Labor & Employment
Keeping the peace in the workplace.
Sections
overview
focus areas
depth of practice
team
insights
industries served
representative matters
testimonials
contact us
overview
focus areas
depth of practice
team
insights
industries served
representative matters
testimonials
contact us
Overview
Running a business comes with challenges, but navigating the complexities of employment law doesn’t have to be one of them. Our Labor & Employment team works with business leaders and human resources departments to proactively manage employment policies in compliance with ever-changing state and federal laws and regulations. When a problem does arise, we provide guidance on not only how to address the issue quickly but also how to avoid setting a precedent that could impact other employees.
Helping Business Owners Navigate Employment Law
At Rupp Pfalzgraf, we become your trusted partner in navigating labor and employment challenges. We craft policies and procedures that protect both your business and your employees, continuously monitoring regulatory changes to help keep you compliant. Our proactive approach helps you avoid disputes before they start, but when litigation is unavoidable, we defend employers in complex cases before administrative agencies like the New York State Division of Human Rights and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, as well as in state and federal courts.
We handle the full spectrum of employment matters, from drafting employee handbooks and conducting workplace investigations to defending against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims. Whether you need day-to-day HR guidance or aggressive courtroom advocacy, we deliver responsive counsel that steers around risk and puts you back in the driver’s seat.
We Answer Your Labor & Employment Questions
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What should be included in an employee handbook?
- How do I handle a sexual harassment complaint?
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How do I conduct an internal workplace investigation?
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What are the employment laws in New York State that my business must comply with?
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How do I respond to an EEOC charge?
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How do I legally terminate an employee?
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What employee documentation should I keep?
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What happens if an employee files an OSHA complaint?
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What should be included in an employee contract?
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What workplace training does my business need?
- What if an employee reports a complaint but doesn’t want anything done about it?
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How do I determine if my employees are exempt from minimum wage and overtime rules under state and federal law?
If your business has legal questions, our employment attorneys give you clear answers to help you stay compliant and protect your workplace.
Focus Areas
State & Federal Discrimination/Harassment/Retaliation
Federal laws protect employees from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on race, sex, religion, disability, and age, but some state laws go much further. We’ll make sure you know what’s happening in your state so we can responsibly craft company-specific policies to fit and advise you on how to answer difficult questions from employees. And when an issue arises, we can help litigate discrimination claims before state and federal agencies and courts.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment in the workplace can make even the most amicable offices hostile. If you’re an employer who is faced with investigating a complaint, our team is here to guide you through the investigation, satisfy the company’s legal obligations, and hopefully bring the issue to a peaceful resolution.
Hiring, Firing & Discipline
Every hiring, termination, and disciplinary decision carries legal implications. From drafting employment contracts to navigating termination procedures and disciplinary processes, our team guides business owners and human resources professionals through these critical moments to minimize legal risk and ensure compliance with state and federal employment laws.
Handbook Policies & Procedures
For any employee handbook to be effective, it must be regularly updated to reflect the most recent state and federal laws, including sexual harassment, equal employment, and leave policies. Our team will stay up on any changes on your behalf to be sure we’re revising your policies in real-time.
Employment Contracts & Disputes
Employment contracts are equally important to both employers and employees. At their core, they align expectations in times of changing circumstances. Whether you’re in need of a new contract or need to review terms to complete a risk assessment, we’re here to help.
Independent & Internal Investigations
Our experience in the courtroom and in depositions make us a natural partner when the need for an internal investigation arises. After the necessary fact-finding and interviewing sessions, we’ll draw conclusions and provide \recommendations based on the evidence and the law for you and your team to carry forth with our support.
Depth of Practice
Our depth of practice includes experience with:
- Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Section 1981, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the New York Human Rights Law, the New York Labor Law, and the Equal Pay Act, among others
- Defense of employers before the New York State Division of Human Rights, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the National Labor Relations Board, among other administrative agencies
- State and federal wage and hour claims and compliance
- Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA), New York Paid Family Leave Act, New York Sick & Safe Leave, and New York Paid Prenatal Leave matters
- Employee handbook development and revisions
- Employment agreements, including executive agreements, at-will contracts, and severance agreements
- Non-compete and non-solicitation agreements
- Compliance audits and training for management
- Internal and independent investigations
- Grievance arbitrations
Insights
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Industries Served
Related Practice Areas
Business Law
Business Litigation
Representative Matters
- Negotiated terms and drafted contracts for the Chief Executive Officer of a national technology startup
- Conducted a comprehensive investigation into the executive director of a well-known not-for-profit and produced a detailed report with findings and recommendations
- Successfully guided numerous employers through complicated employee termination events so as to best protect the business
- Resolved many New York State and United States Department of Labor audits and investigations favorably for clients
- Conducted a nationwide review of the global technology company’s restrictive covenant agreements
- Successfully resolved multi-million dollar dispute with former owner and current CEO of acquired company
- Favorably resolved difficult sexual harassment and discrimination complaint for low-income housing developer before the New York State Division of Human Rights
Testimonials
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Matthew Miller regarding an employment dispute brought by a former employee, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. Matthew Miller provided clarity and guidance every step of the way. His approach was proactive. He meticulously analyzed the case and formulated a strategy that ultimately led to a favorable outcome. Matthew Miller provided impeccable communication throughout the process, preparing us for each step along the way, and ensuring we fully understood our options as well as the ramifications of each decision. Most impressive was his commitment to client advocacy, working with our best interest in mind at all times. In conclusion, when faced with complex employment-related issues Matthew Miller is a skilled negotiator with extensive knowledge of the law, who is genuine, trustworthy and professional.
Our attorney, Matthew Miller, provided us with outstanding legal counsel for a recent employment matter. Matt is highly skilled, thorough, knowledgeable, and respectful of our goals. I have nothing but praise for how our matter was handled and totally satisfied with the outcome.
I had a very unusual and challenging case. After searching for a DOL attorney, that represents employers, I found Matt Miller. Not only did he get me through one of the scariest times of my life, he won my case! I literally was in tears when the DOL took my side. My stress is gone and he gave me my life back! I can not recommend Matt and his firm enough. If you are looking for someone who listens, understands, and knows about the labor laws without wasting your time, Matt and his firm are your team.
I came to Rupp Pfalzgraf hoping for competent representation during a difficult time in my professional life. What I received from Matt exceeded my expectations on so many levels. He provided me with responsive, professional, and highly-skilled advocacy that ensured fairness in the process and that my situation was handled in a dignified manner, ultimately achieving a great result.