Department profile
Ballard Spahr LLP

Labor & Employment

USA Guide 2026 : Pennsylvania


Ballard Spahr LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Ballard Spahr LLP

We represent employers in dealings with unions and unionized workforces. We have been involved in numerous union organizing matters, including corporate campaigns and a series of protracted and increasingly complicated labor negotiations with corresponding unfair labor practice charges. We appear before Labor Relations Boards in representation and unfair labor practice cases and assist employers with collective bargaining, grievance management, and arbitrations.

Our training and counsel are critical to preventing and prevailing in eventual litigation. Should a workplace issue turn into a dispute, we do what employers need most: listen, investigate, analyze, and evaluate potential business impact to devise the strategy for the best outcome. We represent employers in the health care, retail, manufacturing, and communications industries as well as state and local governments in class and collective actions under the Fair Labor Standards Act and related state laws. These high-stakes actions stem from issues including employee misclassification, off-the-clock compensation, timeliness of overtime payments and challenges to mandatory arbitration programs and class action waivers. We also pursue innovative areas of growth including diversity, equity, and inclusion, accessibility, and workplace investigations.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Labor & Employment - Pennsylvania

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For
Ballard Spahr is recognized for its distinguished labor law practice, which includes advising management-side clients on collective bargaining and NLRB proceedings. The firm also maintains an active employment litigation practice, with particular expertise in wage and hour actions. Its broad industry experience includes particular strengths in the healthcare and higher education markets.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Ballard Spahr represented the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority in a variety of labor topics including unfair labor practice charges, wage and hour litigation and grievance arbitration matters in connection with bargaining agreements.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Ballard Spahr are very practical and very direct on what their advice is, presenting their recommendations in a way that is easily understood by both lawyers and non-lawyers.

    Labor & Employment respondentUSA
  • The team is very strategic and knowledgeable, with an incredibly great manner in the bargaining room.

    Labor & Employment respondentUSA
  • The group stands out for its experience, easy working relationship and prompt, efficient communications.

    Labor & Employment respondentUSA
  • Ballard Spahr offers a high level of preparedness, data-informed advice and alignment with our mission and values.

    Labor & Employment respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Brian D Pedrow
    Band 1Brian D Pedrow

    Brian D Pedrow

    Brian Pedrow is called on for counsel on disputes centered on discrimination, harassment and unfair labor practice, among other issues.

    • Brian is very responsive and aligned with our mission and values.

      Labor & Employment respondentUSA
    • He is thoughtful, well prepared and conscientious.

      Labor & Employment respondentUSA
  • Band 2Shannon D Farmer
    Band 2Shannon D Farmer

    Shannon D Farmer

    Shannon Farmer is best known for her work in the traditional labor arena, and often works with clients in the education and healthcare sectors.

    • She is responsive and able to provide good work on our employment issues.

      Labor & Employment respondentUSA
    • Shannon is uniquely qualified to provide strategic guidance in a practical and positive manner.

      Labor & Employment respondentUSA
    • She has deep knowledge, expertise and she is an excellent historian of our labor history.

      Labor & Employment respondentUSA
  • Band 4Meredith S Dante
    Band 4Meredith S Dante

    Meredith S Dante

    Meredith Dante has experience in advising clients on discrimination, harassment, whistle-blower complaints, and wage and hour issues. She has further strength in assisting with labor negotiations and collective bargaining agreements.

    • Meredith is extremely knowledgeable about our organization and our specific needs.

      Labor & Employment respondentUSA
    • Meredith is very proactive and great at keeping the client informed. She is highly pragmatic and very practical, so she is great at advising what the most effective procedure is.

      Labor & Employment respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Ballard Spahr LLP (3)

Pennsylvania

Members

Provided by Ballard Spahr LLP

Ballard Spahr LLP has rankings in the following guides

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