Department profile
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC

Labor & Employment

USA Guide 2026 : Massachusetts


Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC

Rankings

About

Provided by Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC

We have deep expertise in the burgeoning area of the defense of retaliation and whistle blower claims, both in guiding employers in how to avoid such claims, and in defending them when such claims already have been made. To succeed in this area requires deep understanding of the client’s business and, in many cases, a strong knowledge of the underlying legal and financial issues that are at the root of such claims.

Our presence in Massachusetts offers employers a deep experience and expertise in defending class and collective actions, particularly in the area of wage/hour litigation. We work with clients to avoid litigation and to eliminate class actions on a single-plaintiff basis prior to class certification, as well as to analyze their pay practices and make the changes necessary to minimize the risk of systemic claims.

Our office continues to handle complex, high profile traditional labor relations matters including negotiating initial and successor labor agreements for larger bargaining units, high value labor arbitration cases, and defending dozens of unfair labor practice charges filed against our clients with the National Labor Relations Board.

We are recognized as leaders in the area of fixed and alternative fee arrangements, delivering high value services to clients with budget certainty. By leveraging technology and our firm’s broad expertise in a variety of practice areas, we are able to assist clients in all phases of labor and employment-related legal matters.

Industries (15)

  • Aerospace & Defence
  • Banks
  • Charities / Not for Profit
  • Chemicals
  • Commercial & Professional Services
  • Consumer Product Manufacturing
  • Energy
  • Financial Services
  • Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
  • Real Estate
  • Retail
  • Software & Computer Services
  • Technology, Hardware & Electronics
  • Travel & Leisure
  • Utilities

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Labor & Employment - Massachusetts

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart fields experienced trial attorneys well versed in a broad range of employment discrimination and unfair competition issues. It is equipped to handle local, national and international work. The department offers strong expertise across a diverse range of industry sectors, including retail and life sciences. The firm is often retained to advise on high stakes labor and employment issues, with specialist expertise in whistle-blower and drug testing cases.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC obtained summary judgment for Santander Bank NA in a discrimination claim.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The firm is very approachable and collaborative.

    Labor & Employment respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 4Mark Burak
    Band 4Mark Burak

    Mark Burak

    Mark Burak advises on the full range of employment issues, with a focus on acting for clients in the life sciences sector.
  • Band 5Lisa S Burton
    Band 5Lisa S Burton

    Lisa S Burton

    Lisa Burton is deeply experienced in assisting clients with a wide range of labor and employment matters. She has notable expertise in wage and hour, discrimination and FLSA matters, among many others.

  • Band 5Neil McKittrick
    Band 5Neil McKittrick

    Neil McKittrick

    Neil McKittrick is a well-regarded traditional labor lawyer, noted for his expertise in non-compete matters. He is also well versed in handling class actions.

Ranked Individuals at Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC (3)

Massachusetts

Members

Provided by Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC has rankings in the following guides

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