Labor & Employment
An organization’s employees are its lifeblood —this is especially true in the dynamic world of sports, where teamwork, performance, and culture drive success within organizations.
Helping clients in the sports and entertainment sector create work environments that allow them to achieve their business objectives is our primary goal. Our team works with organizations to implement best practices and policies, addressing unique workplace issues such as athlete relations, the use of independent contractors, and more before disputes arise. We build deep relationships with our clients as trusted advisors and use our relationships to create practical solutions with each organization’s unique culture and goals in mind.
When choosing outside employment counsel, our clients look for firms that offer more than just knowledge and the ability to practice law, but advisors who understand the fast-paced, high-profile nature of the industry. We talk with our clients in clear and straightforward terms about complicated employment-related issues, so that they can make informed decisions quickly. That’s why, according to Chambers, our “combination of technical expertise and interpersonal skills [...] builds trust and confidence.”
We leave no stone unturned, allowing our clients to stay in control of their individual narrative and reputation as an employer. We provide employment diligence on a variety of corporate transactions and post-close integration advice in the U.S. and globally. When sports organizations need to restructure their workforce, our team is well-versed in reductions in force. To the extent possible, we strive to help clients avoid costly and protracted litigation, obtaining favorable outcomes at the earliest possible stage through aggressive investigation, discovery, and motions practice. As necessary, our trial lawyers carry cases through the state and federal courts, harnessing our collective experience gained in trying, and winning, hundreds of cases. Whether you’re facing bet-the-company class or collective actions, disputes with senior management, or sensitive claims involving C-level executives or athletes, including discrimination or harassment, we are the team you need on your side.
Capabilities
Defending a U.S.-based global sporting and music entertainment presenter in a high-stakes wage and hour class action involving over 2,500 employees, focusing on novel legal issues around allegations related to non-compliant breaks and unpaid wages, including around security screening time at major entertainment venues, with significant implications for companies hosting large public events.
Represented a Major League Baseball team against a class action complaint alleging the team engaged in age discrimination due to a ticket discount offered to ‘Millennials’ and ‘Young Professionals’.
Advised a leading professional baseball team in connection with reports that undisclosed unions are seeking to represent different groups of employees at its corporate headquarters.
Advised a well-known U.S.-based sports association on navigating complaints of sexual harassment made by an employee of a service provider at a high-profile sporting event against a leader of a large university.
Advising a professional sports league on various employment-related matters associated with the organization, including ensuring compliance with various labor and employment laws throughout the United States, negotiating player agreements, and otherwise updating employment-related policies.
Achieved a complete release with no financial liability for a leading entertainment company in three wage-and-hour class and PAGA actions involving 48 class representatives.
