Labor & Employment Attorneys - Charlotte, NC

Essex Richards’ labor and employment attorneys vigorously represent our clients in a wide range of employment-related matters. We have years of experience in litigating and representing both management and employees in their employment disputes before the federal and state courts, arbitrators, and government agencies.

Our broad employment experience includes regularly advising and representing both employer and employee clients on matters involving  employment contracts, severance agreements, discrimination issues, wage and hour concerns, and ERISA issues involving retirement, disability, and health benefit claims. Our extensive experience also includes handling disputes involving non-competition agreements, non-solicitation agreements, and the protection of trade secrets. We also regularly handle government investigations addressing discrimination and sexual harassment complaints.

We believe in working to prevent lawsuits from occurring when possible, although we understand that a firm litigation position is often necessary. Appreciating that failure to address emerging employment problems can result in wasted resources and costly litigation, we proactively counsel and advise our business clients on their personnel policies and procedures, employee handbooks, employment contracts including non-competition agreements, and employment practices in general. Our focus on educating clients on applicable law, identifying possible areas of liability and evaluating strategies for accomplishing clients’ goals allows us to further a more constructive business and workplace for our clients.

We also have experienced mediators who are certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission, and are regularly asked by other lawyers and judges to mediate employment disputes. We have found that this experience makes us more effective in negotiating and resolving disputes on behalf of our own clients.