Employment Law

Cotten Schmidt, L.L.P.’s employment practice and employment litigation experience is varied and involves representation of chemical and energy companies, transportation and industrial manufacturing companies, a variety of health-care industry clients, food manufacturing and vending companies, a sporting goods company, numerous local businesses and company executives from these same industries.

In the employment arena, a sampling of our experience includes:

• EEOC compliance and employee/management training

• EEOC charges and position statements, site investigations, and mediation

• Department of Labor wage & hour and FMLA investigations and audits

• Preparation and implementation of employment policies, practices, and handbooks

• ADA & ADEA compliance

• FMLA administration and compliance

• Employment, severance, and waiver agreements

• Employee Handbook preparation and updates

• Reductions in force and WARN compliance

• Negotiation and preparation of management contracts and benefits packages

• Compelling, avoiding, and drafting arbitration agreements

• Discrimination & harassment investigations, documentation & policy development

• Preparation, defense, and prosecution of confidentiality, trade secret, and non-compete agreements, including defense and prosecution of injunctions and restraining orders

• COBRA & HIPAA compliance

• Evaluation of employment implications in relation to business mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures

• Wage and hour administration and claims and Fair Labor Standards Act compliance

• Unemployment insurance compensation claims and appeals

• Workers’ compensation insurance set-up, administration, and coverage issues

• Federal tax issues in the employment context

With respect to claims and lawsuits, attorneys with the firm have defended age, gender, disability, race, and workers’ compensation discrimination and harassment, hostile work environment, FLSA wage and hour, whistle-blower, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and breach of contract claims in both federal and state courts as well as in administrative tribunals. We have practiced in state and federal courts throughout Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and the United States. As a result, we are acquainted with much of our states’ judiciary and court personnel. Relationships with local counsel throughout the states and country help us when necessary in remote areas of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, or other parts of the country.