
About
Provided by Phillips Lytle LLP
Phillips Lytle Labor & Employment attorneys have been defending and counseling employers since the firm's founding 185 years ago. Our attorneys are well-versed in the labor and employment problems and issues employers face today and have real-world, hands-on experience helping solve them. Our attorneys are experienced in all aspects of employment law and litigation, federal and state wage and hour law and litigation, labor relations law, OSHA, workplace torts, employee disloyalty, non-compete agreements, contract claims, wrongful discharge, risk management, and alternative dispute resolution, among other areas. Phillips Lytle regularly handles matters in federal and state courts and before federal and state agencies that regulate the labor and employment arena, including the EEOC, NLRB, OSHA, and federal and state departments of labor.
Chambers Review
Phillips Lytle is particularly noted for its representation of clients in trade secrets and data security litigation. The practice also manages wage and hour collective and class actions, discrimination and harassment claims and employment contract disputes. The team routinely acts for clients in investigations and actions by federal and state Departments of Labor and in defense of whistle-blower claims. The group is further noted for handling a broad range of traditional labor matters.
Work Highlights
- Phillips Lytle counselled Medaille College on the reorganization of its finances, workforce and student life in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They understand commercial realities and take a very practical approach to matters on which they assist my company. I never have trouble reaching them and getting a response to any questions I may have."
"The firm's lawyers are focused on building long-term relationships, which enables them to gain institutional knowledge of the client, anticipating risks and preferences."
"They understand commercial realities and take a very practical approach to matters on which they assist my company. I never have trouble reaching them and getting a response to any questions I may have."
"The firm's lawyers are focused on building long-term relationships, which enables them to gain institutional knowledge of the client, anticipating risks and preferences."
Notable Practitioners

Linda Prestegaard is an experienced employment litigator with a proven track record of success in the defense of a wide range of employers in state and federal courts.
"Linda is a fantastic lawyer and a trusted counsel for labor and employment issues in New York. She has a sound understanding of our business operations and uses that knowledge in providing practical legal advice.""Linda is outstanding. She is very knowledgeable and practical."

James Donathen's wide-ranging practice encompasses discrimination and harassment cases, whistle-blower litigation and labor arbitrations.
"James is an outstanding labor and employment lawyer who has delivered excellent and reliable guidance for many years.""He has always been more than willing to step in on any issues and is a very experienced lawyer."

James Grasso advises a varied clientele that includes higher education institutions, not-for-profit healthcare providers and manufacturers. He works on both contentious and noncontentious labor and employment issues.
"James is my go-to labor and employment attorney. He has a tremendous breadth and depth of knowledge, and is always up to speed on the issues of the day.""He has dedicated the time to understand our work environment, and handles employment matters with excellence. His work product is outstanding, timely and creative."
Ranked Lawyers at
Phillips Lytle LLP
New York: Upstate


