Michael D. Homans practices labor and employment law, concentrating on the litigation of workplace disputes and pre-litigation advice to employers and employees. He represents a wide range of companies, nonprofit organizations and individuals throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. He serves as lead counsel in cases concerning wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, whistleblowing, non-compete agreements, wage payment and overtime, family and medical leave, and breach of contract. Mr. Homans has obtained favorable judgments and verdicts for his clients in trial and appellate courts, administrative agencies and through alternative dispute resolution. Mr. Homans also drafts and reviews employee handbooks, severance agreements, policies and contracts.
Mr. Homans frequently publishes articles on employment law and he is a noted lecturer. He presents seminars on sexual harassment and other employment issues to institutional clients, businesses and legal organizations. Since 2000, Mr. Homans has organized and presented annual seminars on topics such as discrimination litigation, wage and hour laws, and wrongful termination to other employment lawyers and human resources professionals at the Employment Law Institute, an event sponsored by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI). He also has presented seminars and papers on employment law to the American Bar Association (ABA), Swarthmore College, Temple University's Beasley School of Law, Neumann College, the Delaware Valley Association of Corporate Counsel (DELVACCA) and the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey Chambers of Commerce. He has been a featured guest on cable news and broadcast programs, including "It's Your Call with Lynn Doyle," to debate issues involving employment law and employee rights. Mr. Homans also has been a contributor to the ABA treatise Employment Discrimination Law, and is an active member of the ABA's Employment Rights and Responsibilities Committee, where he serves as the management chair of the State Law Developments Subcommittee.
Mr. Homans previously worked in the Labor & Employment Group at Drinker Biddle & Reath in Philadelphia. He has been featured in the SEAK National Directory of Physicians' Counsel, for his experience in representing physicians and other healthcare providers.
Prior to becoming a lawyer, Mr. Homans worked as a journalist in Savannah, Georgia, and Seattle, Washington, winning numerous awards for his reporting.
Representative Matters
· Winning a jury trial and obtaining a verdict fully in our client's favor in a 2011 age discrimination case in federal court in Philadelphia
· Prevailing on a motion for summary judgment to dismiss claims of overtime pay violations against his client, one of the largest healthcare providers in the mid-Atlantic region
· Winning a $2.96 million reverse discrimination verdict in federal court in Pennsylvania
· Winning a preliminary injunction in federal court to enforce a five-year covenant not to compete on behalf of a national healthcare provider
· Obtaining a jury verdict on behalf of his client in a sex-discrimination wrongful-termination suit in federal court in Pittsburgh
· Helping run a successful union-avoidance campaign on behalf of a major South Jersey employer
· Prevailing on a motion for summary judgment on behalf of a Fortune 500 company against an employee claiming disability discrimination in his termination of employment
· Helping guide an employer through the complex legal and human resources issues relating to an employee's gender change during employment
Honors & Awards
· Named a Pennsylvania "Super Lawyer," 2008 - 2012, by Thomson Reuters, publishers of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
· Top Attorney List, SJ Magazine, 2011
· Named to the "Legal Elite" list by SmartCEO Magazine, 2010
· Named a New Jersey "Super Lawyer," 2006, 2007 and 2008, by Thomson Reuters, publishers of New Jersey Super Lawyers
· Distinguished Advocate, Support Center for Child Advocates
Professional Affiliations
· American Bar Association
· Pennsylvania Bar Association
· Philadelphia Bar Association
· New Jersey State Bar Association
Community Activities
Mr. Homans is the immediate past president of the board of managers of Travelers Aid Family Services of Philadelphia, a nonprofit agency devoted to helping homeless families transition to stability. Mr. Homans was honored as a "Distinguished Advocate" for children by the Support Center for Child Advocates in Philadelphia, for his pro bono efforts toward making a difference in the lives of young people.
