Overview
Gary is a member of the Labor and Employment Group with extensive experience representing public and private employers of all sizes. With a comprehensive knowledge of labor and employment law, he is a trusted advisor concerning proactive organizational optimization, performance management, protection of intellectual property, policy and contract development, and loss prevention strategy and implementation.
When employment disputes arise, Gary’s experience and practical counsel promotes beneficial resolution at an early stage when appropriate. When litigation is necessary, Gary is a formidable advocate for employers in employment litigation involving allegations of workplace discrimination, harassment, wage-hour violations, restrictive covenant violations, and all types of wrongful discharge.
Gary also possesses significant experience in traditional labor law, guiding employers through union avoidance and union organizing campaigns, and representing employers in collective bargaining, labor arbitration and defense of unfair labor practice charges.
In addition to his legal work, Gary frequently educates business organizations on current workplace issues. Gary’s commitment to providing timely, practical, and effective legal counsel to his clients is second to none as he helps employers navigate the ever-changing landscape of labor and employment law.
Practice Areas
Credentials
Education
Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (J.D., 1985)
Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Illinois (B.S., 1982, with high honors)
Bar Admissions
Ohio
Illinois (Inactive Status)
Court Admissions
United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio
Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
Professional Highlights
Noteworthy Experience
Routinely advises employers regarding loss prevention and compliance involving diverse workplace laws and regulations addressing harassment and discrimination, wage-hour, leave of absence, trade secrets, union avoidance, employee discipline and discharge, collective bargaining and grievance defense, reduction in force, affirmative action and employment contracts.
Successfully represented public and private employers in collective bargaining negotiations, labor arbitrations, work stoppages and unfair labor practice charges. Successfully defended employers in litigation in federal and state courts and before state and federal agencies regarding allegations of discrimination, harassment, wrongful discharge, overtime violations, breach of employment contract, employee leave and FMLA violations.
Affiliations and Civic Involvement
Director, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Association of Central Ohio, 1987-2001 (President 1999-2000)
Director, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Foundation, 2001-Present (President 2008-2009)
Member, Ohio Management Lawyers Association (Chair 2017-18)
Member, Columbus Bar Association
Member, Ohio State Bar Association
Professional Recognition
Martindale Hubbell, AV Rating
Best Lawyers in America, 2006 – present
Employment Law – Management
Labor Law – Management
Litigation – Labor and Employment
2019 Lawyer of the Year, Labor Law-Management, Columbus, OH
Gary is a member of the Labor and Employment Group with extensive experience representing public and private employers of all sizes. With a comprehensive knowledge of labor and employment law, he is a trusted advisor concerning proactive organizational optimization, performance management, protection of intellectual property, policy and contract development, and loss prevention strategy and implementation.
When employment disputes arise, Gary’s experience and practical counsel promotes beneficial resolution at an early stage when appropriate. When litigation is necessary, Gary is a formidable advocate for employers in employment litigation involving allegations of workplace discrimination, harassment, wage-hour violations, restrictive covenant violations, and all types of wrongful discharge.
Gary also possesses significant experience in traditional labor law, guiding employers through union avoidance and union organizing campaigns, and representing employers in collective bargaining, labor arbitration and defense of unfair labor practice charges.
In addition to his legal work, Gary frequently educates business organizations on current workplace issues. Gary’s commitment to providing timely, practical, and effective legal counsel to his clients is second to none as he helps employers navigate the ever-changing landscape of labor and employment law.
Practice Areas
Education
Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (J.D., 1985)
Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Illinois (B.S., 1982, with high honors)
Bar Admissions
Ohio
Illinois (Inactive Status)
Court Admissions
United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio
Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
Noteworthy Experience
Routinely advises employers regarding loss prevention and compliance involving diverse workplace laws and regulations addressing harassment and discrimination, wage-hour, leave of absence, trade secrets, union avoidance, employee discipline and discharge, collective bargaining and grievance defense, reduction in force, affirmative action and employment contracts.
Successfully represented public and private employers in collective bargaining negotiations, labor arbitrations, work stoppages and unfair labor practice charges. Successfully defended employers in litigation in federal and state courts and before state and federal agencies regarding allegations of discrimination, harassment, wrongful discharge, overtime violations, breach of employment contract, employee leave and FMLA violations.
Affiliations and Civic Involvement
Director, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Association of Central Ohio, 1987-2001 (President 1999-2000)
Director, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Foundation, 2001-Present (President 2008-2009)
Member, Ohio Management Lawyers Association (Chair 2017-18)
Member, Columbus Bar Association
Member, Ohio State Bar Association
Professional Recognition
Martindale Hubbell, AV Rating
Best Lawyers in America, 2006 – present
Employment Law – Management
Labor Law – Management
Litigation – Labor and Employment
2019 Lawyer of the Year, Labor Law-Management, Columbus, OH
Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump in January, employers have been anxiously awaiting action regarding a list of pro-employer campaign promises. Near the top of that list has been action to block the Department of Labor's new overtime rule,... Read More
On May 11, 2016, President Obama signed into law The Defend Trade Secrets Act ("DTSA"). Effective May 12, 2016, the DTSA amended The Economic Espionage Act to allow a new civil action in federal court for the misappropriation of trade... Read More
The National Labor Relations Board ("NLRB") has recently expanded the rights of employees to use social media to publicize disputes with employers, including non-union employers. All employers should review their work rules and their social media policies to determine if... Read More