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Pat has extensive experience litigating employment-related and commercial matters. As a member of the firm's Employment, Labor and Benefits Division, she regularly advises clients on, and litigates cases involving, non-competition and non-solicitation agreements. She represents employers in lawsuits asserting claims of wage and hour violations (including collective and class actions); harassment; sex, race, age and disability discrimination; retaliation; breach of express and implied contracts; and other employment-related claims. She defends whistleblower claims both in agencies and in court. Pat also represents employers in the defense of discrimination claims filed with federal, state and local administrative agencies, and has represented clients in appellate actions in state and federal courts of appeal. In addition to her litigation practice, Pat counsels private and public employers on all aspects of employment law and human resources practices including discharge; employment and severance agreements; discrimination and harassment; employee handbooks; contracts and policies; wage and hour issues; employee leave; accommodations for disabilities; privacy issues; and defamation. She conducts and directs internal investigations of alleged misconduct by employees, as well as claims by employees of harassment or discrimination. Pat is a frequent speaker at continuing legal education seminars and employer workshops. She also provides educational and training seminars for employers.
In recent years, Pat has represented: