Labor and Employment Law

At Towne, Ryan & Partners, P.C., our attorneys represent clients in all aspects of labor and employment law, from handling complex litigation to providing advice on routine human resource matters.  Our attorneys are also experienced in collective bargaining, arbitration, negotiating and representing clients in administrative hearings.

We also have a long history in representing clients in complex litigation arising under a myriad of state and federal laws in both state and federal court governing the employee/employer relationship.  We have represented clients in state and federal courts as well as before the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the New York State Division of Human Rights (NYSDHR).  In addition, we have appeared before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals numerous times arguing to advance our client’s positions.

Our experience encompasses claims arising under, among others:

• Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA);
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA);
• Civil Rights Act of 1964;
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA);
• Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA);
• NYS Human Rights Law;
• Older Worker Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA);
• Title VII; and
• Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN).

One of the best strategies for avoiding litigation is to have comprehensive policies and procedures based upon federal and state employment laws in place.  We provide a full range of human resource consultation services on behalf of our clients.

At Towne, Ryan & Partners, P.C., attorneys regularly develop, review and revise employment policies, job descriptions, job placement advertisements and other work-related policies to ensure compliance with state and federal laws.  We also provide training to managers and employees on topics such as anti-harassment, anti-discrimination, workplace violence prevention, National Labor Relations Board, and hiring and firing procedures.  Our attorneys can assist in advising on all your human resources related issues, including:

• Assisting in Department of Labor investigations and audits;
• Conducting internal investigations;
• Conducting new hire orientation;
• Drafting non-compete and severance agreements;
• Drafting progressive discipline policies;
• Drafting social media policies;
• Ensuring compliance with all NYS and federal wage and hour laws; and
• Reviewing and drafting employee handbooks and operations manuals.

Public agencies are faced with unique labor and employment challenges.  Our attorneys are intimately familiar with applicable laws, such as the Taylor Law, Civil Service law and General Municipal Law.  We have experience representing municipalities in negotiations, arbitrations, impasse proceedings, Section 75 hearings, disciplinary hearings and before administrative agencies such as the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB).  Additionally, we provide training and advice to clients in workplace violence prevention, anti-harassment and anti-discrimination laws.

Our attorneys have experience working with all types and sizes of unions.

Towne, Ryan & Partners, P.C. is excited to launch a new Labor & Employment Update Newsletter for our clients.  These regular updates will keep you informed on several recent changes and emerging trends in Labor and Employment Law.  Be sure to check back regularly for the latest editions.

Please call us at (518) 452-1800 if you have any questions or would like to discuss how these changes may affect your business operations.

April 2017