Jackson Walker Labor and Employment News

Tracey Wallace Speaks at the Lavender Law Conference

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Jackson Walker partner Tracey Wallace will speak at the National LGBT Bar Association's Lavender Law Career Fair and Conference in Miami, Florida, on August 28, 2010.

During this two-day conference, Ms. Wallace will participate in a CLE course discussion on labor law and its implications on LGBT workers, such as equality in workplace benefits. Laura Maechtlen, president-elect of the National Lesbian and Gay Law Association, will moderate the course discussion. To learn more about all the workshops offered and general information about this conference, CLICK HERE.

Ms. Wallace's practice focuses on the defense and trial of complex employment cases in federal and state courts. She represents a broad range of state, national and international clients in the full spectrum of employment and discrimination related matters. Ms. Wallace has also drafted manuals and policies for companies, trained employees, and spoken on employment issues to different audiences. Ms. Wallace's general litigation experience includes defending clients in products liability matters, breach of contract matters, qui tam matters, personal injury and other commercial litigation matters. Ms. Wallace received her B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and her J.D. from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law.

Ashley Scheer Speaks on Effective Employment Investigations

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Jackson Walker partner Ashley Scheer will speak at the Dallas Bar Association's Labor and Employment section meeting on July 19, 2010, in Dallas, Texas.

Ms. Scheer's speech is titled "Doing It Right: Conducting an Effective Investigation." The event is a luncheon CLE course; the Labor and Employment section holds these course meetings monthly to provide valuable information on topical issues in employment law.

Ms. Scheer's practice focuses on the representation of management in a broad range of employment litigation in federal and state courts and related proceedings. Additionally, she represents employers before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Labor, and state agencies in claims of discrimination and wage and hour administrative investigations. She has experience in matters involving all forms of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour issues, and noncompetition matters. Ms. Scheer received her B.A. degree from the University of Texas at Austin and her J.D. degree from Southern Methodist University.

Karen Monsen Speaks on E-Discovery and Employment Law

Thursday, July 08, 2010

Jackson Walker partner Karen Monsen will lead a session on e-discovery and employment law in San Antonio, Texas, on July 13, 2010.

The event will focus on how e-discovery impacts human resources rules and regulations. Attendees can expect to learn about the legal implications of social media and how to engage employees in conversation related to privacy of corporate information. The session will be interactive; participants will be able to offer direction and support of how to build effective communication awareness in the workplace. This event is hosted by members of the San Antonio Human Resource Management Association (SAHRMA), a non-profit organization with more than 800 members who support the advancement of human resources through the interchange of ideas, experience, and methods of the employee-manager relationship. To learn more about SAHRMA and to register for the event, CLICK HERE.

Ms. Monsen practices commercial and employment litigation, having represented clients across the country in state forums, in federal court, and in international arbitration. She focuses on cases in which employment and intellectual property issues overlap, as well as large national and international commercial litigation. She was named a "Rising Star" by Thomson Reuters in 2006 and 2008 and was named a San Antonio "Best Lawyer" by Scene in S.A. (2009). Ms. Monsen received both her B.A., with honors, and J.D. degrees from the University of Texas. During law school, she received the Dean's Award for Copyright Law, awarded to the student with the highest grade in the class.

Jackson Walker Welcomes Tracey Wallace to the Dallas Office

Monday, June 07, 2010

Jackson Walker is pleased to welcome new partner Tracey Wallace to the Labor and Employment group in the Dallas office.

Ms. Wallace's practice focuses on the defense and trial of complex employment cases in federal and state courts. Ms. Wallace represents a broad range of state, national and international clients in the full spectrum of employment and discrimination related matters. Ms. Wallace has also drafted manuals and policies for companies, trained employees, and spoken on employment issues to different audiences. Ms. Wallace's general litigation experience includes defending clients in products liability matters, breach of contract matters, qui tam matters, personal injury and other commercial litigation matters.

Ms. Wallace is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Dallas Bar Association, J.L. Turner Legal Association, American Bar Association, National Bar Association, Defense Resources Institute and National Employment Law Council. She is a past member of the Dallas Leadership Committee for Lambda Legal, where she served as Chair of the Women's Brunch. Ms. Wallace is a current Liberty Circle member and Federal Club member of the Human Rights Campaign. She received her B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and her J.D. from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law.

