Maureen Fitzgerald focuses her practice in the areas of employment litigation, professional liability and commercial litigation. In the area of employment law, Maureen has extensive experience defending both public and private employers across a broad scope of industries, in cases where claims have been made and suits have been brought against them involving all aspects of employment discrimination, sexual harassment and wrongful termination under state and federal employment statutes. Her practice also extends into the areas of trade secrets, non-compete agreements, employer counseling, employee training and civil rights litigation.
In the area of professional liability, Maureen has represented various licensed professionals including attorneys, accountants and physicians. It is important to note that Maureen maintains the distinction of being a CPA. Here, her knowledge of business and accounting principles has been of significant help to her clients, particularly in the defense of complex commercial litigation and professional liability matters.
Significant Representative Matters
ˇ Successfully defended a large financial institution at trial against claims of racial and pregnancy discrimination and violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
ˇ Defended an attorney in a bench trial against claims of defamation relating to speech on a matter of public concern and postings on an internet website.
ˇ Defended a large corporate client in an injunctive proceeding against claims for alleged violations of Pennsylvania's Uniform Trade Secrets Act and alleged breach of non-compete agreements arising from the hiring of a competitor's employee.
ˇ Drafted numerous Employee Handbooks, employer-specific policies, and provided counseling to employers regarding matters of employee discipline.
ˇ Successfully tried a disability discrimination case brought by a pharmacist against his employer alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
ˇ Participated in the successful defense of an attorney sued for abuse of process and wrongful use of civil proceedings arising from an underlying medical malpractice claim.
ˇ Defended a law firm in an action for negligent supervision where an employee engaged in alleged inappropriate workplace conduct, and the plaintiff sought substantial punitive damages.
ˇ Prevailed in the defense of a township against allegations of civil rights violations relating to a builder's attempts to development property and claims of due process violations.
ˇ Successfully defended a municipality in a trial in the Middle District of Pennsylvania where a former employee brought claims of civil rights violations and under Pennsylvania's whistleblower statute.
ˇ Litigated several matters relating to employee non-competition agreements, the Pennsylvania Uniform Trade Secrets Act, employer confidentiality provisions.
ˇ Has handled professional liability matters for over 15 years in numerous state and federal courts, both at the trial court and appellate court levels, including successfully trying numerous professional liability matters.
Published Works
ˇ Leave Required for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence, Philadelphia Report, 2009
Associations & Memberships
ˇ Pennsylvania Bar Association
ˇ Philadelphia Bar Association
Honors & Awards
ˇ BV Distinguished Peer Review Rating by LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell
ˇ Selected for inclusion in Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Star
Year Joined Organization: 2011