Practice

Labor and Employment Litigation

Strategic, Robust Legal Support for all Employment Disputes

Sheppard represents employers in state and federal courts, arbitrations, jury and bench trials, in all phases of labor and employment litigation—including in high-stakes, bet-the-company matters. 

Our team adapts as matters evolve to achieve results aligned with your business goals. 

Labor and Employment Litigators for Your Most Critical Matters

When workplace disputes escalate, Sheppard’s experienced litigators respond swiftly with tailored legal strategies informed by deep trial experience and a careful evaluation of potential risks.

Named a “Litigation Powerhouse” in Employment Litigation and a “Leader” in Complex Employment Litigation in BTI’s Litigation Outlook 2025, we appear before courts and agencies nationwide, representing clients in complex class actions and sensitive individual cases. 

Drawing from years of courtroom and arbitration experience, we help clients confidently take action before disputes arise. Our lawyers advocate, advise and protect your business with clarity and commitment when it matters most. We evaluate ADR strategies early, guide clients in mediation, arbitration and negotiated settlements, and consistently deliver successful results in every dispute resolution format.

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Areas of Focus

Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation
Sheppard’s litigators have decades of experience defending employers in harassment, discrimination and retaliation cases under federal and state law. We represent clients in single-plaintiff matters and class actions, as well as administrative proceedings, across all protected categories. Our team delivers effective, business-aligned results in even the most challenging cases.
Restrictive Covenants and Trade Secrets
Sheppard helps employers protect what sets them apart. We litigate all types of restrictive covenant and trade secret matters – whether our clients are facing employee departures, have hired new employees, have competitor threats or urgent irreparable harm, we act quickly to safeguard your business. 
Wage and Hour Class, Collective and Representative Actions
We help employers confidently navigate wage and hour class, collective and representative actions, which can be some of the most complex and high-exposure matters in employment law. Our team has successfully defended clients in state and federal courts across the country. We bring deep experience, lean staffing, and strategic insight to every case, from initial audits and agency claims to trial and appeal. 
Single Plaintiff
We represent clients in high profile single-plaintiff cases involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation and public policy litigation. Our team works to resolve disputes efficiently through dismissal, settlement or trial, while protecting your brand and business priorities.
Whistleblower
Sheppard lawyers represent clients in all stages of whistleblower litigation, from defending against retaliation claims to conducting internal investigations. We leverage our experience in all aspects of employee relations to address claims under federal regulations such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and False Claims Act, as well as state law. We regularly appear before federal and state courts and the U.S. Department of Labor.

2025 BTI Litigation Leader Badge2024 Best Law Firms Badge2023 BTI Litigation Powerhouse Badge