Employment Litigation
Strategic defense for complex employment disputes.
Defense of Employment Disputes for Employers and Organizations
WH Burkley represents employers in employment-related disputes, providing strategic, business-focused defense at every stage of litigation. We work closely with clients to manage risk, control cost, and achieve efficient, favorable outcomes.
From single-plaintiff claims to complex, high-exposure matters, we defend clients in courts, arbitration, and administrative proceedings, always with a focus on resolving disputes in a way that supports broader business objectives.
Employment Disputes
• Wrongful termination and retaliation claims
• Discrimination and harassment matters
• Wage and hour disputes, including FLSA claims
• Restrictive covenant and trade secret disputes
Administrative and Alternative Proceedings
• Representation in EEOC and state agency investigations
• Arbitration and mediation proceedings
• Parallel administrative and litigation matters
Complex and High-Exposure Matters
• Class and collective action defense
• Multi-plaintiff and coordinated litigation
• High-value and reputationally sensitive claims
• Complex cases involving legal and business risks
Litigation Strategy
• Early case evaluation and risk analysis
• Development of litigation budgets and case plans
• Strategic motion practice to position matters for early resolution
• Effective negotiation and use of alternative dispute resolution
• Trial-ready preparation when necessary
Our Approach
- Align litigation strategy with each client’s business objectives and risk tolerance
- Move matters forward efficiently through all phases of a dispute
- Coordinate across legal and business teams to manage exposure and disruption
- Focus on early resolution where appropriate while preparing every case for trial
- Prioritize responsiveness, clear communication, and strong advocacy
Why WH Burkley
- Practical, business-focused defense of employment disputes and workplace claims
- Experience across discrimination, harassment, wage and hour, restrictive covenant, and retaliation matters
- Strong capability handling complex, high-exposure, and reputationally sensitive disputes
- Strategic approach to managing cost, risk, and business disruption
- Responsive, partner-level advocacy from investigation through trial, arbitration, and appeal
Recognition
Best Law Firms | Cleveland
- Band 1 – Litigation – Labor and Employment
- Band 3 – Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
*Certain recognitions displayed on this page were earned prior to the formation of WH Burkley LLP and may reflect the accomplishments of our legacy firms, Walter Haverfield LLP and Bernstein-Burkley, P.C.