What the team is known for
Full-service firm noted for its bench strength and depth. Well equipped to provide comprehensive coverage of all labor and employment questions and offering particular depth of knowledge on employee benefits, ERISA and executive compensation questions and union-related matters for a range of clients. Regularly active on wrongful termination disputes and trade secrets litigation. Also noted for coupling respected litigation skills with an emphasis on strategies to resolve disputes and for initiatives such as the JurisIQ online training service.
Strengths
"The McAfee & Taft team is very knowledgeable and helpful; we have dealt with numerous attorneys and every one has been outstanding; if someone is not available, we are informed immediately and have a call back within a day."
Work highlights
Successfully defended Orscheln Farm and Home in a lawsuit brought by former employee whose employment was terminated for calling a customer a racist slur.
Notable practitioners
Brandon Long is an acknowledged expert in employee benefits and executive compensation matters, with clients regularly turning to him to advise on retirement, health and welfare plans. He acts for both public sector entities and local and regional businesses.
Charles Plumb is a highly respected and deeply experienced labor and employment attorney who excels in a broad array of contentious and noncontentious employment matters, including regulatory compliance, litigation, union negotiations and administrative proceedings.
Courtney Bru offers solid strengths in advising clients on compliance and litigation prevention strategies, as well as representing clients in contentious matters.
Michael Lauderdale combines his role as McAfee & Taft's managing director with an active labor and employment practice, with particular expertise in defending employers in litigation matters.
Nathan Whatley is best known for his disputes practice and demonstrates significant skills in acting for employers in areas such as administrative proceedings, trade secrets litigation, and wage and hour matters.
"Nathan is kind, pleasant, and readily accessible. His knowledge base in labor and employment matters is broad and deep." Tony Puckett is often called upon for his abilities in defending employers facing discrimination, wage and hour and termination disputes, alongside additional expertise in administrative proceedings involving the EEOC, OSHA and NLRB. His clients include both private businesses and public sector organizations.
Kirk Turner is particularly well versed in litigation, arbitration and administrative proceedings. He draws on over three decades of experience in this field to act for clients facing discrimination, wrongful discharge, health and safety, and wider civil rights matters.
"Kirk's knowledge and assistance regarding ever-changing employment law issues has been essential to our company." 