Industry Groups Nonprofit & Charitable Organizations
News, Events & Articles
News
Seven Flaster/Greenberg Attorneys Honored by Thomson Reuters as 2012 Pennsylvania "Super Lawyers" and "Rising Stars" Press Release (May 29, 2012)
Homans to Participate in DELVACCA In-House Counsel Conference
Press Release (March 20, 2012)
Flaster/Greenberg Shareholder Appears on "It's Your Call" with Lynn Doyle
News Item (February 15, 2012)
Flaster/Greenberg's Homans to Present at PBI Business Lawyers' Institute
Press Release (October 13, 2011)
Twenty-One Flaster/Greenberg Attorneys Named to SJ Magazine's "Top Attorney" List for 2011
Press Release (August 3, 2011)
Seven Flaster/Greenberg Attorneys Honored by Thomson Reuters as 2011 Pennsylvania "Super Lawyers" and "Rising Stars"
Press Release (May 24, 2011)
Flaster/Greenberg Shareholder Moderates Panel at ABA Midwinter Meeting
Press Release (March 28, 2011)
Federal Judge Rules against Crozer Chester Medical Center in Overtime Pay Dispute
Press Release (January 18, 2011)
Spotlight Put on Federal, State WARN Acts in Tough Economy
The Legal Intelligencer (November 30, 2010)
Homans Tapped for ABA Panel
Press Release (October 26, 2010)
Homans to Speak at South Jersey Chamber Event
Press Release (October 11, 2010)
Five F/G Attorneys Honored by Philadelphia SmartCEO Magazine as 2010 "Legal Elite"
Press Release (October 4, 2010)
Ruling Highlights Power Disparity Between Male, Female Partners
The Legal Intelligencer (August 3, 2010)
Flaster/Greenberg Shareholder Presents at PBI Employment Law Program
Press Release (July 21, 2010)
Seven Flaster/Greenberg Attorneys Honored by Key Professional Media as 2010 Pennsylvania "Super Lawyers" and "Rising Stars"
Press Release (May 24, 2010)
Flaster/Greenberg Shareholder Publishes Article in American Bar Association Publication
Press Release (May 17, 2010)
Flaster/Greenberg Shareholder Presents at PBI Employment Law Institute
Press Release (May 10, 2010)
Flaster/Greenberg Shareholder Presents at PBI Employment Law Institute
Press Release (April 19, 2010)
2010 Tool Kit Series for Business Owners
Press Release (December 28, 2009)
Michael D. Homans elected President of Travelers Aid Board
Press Release (August 19, 2009)
Homans and Vidal present non-profit workshop
Press Release (June 12, 2009)
Flaster/Greenberg's Homans Presents Workshop
Press Release (March 9, 2009)
Flaster/Greenberg Honored as 2008 Company of the Year by National Association of Women Business Owners South Jersey
Press Release (November 17, 2008)
Homans speaks on Family Medical Leave at Medical Society of New Jersey
Press Release (May 6, 2008)
Homans speaks on NJ Employee Protection Act at PA Bar
Press Release (May 1, 2008)
Homans to serve as panelist at the ABA's Midwinter Meeting
Press Release (March 25, 2008)
F/G Bits and Pieces
Press Release (March 4, 2008)
Attorney Michael D. Homans Published in the 2007 Comparative Law Yearbook of International Business -- Employment Law
Press Release (October 9, 2007)
Seminars & Speaking Engagements
18th Annual Employment Law Institute - New Tricks in Age Discrimination Litigation: You're Never Too Old to Learn
Pennsylvania Bar Institute (April 19, 2012)
4th Annual In-House Counsel Conference
DELVACCA (April 16, 2012)
17th Annual Business Lawyers Institute - The Dirty Dozen Employment Law Traps
Pennsylvania Bar Institute (November 9, 2011)
The "New and Improved" ADA: What Every Employer Needs to Know About the Expanded Disabilities Law and Regulations
EEOC, Flaster/Greenberg (September 22, 2011)
Gab with the Government
American Bar Association (March 24, 2011)
Primer on What the Family and Medical Leave Act Covers
4th Annual ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law Conference (November 3, 2010)
The Dirty Dozen: Employment Law Issues that Trap Employers and How to Sidestep Them
The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (June 4, 2010)
Discipline and Discharge: Tackling the Toughest Employment Issues
Flaster/Greenberg (May 12, 2010)
Nonprofit Workshop and Panel Discussion
The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (June 5, 2009)
Labor and Employment Breakfast Seminar: The 'New' New Jersey Paid Family Leave Law