Gary Ingram Speaks on OSHA Investigations and Citations

Monday, February 22, 2010

Jackson Walker partner Gary Ingram spoke at the Annual Winter Conference of the Association of Energy Service Companies (AESC). The conference was held in Carefree, Arizona, on Feb. 10-12, 2010.

Mr. Ingram gave a presentation on "OSHA Investigations and Citations." Mr. Ingram has more than 25 years experience in assisting a wide range of employers, including energy service companies, with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigations and citations and the development of worksite safety programs. To view Mr. Ingram's Powerpoint presentation, CLICK HERE.

AESC provides information and guidance to members and others in the energy service industry regarding "best practices" and industry standards, including safety practices and standards, and has established cooperative alliances with the OSHA to help protect employees from identifiable well-site safety hazards. For more information on AESC, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Ingram is the statewide head of Jackson Walker's Labor and Employment Practice Group and maintains offices in Fort Worth and Dallas. He is board certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and he has represented private and public employers throughout the State of Texas. He frequently is asked to share his insights and years of experience with trade groups, professional organizations, and with other lawyers at continuing legal education programs. He has received peer recognition in his specialty, including multiple listings in Thomson Reuters' and Best Lawyers in America magazine's "Super Lawyers" listings.

Jackson Walker Congratulates Its 2010 BTI Client Service All Stars

Monday, February 01, 2010

DALLAS - Jackson Walker partners Carl Butzer and Jay Rutherford were recently chosen for the BTI Client Service All Stars 2010.

BTI Client Service All Stars is an elite group of 165 attorneys recognized as delivering the absolute best in client service. Attorneys named to the list are nominated solely and exclusively by clients in BTI's independent study. BTI conducts more than 250 individual interviews annually with corporate counsel at the largest, most influential companies in the world. The survey assesses market opportunities, changing client needs and client experiences with their law firms and attorneys. To learn more about the BTI Client Service All Stars, CLICK HERE.

Over the past 20 years, Carl C. Butzer has developed nationally recognized expertise in the fields of intellectual property litigation and counseling, electronic discovery, and electronic information management. He is Chair of the Dallas Office Intellectual Property Group, Chair of the Litigation Support Committee, and Co-Chair of the firm's E-Discovery Group. Mr. Butzer is a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA); International Trademark Association (INTA); the Intellectual Property Owners' Association (IPO); and Intellectual Property Section of the American Bar Association. He received his B.A. degree in Political Science and Economics, with special honors, from the University of Chicago and his J.D. degree from the University of Michigan, where he was Contributing Editor for the Journal of Law Reform. He also received his LL.M. degree from the University of Cambridge in England.

Mr. Rutherford is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. His practice consists primarily of representing management in labor, employment discrimination, wrongful termination, sexual harassment and civil rights litigation. He also counsels clients in all matters affecting the employer-employee relationship and compliance with all state and federal employment laws and regulations including all discrimination and wrongful termination laws, the Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and all other state and federal labor and employment statutes. Mr. Rutherford earned his B.S. degree, magna cum laude, in Agricultural Economics from Texas Tech University and his J.D. degree from the University of Texas.

Jackson Walker L.L.P. has more than 100 years of experience in providing legal counsel to clients throughout Texas, the United States, and internationally. The firm provides a strong regional base of over 300 attorneys in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Angelo, and San Antonio. For more information, visit www.jw.com.

John Koepke Speaks on General Labor and Employment Issues

Monday, October 26, 2009

Jackson Walker partner John Koepke spoke at the Tucker Rocky Operations Leadership Conference on October 22. The Conference was at the Tucker Rocky's headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas.

Mr. Koepke spoke on general labor and employment issues facing the company. He discussed the hiring process, drug testing, harassment, ADA's new scope of disabilities, OSHA inspections, and progressive discipline. All of these topics relate to a warehouses environment, which directly affects Tucker Rocky. Tucker Rocky is the nation's largest distributor of power sports accessories and supplies. To view Mr. Koepke's presentation, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Koepke's experience primarily has focused upon representation of a variety of employers in employment, trade secret, intellectual property, and labor law litigation. He has a litigation oriented practice for a wide variety of clients including Fortune 100 corporations, privately held companies, and health care facilities. He has successfully handled virtually every type of case in the field of employment and commercial litigation including arbitrations, class actions, state and federal court jury trials, and administrative proceedings. Mr. Koepke received both his B.S. degree and his J.D. degree from the University of Kansas.

