The firm’s employment practice, in-keeping with Watkins & Eager’s long-standing tradition as Mississippi’s preeminent litigation and trial firm, is principally dedicated to defense of individual and complex employment litigation before federal and state courts, and related administrative claims before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the federal Department of Labor (DOL). Our employment litigation practice includes summary judgment practice, jury trials, and appeals in individual, class, and EEOC litigation. We regularly defend litigation in federal and state courts, representing employers in cases brought under Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and other federal statutory schemes, as well as in cases brought under state law, such as breach of contract, wrongful discharge, and employment tort actions. The firm also regularly handles restrictive covenant disputes and litigation, and is able to immediately respond to any exigencies arising in this area. We also represent employers in employment disputes resolved through alternative dispute resolution forums and processes.
We also regularly handle other administrative matters and advise clients on a daily basis about all aspect of employee relations and human resources administration. Our employment-related administrative and advice practice includes investigation of claims and complaints, preparation of position statements, on-site investigations and fact-finding conferences, daily advice concerning personnel matters, policy review and updating, employee training, and guidance concerning work authorization. We represent employers in unfair labor practice claims and related administrative trials before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). We prepare and update employer affirmative action programs and represent employers in on-site audits and investigations initiated by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). Our lawyers also handle claims filed with the Wage/Hour Division of the DOL, and investigations and audits conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Watkins & Eager also has experience in union elections and collective bargaining matters. We are experienced in helping public and private companies, nonprofits, and international corporations avoid and solve workplace legal problems.