Flaster/Greenberg (June 2, 2009)
Labor and Employment Seminar: Discipline and Discharge
Flaster/Greenberg (May 5, 2009)
Labor and Employment Breakfast Seminar: Discipline and Discharge - Avoiding Litigation Landmines
Flaster/Greenberg (March 19, 2009)
Complying with the New FMLA Rules
Flaster/Greenberg (January 8, 2009)
Employment Law Institute Breakfast Briefing
DELVACCA (May 8, 2008)
You're the boss but... HR Tips on Hiring & Retaining Your Greatest Asset
Flaster/Greenberg (February 12, 2008)
Articles & Alerts
Banning Smokers May Harm Your Company's Health The Legal Intelligencer (May 11, 2012)
New Tricks in Age Discrimination Litigation: You're Never Too Old to Learn
Pennsylvania Bar Institute April 19, 2012)
Waiving the Right to Trial, Going Psycho, and Dealing with New Unemployment Rules for Severance Pay
Employment Law Update (March 27, 2012)
Employment Law Update
(February 1, 2012)
Anti-discrimination Laws: New Jersey
Practical Law Company (December 14, 2011)
Bad Questions, ADA Amendments and "Nazirites"
Employment Law Update (August 16, 2011)
2011 Labor & Employment Round Table
The Legal Intelligencer (July 2011)
Schwarzenegger, Weiner and Friends
New Jersey Law Journal (July 1, 2011)
Leave Laws: New Jersey
Practical Law Company (June 22, 2011)
Anti-discrimination Laws: New Jersey
Practical Law Company (May 25, 2011)
Mini-WARN Acts: New Jersey
Practical Law Company (May 16, 2011)
Will Your Company Blow It? New Whistleblower Laws May Generate More Litigation
Banking & Accounting Supplement to The Legal Intelligencer (February 8, 2011)
Social Networking, Texting While Driving, and Genetic Information
Employment Law Update (January 24, 2011)
Judge to Hospital: Pay Physician Assistant Salary or Pay Overtime
Legal Alert (January 18, 2011)
Primer on What the Family and Medical Leave Act Covers
4th Annual ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law Conference (November 3, 2010)
Dealing with Damage Issues in Employment and Consulting Agreements
Pennsylvania Bar Institute (July 30, 2010)
The States Strike Back: Independent Contractor Status Under Attack From Coast to Coast
American Bar Association Section on Labor and Employment Law (March 25, 2010)
Appeals Court Rules FMLA Leave May Be Warranted, Even When Doctor's Note Falls Short
Legal Alert (March 16, 2010)
Employers Can Take Steps to Avoid Liability
The Legal Intelligencer (February 22, 2010)
So It Shall Be Written: Workplace Policy in a Faith-Friendly Age
American Bar Association Section on Labor and Employment Law (Fall 2009)
Pennsylvania Adopts "mini-Cobra" Law for Small Employers
Legal Alert (June 18, 2009)
Law Report: Employment and Benefits Law
Legal Alert (Spring 2009)
Sanctions, Sweat, Perfume and Retaliation
Employment Law Update (February 13, 2009)
Top Employment Law Issues for Paralegals
The Legal Intelligencer (January 23, 2009)
Making a Case for Discharge
(May 8, 2008)
NJ Mandates Paid Family Leave for Large and Small Employers
Legal Alert (May 2, 2008)
Severance Agreements: Protect your interests with key terms
Legal Alert (April 26, 2008)
In New Jersey, Everyone is a Whistleblower
Pennsylvania Bar Institute's 14th Annual Employment Law Institute (April 17, 2008)
In Management We Trust
American Bar Association Section on Labor and Employment Law (April 2, 2008)
Third Circuit Requires "Strict Compliance" in Age Discrimination Waivers
Focus, The Association of Corporate Counsel, Delaware Valley (DELVACCA) Chapter (First Quarter 2008)
Watch What You Say
New Jersey Law Journal, vol. CLXXXVII, no.4, index 257 (January 22, 2007)
Winter 2006 Employment and Benefits Law Report
Legal Alert (January 1, 2006)
Employment Law: Significance of Recent U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Age Discrimination
Legal Alert (April 1, 2005)
Executive Counsel: Expert Advice That Addresses All Your Business Concerns
South Jersey Business & Fine Living (July 19, 2004)
Help Clients Gear Up for Renewed Hiring
New Jersey Law Journal, vol. CLXXV, no. 13, index 1350 (March 29, 2004)
Schwarzenegger's Lesson for Lawyers
New Jersey Law Journal, vol. CLXXIV, no. 6, index 495 (November 10, 2003)
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