Ashley Scheer Speaks on ADA Amendments

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Jackson Walker partner Ashley Scheer will speak at the 68th Annual HR Southwest Conference, the largest regional human resources conference in the country. Ms. Scheer will speak on October 14 at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

Ms. Scheer will present "ADA: The Art of Accommodating." Recent ADA amendments will likely increase the number of ADA lawsuits. These amendments require improved communication and collaboration with employees. Ms. Scheer will discuss how to artfully accommodate your employees to reduce your legal risks. To learn more about the Conference, CLICK HERE.

Ms. Scheer's practice focuses on the representation of management in a broad range of employment litigation in federal and state courts and related proceedings. Additionally, she represents employers before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Labor, and state agencies in claims of discrimination and wage and hour administrative investigations. She has experience in matters involving all forms of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour issues, and noncompetition matters. Ms. Scheer received her B.A. degree from the University of Texas at Austin and her J.D. degree from Southern Methodist University.

Lionel Schooler Appointed as Chair of Judicial Liaison Sub-Committee for the HBA Labor & Employment Section's Council

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Jackson Walker equity partner Lionel Schooler was recently appointed Chair of the Sub-Committee on Judicial Liaison for the Houston Bar Association – Labor & Employment Section's Council.

Mr. Schooler who was elected a member of the Council for a three year term, in this new position will be spearheading the Council's efforts this year to enhance interactions between the Section's members and members of the local federal and state judiciaries (both trial and appellate) as part of the Section's effort to provide monthly programming for its membership. To learn more about the Houston Bar Association – Labor & Employment Section, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Schooler has developed significant expertise in labor and employment law as well as business litigation (with an emphasis in federal practice). He has also served as an arbitrator in business, health care, construction, and employment disputes. His practice primarily focuses on management-side labor and employment law, federal arbitrations and litigation, bankruptcy and complex commercial litigation, construction litigation and arbitration, False Claims Act litigation, banking litigation, and real estate and title insurance litigation. His practice has also included tax litigation, antitrust litigation, securities litigation, general litigation, and appellate law. Mr. Schooler earned his B.A. degree in History, with departmental honors, from the University of Pennsylvania and his J.D. degree from the University of Texas, where he was a member of the Texas Law Review and the National Order of Barristers, winner of the Intramural Mock Trial Competition, and a finalist for the Hildebrand Moot Court Competition (selected as Best Advocate). Mr. Schooler is most recently the author of "Labor and Employment Law Update," published in Volume 41, Number 3 (Spring, 2009) Issue of the Texas Tech Law Review.

Scott McLaughlin Speaks on Pattern Jury Charges for Texas and Fifth Circuit Employment Law Cases

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Jackson Walker partner Scott McLaughlin spoke at the Advanced Employment Law seminar. The seminar was May 15 at the Cityplace Conference Center in Dallas, Texas.

Mr. McLaughlin presented "Pattern Jury Charges for Texas and Fifth Circuit Employment Law Cases." He discussed strategic issues related to crafting an appropriate jury charge for trial of employment discrimination claims. He also discussed the latest legal standards involved in trying such cases. To learn more about this seminar, CLICK HERE.

Mr. McLaughlin represents employers in labor and employment law matters before administrative agencies and in state and federal courts. His broad range of experience includes trade secret and noncompete issues; employment discrimination claims under both federal and Texas state law; ERISA litigation; wrongful discharge cases; employment law torts; workers' compensation retaliation cases; and federal wage and hour claims. Mr. McLaughlin also has experience in union elections, unfair labor practice charges, NLRB administrative trials, and labor arbitration. He often conducts supervisory training seminars and employee handbook and personnel policy reviews in addition to other situational prelitigation counseling. Mr. McLaughlin received his B.S. degree from Rice University and his J.D. degree from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert School of Law.

