Labor & Employment

Our seasoned employment lawyers are also trial lawyers with a proven track record of success in court, arbitration and before federal, state and local regulators. Some of their successes include:

• A 7-figure settlement and public apology on behalf of an entertainment executive wrongly accused of sexual harassment.
• A defense victory in arbitration brought by the chief compliance officer of a financial services company.
• Obtaining jurisdiction over Russian executives leading to resolution of a trade secret case and return of stock and IP from Luxembourg.
• Defeating class certification and winning numerous summary judgments in class actions in the apparel, cosmetics, entertainment, healthcare, defense, newspaper and tech industries.
• Securing a favorable settlement on behalf of multiple plaintiffs in a complex wage and hour actions.

We are committed to understanding the unique dynamics of each client’s situation, offering thoughtful, business-forward strategies that set us apart. For each case, we offer thoughtful counsel and decisive action, staying focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for our clients.

The L&E Group prides itself on initial investigation strategies that create cost-efficient and favorable business-centric results for clients. They carry that approach through all phases of litigation, providing personalized, efficient representation to their clients throughout the duration of each case.

Bartko Pavia’s Labor and Employment (“L & E”) group is committed to providing employers with comprehensive advice and counsel as a true partner to businesses. Navigating the complexities of employment law can be a daunting task for employers of all sizes. We help our clients make informed strategic decisions, manage risks, and maintain policies and procedures in an ever-changing legal landscape with hands-on personalized attention. Our business-centric approach provides us with expertise to better assist employers in operating their businesses with confidence, minimizing the risk of liability. Bartko Pavia’s L&E group regularly advises clients regarding a wide range of employment issues, including:

• Employment discrimination and harassment: We help employers prevent and address discrimination and harassment in the workplace, including claims based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, disability, and sexual orientation.
• Wage and hour compliance: We assist employers in complying with complex wage and hour laws, including minimum wage, overtime pay, and recordkeeping requirements. We also offer wage audits to measure compliance so that these issues can be remediated before they materialize into a lawsuit.
• Leaves of absence and accommodations: We advise employers on their obligations under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), California Family Rights Act (CFRA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), and other state and local laws governing leaves of absence and accommodations.
• Hiring and termination: We provide guidance on hiring practices, background checks, employee handbooks, disciplinary procedures, and termination decisions, including large-scale reductions in force and targeted terminations.
• Employment-related agreements: We draft and review employment contracts, offer letters, incentive, bonus, and commission plans, severance agreements, and other employment-related agreements.
• Workplace policies and procedures: We help employers develop and implement compliant workplace policies and procedures, including policies addressing timekeeping, meal and rest breaks, anti-discrimination/harassment, sick leave, extended leave, and remote workplace arrangements.

Training: We conduct training on employment law topics, including sexual harassment prevention and payroll compliance.

Bartko Pavia’s L&E group represents management in complex negotiations with labor. Backed by decades of experience, Bartko Pavia’s L&E group fashions creative solutions that preserve labor and management relationships. Their negotiating philosophy focuses on respect, leading to quick and fair negotiations that are sensitive to the ongoing relationship between management and labor.

The L&E group has negotiated significant collective bargaining agreements across a range of industries, including healthcare systems, manufacturing companies, nonprofits, and media organizations. They have negotiated Master Collective Bargaining Agreements, initial labor contracts, and successor agreements on behalf of their clients. The L&E group has negotiated eight collective bargaining agreements in 75 days with six labor unions, and negotiated an initial and subsequent labor contract for a major Southern California newspaper.

The L&E group also advises clients during organization drives, providing advice tailored to the client’s industry and labor environment. The L&E group helped a client defeat an attempt to organize its manufacturing unit—a decisive management victory.

The L&E group also provides counsel and represents clients through all stages of proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board.

At Bartko Pavia, we prioritize your needs, give you our full attention, and deliver business-forward solutions with both focus and efficiency. By combining unmatched legal expertise with a clear commitment to client care, we’ve built a practice that doesn’t just solve problems—it drives meaningful results.

When allegations of workplace misconduct arise, it is crucial to have an experienced team of attorneys on your side to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. Bartko Pavia L&E attorneys have the experience and reputation necessary to serve as impartial, effective investigators for all types of workplace misconduct, including:

• Discrimination
• Harassment
• Retaliation
• Other potentially unlawful acts

At Bartko Pavia, we understand that workplace investigations can be complex and emotionally charged and of critical concern. In addition to applying our deep understanding of employment law in our approach to these investigations, we are committed to handling each investigation with the utmost discretion and professionalism.

Bartko Pavia’s L&E attorneys guide employers through difficult times, providing comprehensive crisis management services to minimize risks, protect reputations, and restore workplace stability. When an employment crises strikes, organizations face a multitude of challenges, including potential legal liability, tarnished reputations, and workplace disruptions. We are here to be your trusted advisor, understanding the personal and professional stakes in these cases and handle each with thoughtful decisiveness with our clients’ best interests in mind.

The L&E Group has a deep understanding of the complex legal and reputational issues that arise from employment crises, including:

• High-profile discrimination and harassment allegations: Bartko Pavia’s L&E attorneys help employers respond effectively to high-profile allegations of discrimination and harassment. They oversee all steps of the response, from conducting a prompt and thorough investigation to addressing concerns from employees and implementing corrective measures.
• Whistleblower complaints and investigations: The L&E group advises employers on the unique challenges of handling whistleblower complaints and investigations, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and protecting whistleblowers from retaliation.
• Workplace violence and threats: Bartko Pavia’s L&E attorneys assist employers in developing and implementing workplace violence prevention plans, responding to threats and violent incidents, and providing support to affected employees.

When a crisis arises, Bartko Pavia’s L&E group works closely with its clients to assess the situation, develop a crisis management plan, and implement that plan to protect the organization’s reputation and prevent future crises. Throughout the crisis management process, the L&E attorneys provide compassionate support to their clients, offering guidance and assistance until the client feels assured that the matter is resolved.