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Patrick T. Collins, a member of the firm, is Chair of the firm’s Labor & Employment Group. He practices labor, employment and personnel law on behalf of employers and management personnel. He has a wide range of experience in all areas of litigation in both federal and state courts defending discrimination and sexual harassment claims, wrongful discharge and whistleblower suits, and claims brought under the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act and the multitude of other civil rights and anti-discrimination laws. In addition, Pat represents parties in breach of contract claims and in actions involving restrictive covenants and confidentiality agreements.
Pat has appeared before the EEOC, the National Labor Relations Board and various wage and hour agencies. He has represented employers in numerous labor arbitrations and in a variety of other matters relating to the unionization of employees. He has also worked extensively with employers in drafting affirmative action plans and in providing guidance on complying with all related government contractor requirements.
A great deal of Pat’s practice concentrates on counseling employers in making workplace decisions which will reduce or avoid entirely the risk of litigation. Pat regularly counsels his clients on matters concerning employment policies, employee discipline and terminations, reductions in workforce, and plant closings. He has conducted sexual harassment investigations and employment law audits, and has drafted numerous employee handbooks, substance abuse and workplace privacy policies. Pat has also conducted management and employee training sessions on a variety of areas including the performance appraisal process and sexual harassment. | 