Scott McLaughlin Speaks on Reductions in Force

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Jackson Walker partner Scott McLaughlin spoke at the 2009 Gulf Coast Symposium on Human Resource Issues. The Symposium was May 20 at Reliant Center in Houston, Texas.

Mr. McLaughlin presented "Reductions in Force: An Overview of Risks and Solutions." He discussed how layoffs, also known as RIFs (Reductions in Force), are an unfortunate by-product of difficult economic times. Conducting a RIF carries with it significant legal risks including the possibility of creating class-wide or individual discrimination allegations that the RIF was discriminatory or had adverse impact on a protected class; ignoring the WARN Act; failing to comply with the requirements of the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act; or handling the RIF in a manner that creates an opportunity for a labor union to try to organize the remaining employees. To learn more about this Symposium, CLICK HERE.

Mr. McLaughlin represents employers in labor and employment law matters before administrative agencies and in state and federal courts. His broad range of experience includes trade secret and noncompete issues; employment discrimination claims under both federal and Texas state law; ERISA litigation; wrongful discharge cases; employment law torts; workers' compensation retaliation cases; and federal wage and hour claims. Mr. McLaughlin also has experience in union elections, unfair labor practice charges, NLRB administrative trials, and labor arbitration. He often conducts supervisory training seminars and employee handbook and personnel policy reviews in addition to other situational prelitigation counseling. Mr. McLaughlin received his B.S. degree from Rice University and his J.D. degree from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert School of Law.

Jim Griffin Speaks on IRS Amendments for 401(k) Plans

Monday, April 20, 2009

Jackson Walker partner Jim Griffin spoke at an Employee Benefit Plan Update hosted by Hartman, Leito & Bolt, LLP, a Fort Worth-based CPA firm. The conference was held in Irving, Texas, on April 17, 2009.

Over 25 attended to hear Mr. Griffin talk about amendments that the Internal Revenue Service is requiring for most 401(k) plans within the next 12 months. Other participants in the conference included Nationwide Financial, Guident Retirement Plan Services and Northbeam Financial.

Mr. Griffin concentrates his practice in the area of employee benefits and executive compensation. He works with clients in various industries including technology, manufacturing, retailing, energy, and financial services. He advises clients on design, administration and compliance issues arising under the Internal Revenue Code, ERISA and other laws. He works with legal issues affecting pension and 401(k) plans, executive compensation plans, stock option plans, and other group benefit plans. Mr. Griffin represents clients in controversy matters, including IRS and DOL examinations, and ERISA litigation.

Jon Mark Hogg Speaks on Recent Statutory and Regulatory Changes in Employment Law

Monday, April 06, 2009

Jackson Walker partner Jon Mark Hogg will speak at the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center's The First 100 Days: An Employment Law Update seminar. The seminar is April 7 at the Visitor Center in San Angelo.

Mr. Hogg's presentation will focus on new and recent developments in employment law with special emphasis on recent or proposed statutory and regulatory changes, including changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and proposed changes to Title VII and the National Labor Relations Act. To learn more about the seminar, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Hogg is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. His practice consists of advising and counseling clients in employment related matters and the defense of employment related litigation. He advises clients in dealing with complicated workplace issues and decisions involving hiring, compensation, discipline, and termination of employees. He provides preventive services for employers in reviewing and drafting employee handbooks and policies; offering in-house training and seminars; and drafting executive and employment contracts, severance agreements and related documents and agreements. In addition, his practice includes defending governmental entities and their employees in civil rights lawsuits as well as defending personal injury and commercial litigation. Mr. Hogg received his B.A. degree from Baylor University and his J.D. Degree from St. Mary's University School of Law.

Gary Ingram and Scott McLaughlin Speak at University of Houston Employment Law Seminar

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Jackson Walker partners Gary Ingram and Scott McLaughlin spoke at the University of Houston Law Foundation Advanced Employment Law seminar. The seminar was March 12-13 in Houston, Texas and March 26-27 in Dallas, Texas.

Mr. Ingram presented "National Labor Relations Act Update, Including the Impact of the Proposed Employee Free Choice Act." The presentation included a discussion of proposed amendments to the National Labor Relations Act and the impact of those amendments upon union organizing. Mr. McLaughlin presented "Lay-Offs, RIFs, and the WARN Act." His presentation covered crucial downsizing and plan closing issues.

