Kenneth J Yerkes

Practice Areas

Arbitration and Grievances

Class and Collective Actions

Collective Bargaining

College Athletics

Disability, Leave and Medical Issues

Discipline and Termination

Career

Admitted in Indiana, Tennessee, Pennsylvania; U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Eleventh, D.C. Circuits and multiple district courts.

Kenneth Yerkes advocates for clients' rights at the bargaining table, in arbitrations and before federal and state courts. He also provides proactive training, employment counseling and advice regarding labor union issues. His years of delivering favorable outcomes for clients allows him to advise on a wide range of labor and employment issues with the utmost confidence.

Recognized as a leader in labor and employment law, Ken is known for transforming complex scenarios into actionable strategies. With a practice that balances litigation, counseling and traditional labor matters, Ken has been featured in major publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Inside Counsel Magazine, Corporate Counsel Magazine and Law 360 for his outstanding practice and practice acumen. He has twice been named Indiana’s Management Lawyer of the Year, including in 2025.

Ken’s collective bargaining experience spans first contract negotiations, pattern bargaining, managing strikes and achieving plant closing agreements. He trains employers to successfully and lawfully manage labor disputes, including implementing lockouts where necessary, avoiding strikes and achieving bargaining objectives. He also advises on best practices for employers who wish to remain union free.

A seasoned litigator, Ken is featured in numerous reported decisions and is willing to take cases to trial when necessary. His understanding of the nuances in handling jury trials makes him a trusted adviser, helping clients implement critical employment decisions. Ken’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and building personal relationships drives his understanding of each client’s unique business needs and objectives.

Ken exemplifies a deep passion for the law. A collaborator with clients and colleagues alike, his people skills and keen understanding of how client businesses work make him a leader in the field. Ultimately, he seeks to offer clients what they value most: the highest caliber legal representation in the context of a relationship based on trust and the ability to recognize and execute on business objectives.

Professional Memberships

Inaugural Member, National Law Journal L&E Trailblazers; College of Labor & Employment Lawyers; Litigation Counsel of America.

Publications

The Indiana Guide to Hiring & Firing; Guide to Labor Relations: How to Deal Effectively With Unions in the Workplace.

Education