Calfee’s Labor and Employment attorneys support clients by providing day-to-day employment counseling, defending administrative complaints and representing clients in litigation concerning state and federal discrimination laws, the National Labor Relations Act, the Family & Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and workers’ compensation claims.
Additionally, our team provides aggressive, cost-effective defense of claims of wrongful discharge and violations of individual employment rights, and we litigate cases involving noncompete agreements and other restrictive covenants.
Calfee’s Labor and Employment attorneys represent publicly and privately held corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships, including unionized and non-union employers as well as public-sector entities.
Noteworthy
Chambers USA Band 4 Ranking in Labor & Employment (Ohio)
For a number of years, Calfee’s skilled Labor and Employment group has been recognized for its work by Chambers USA. Most recently, in 2021, Calfee was ranked in Band 4 for Labor & Employment in Ohio.
Chambers USA 2021 researchers note that the practice is known to be "Proficient in the handling of a wide range of labor and employment matters. Areas of strength for the firm include the representation of management in collective bargaining negotiations with unions, defending clients against claims of wrongful discharge and discrimination, and day-to-day employment counseling. Expertise also stretches to the enforcement of post-employment agreements."
A client interviewed by Chambers USA researchers said, "The group is accessible and calls you back very quickly. [They are] a pleasure to work with and every one of them knows their stuff. [They are] spot-on technically, on top of everything and always [provide] good solid counsel." Another client reported to Chambers USA researchers, "We are extremely satisfied with the work Calfee has done for us. The group is thorough, creative and responsive."
A source interviewed by Chambers USA stated, "[The group is] very good technically, very sensitive to client needs and practical in [their] approach."
In 2020, Chambers USA researchers interviewed a client who remarked, "They are able to quickly get to the root of any issues we bring to them and consistently drive us toward concise and effective resolutions. They are very knowledgeable about our business and industries; they understand and manage risk extremely well, which in turn translates into innovative commercial advice." Additionally, a market commentator mentioned, "They have a solid team that is very responsive and consistent and has a good reputation with judges and other law firms," and a second said, "Their biggest strength is their ability to develop cost-effective defense strategies; they deliver the same results as bigger firms at a much more manageable cost." Furthermore, a client noted, "The team cares about making sure they do what you as a client need to be done, and they are personable as they do it. They're quick, give you good value for your money and get the job done in a timely way."
Labor and Employment practice Chair, John R. Cernelich, was ranked by Chambers USA 2021 in Band 4 for Labor & Employment in Ohio. Clients interviewed by Chambers USA researchers said, "[John] is thorough, knowledgeable and practical." Another comments, "I have found him to be responsive and approachable, and he understands our business."
Chambers USA 2020 researchers noted a comment made by one of John's clients: "John Cernelich is extremely professional, knowledgeable and a good resource in each and every case we pursue. He is proficient at putting together a case that is sound, logical and meets the needs of the company."
Labor and Employment practice Vice Chair, Todd F. Palmer, was ranked by Chambers USA 2021 in Band 4. Chambers USA researchers noted that Todd "is well regarded for his expertise in traditional labor issues. He also acts on behalf of employers in litigation and EEOC proceedings, as well as advising on the labor and employment aspects of corporate transactions." A client interviewed by Chambers USA researchers said, "I have the highest respect for [Todd] as a labor lawyer."
U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Rankings
Calfee was selected for inclusion in the 2022 "Best Law Firms" rankings by U.S. News – Best Lawyers in the following areas:
- Employment Law – Management (Regional Tier 1 Cleveland)
- Labor Law - Management (Regional Tier 2 Cleveland)
- Litigation – Labor & Employment (Regional Tier 2 Cleveland)
Benchmark Litigation Rankings
Benchmark Litigation 2022 ranked Calfee as a Recommended Law Firm in Labor and Employment in Ohio. Several of Calfee's Labor & Employment attorneys have been ranked as "Labor & Employment Stars - Midwest" by Benchmark Litigation 2022.