Laura B Friedel

Laura Friedel, a partner in Levenfeld Pearlstein's Labor & Employment Group, helps businesses maximize their most important and often trickiest asset – their employees. Laura works with companies to develop employment documents, policies and practices that improve employee relations while protecting the company’s investment in its people and minimizing legal risk. When disputes arise, Laura works closely with clients to determine their business goals relating to the claim and then targets the litigation, arbitration or settlement discussions to meet those goals. And when a union is involved (or is seeking to insert itself), Laura helps companies understand and meet their obligations under labor laws while still adhering to their larger business goals.

Counseling and other day-to-day representation: The best way to avoid litigation (or be in the best position should it arise) is to develop and implement strong employment practices. Best practices, however, are not one size fits all. Laura works with companies of all sizes to develop employment policies and practices, prepare employee-related documents and respond to particular questions and situations, all with an eye toward improving employee relations, minimizing risk, and effectively operating the business. Laura assists companies in drafting and negotiating employment and severance agreements, agreements with temporary staffing agencies, confidentiality agreements, and non-solicitation and non-competition agreements.

Employment Litigation: Sometimes, despite the best practices, employees, former employees and government agencies file claims against employers. Laura represents companies before federal and state courts and agencies in all types of employment litigation - including discrimination, harassment and retaliation litigation, wage and hour and wage payment claims, whistleblower complaints, and restrictive covenant disputes. She recognizes that not all cases should be litigated in the same manner and works with her clients to determine how to best reach their goals.

Traditional Labor / Union Relations: Laura has extensive experience assisting companies in managing their relationships with unions. When a union first presents itself, Laura works with companies to put forth a targeted campaign explaining to employees why they should reject the union. In situations where a union is already involved, Laura helps businesses navigate their legal obligations and represents companies in negotiations, arbitrations and other dealings with the union. Laura also has extensive experience representing companies before the National Labor Relations Board and in union-related appeals to the federal courts.