To learn more about this seminar, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Ingram is the statewide head of the Labor and Employment Practice Group of Jackson Walker. His experience is primarily in labor and employment law matters and civil rights litigation. He has more than 30 years of experience in handling labor union issues, unfair labor practice claims, collective bargaining negotiations, and union organizing campaigns. He has successfully defended employers, both large and small, in cases before the National Labor Relations Board, in arbitration hearings, and in court proceedings. He is often called upon to advise employers regarding union avoidance strategies, to develop or revise labor relations policies, and to create supervisory training programs. He has received peer recognition as a "Best Attorney" or "Super Lawyer" in various publications and is frequently invited to speak at programs devoted to labor relations and employment law issues.

Mr. McLaughlin represents employers in labor and employment law matters before administrative agencies and in state and federal courts. His broad range of experience includes trade secret and noncompete issues; employment discrimination claims under both federal and Texas state law; ERISA litigation; wrongful discharge cases; employment law torts; workers' compensation retaliation cases; and federal wage and hour claims. Mr. McLaughlin also has experience in union elections, unfair labor practice charges, NLRB administrative trials, and labor arbitration. He often conducts supervisory training seminars and employee handbook and personnel policy reviews in addition to other situational prelitigation counseling. Mr. McLaughlin received his B.S. degree from Rice University and his J.D. degree from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert School of Law.

Karen Monsen Speaks on Smart Employment Decisions in A Challenging Economy

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Jackson Walker partner Karen Monsen will speak at the February membership meeting of the National Association of Women Business Owners – San Antonio (NAWBO-SA). The meeting is February 20 at the Petroleum Club in San Antonio, Texas.

Ms. Monsen will present "Smart Employment Decisions in a Challenging Economy." Participants will leave the seminar with a game plan to create a sensible hiring process inside your organization. Before you decide how to staff a particular job, learn the advantages and disadvantages of using independent contractors vs. employees. At some point in your business, chances are that you are going to face the prospect of bringing on additional help to get the job done, learn how to hire independent contractors the right way. Consequences for wrongly hiring can be economically devastating, so this program will teach you how to troubleshoot improper classification. To learn more about the meeting, CLICK HERE.

Ms. Monsen practices commercial and employment litigation, having represented clients across the country in state forums, in federal court, and in international arbitration. She specializes in cases in which employment and intellectual property issues overlap, as well as large national and international commercial litigation. Ms. Monsen received both her B.A., with honors, and J.D. degrees from the University of Texas. During law school, she received the Dean's Award for Copyright Law, awarded to the student with the highest grade in the class. She served as Senior Editor for the Texas Review of Law & Politics and was a member of the national moot court team for intellectual property, which won first place in its region. She also served for two years as a research assistant to Professor David Rabban, researching First Amendment issues

Gary Fowler Elected Chair of DBA Labor and Employment Section

Monday, February 02, 2009

Jackson Walker partner Gary Fowler has been elected Chair of the Dallas Bar Association (DBA) Labor and Employment Section. The DBA Labor and Employment Section is comprised of labor and employment specialists practicing in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Through monthly meetings and evening seminars, the Section provides a forum for employment law practitioners to study the most recent employment law issues. The Section hosts an annual forum with Dallas-area judges, and its speakers include representatives of federal and state administrative agencies, as well as leading employment law specialists. To learn more about the DBA Labor and Employment Section, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Fowler's practice includes defending and counseling clients in employment related matters, including non-competition agreements, executive compensation, wage-and-hour collective actions, and employment discrimination. He advises clients in specific difficult workplace situations, provides preventative services, and prepares and analyzes employment contracts and related documents to protect his client's interests.

Mr. Fowler received his B.A. degree, summa cum laude, from Texas Christian University and earned his J.D. degree from Yale Law School. He taught Disability Discrimination Law at the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University as an Adjunct Lecturer in Law in 1996 and 1997. He is a member of the SMU HR Roundtable and frequently speaks before the Dallas Bar Association and other groups interested in the most recent developments in labor and employment law. He served as briefing attorney to Hon. Sam D. Johnson, Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. His community involvement also includes service on the Board of Directors of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra and he is currently the President of its Board.