jersey. Before joining the firm, Gina worked as an associate in a downtown Boston law firm, where she focused on the litigation of labor, employment and ERISA matters, as well as other matters, including complex commercial disputes.
Besides Edwards Wildman
Gina is an avid runner, and, in her younger years, ran both the Boston and Chicago marathons. Gina also enjoys spending time with her family and friends; cheering-on Boston and New England sports teams; travelling; cooking; and volunteering in the community, including mentoring five-year olds and supporting her children's' school.
Events
October 30, 2007, New Bedford, MA, Family and Medical Leave Act in Massachusetts
September 6, 2007 - September 7, 2007, Providence, RI, FMLA Update 2007
Memberships
· American Bar Association
· Boston Bar Association
· Massachusetts Bar Association
· Women's Bar Association