Employment

Built to represent business leaders in high-profile circumstances, our practice is characterized by the exceptionally high complexity and intensity of the matters we take on, across a wide array of industries. With a particular emphasis on the financial services sector, including investment banking, sales & trading, private equity, venture capital, asset management, hedge funds and insurance, we have extensive experience representing companies and individuals in the technology, telecommunications, real estate, media, health, travel, fashion, law, advertising, publishing, entertainment, accounting, and cannabis industries, as well.

Recognized as one of the nation’s leaders by industry observers (including Chambers USA, Benchmark Litigation, and Lawdragon, among others), we regularly manage a docket of matters worth hundreds of millions of dollars for individuals, teams, and employers.

Our top-tier trial practice and market-leading employment teams combine to successfully negotiate, mediate, arbitrate, and litigate disputes in all manner of forums, including federal and state courts; federal, state, and city human rights agencies; FINRA; the American Arbitration Association; and JAMS.

Our areas of significant experience include: negotiating and litigating complex employment, partnership, shareholder, and operating agreements involving compensation, severance, equity, carry, and deferred awards; prosecuting and defending wrongful termination claims, “for cause” disputes, reductions in force, and contested ownership issues; challenging and resolving restrictive covenant litigation, including emergency injunction proceedings over non-competes and non-solicits, team moves, and the protection of client relationships and trade secrets. Beyond contract and compensation disputes, we also handle discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower, defamation, and wage-and-hour matters, including class and collective actions. In addition, we guide boards and leadership through internal and regulatory investigations, author employee manuals and codes of conduct, and design compliance and training programs to prevent future risk.

HS is also known for our high-profile successes in FINRA arbitrations, having secured two of the six largest-ever FINRA awards.

Because we represent both employees and employers, we bring unmatched perspective, experience, insight, and courtroom strength – from both sides of the table – which we use to achieve your goals.