Practice Areas
Labor Unions
At Eisner Dictor & Lamadrid, we are resolute in our commitment to using the law to empower working people. As a labor law firm operating exclusively on the union-side, we carefully align ourselves with labor organizations that are dedicated to the organizing model of trade unionism, encompassing a diverse range of industries. Depending on the distinct needs of each union we represent, our work involves an array of specialized tasks such as offensive collective bargaining, strategic consultation, rigorous contract enforcement, and arbitration. We also represent our clients before federal, state, and local agencies, and undertake robust litigation when necessary.
Union Governance
Effective union governance forms the cornerstone of enduring success within the labor movement. Amid an era where corporations continue to reap the benefits of deregulation, labor unions remain among the most heavily regulated and scrutinized entities under American law. We offer our expertise to help unions navigate this labyrinthine system of laws and regulations, thereby enabling them to concentrate on their primary goals - organizing and providing representation to their members
Wage Theft, Minimum Wage & Overtime
Our wage and hour practice is dedicated to championing the rights of workers who have been unfairly denied their rightful earnings across all industries. Our practice frequently necessitates the handling of intricate litigation in both federal and state courts, acting on behalf of individual workers and collective groups who have been unlawfully deprived of minimum wage, overtime pay, spread of hours premiums, tips, and additional compensation that is mandated by federal, state, and local laws. Our team is exceptionally skilled in unraveling the complexities of these cases, employing our in-depth knowledge and experience to confront wage theft head-on. Over our history, we have successfully recouped millions of dollars in unlawfully withheld wages for our clients. We believe that every worker deserves to be fairly compensated for their labor, and we are dedicated to ensuring that employers are held accountable for wage violations.
Arbitration
We understand that employment disputes can be both challenging and stressful, which is why we're committed to providing steadfast support and knowledgeable counsel to our clients. Our team of experienced attorneys works diligently in advocating for our clients' rights, whether they are unions, individual employees, or groups of workers. We handle a wide range of arbitration cases, including wage disputes, breach of contract, and wrongful termination claims. With a comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and local labor laws, we strive to negotiate and arbitrate effectively on behalf of our clients, aiming for swift and equitable resolutions.
Department of Education Employment Matters
Public school teachers and staff sometimes need additional support in contesting unfair treatment from the Department of Education. We have successfully represented a number of New York City DOE employees in 3020-a disciplinary hearings, as well as Article 75 filings and Article 78 appeals.
Employment Discrimination, Retaliation, and Harassment
We are deeply committed to addressing and combating employment discrimination in all its forms. Our area of practice covers a broad spectrum of discrimination cases, including issues related to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy, and national origin. We recognize the profound impact that such discrimination can have on individuals. Our team is experienced in navigating the complexities of federal, state, and local laws to build compelling cases and pursue just outcomes. We strive to create a more inclusive and fair workplace environment for all, and our mission is to ensure every employee is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Higher Education Employment
Our firm is experienced in advocating for employees in the higher education sector, encompassing a diverse range of academic personnel from adjunct faculty to distinguished professors. Our firm has excelled in handling cases involving wrongful termination, helping to uphold the rights of educators who have been unjustly dismissed from their roles. We fiercely advocate for academic freedom, championing the rights of educational professionals to research, teach, and voice their perspectives without fear of reprisal or censorship. Navigating the nuanced area of tenure disputes, we are well-versed in the complexities of the academic tenure process and work diligently to protect the career progression of our clients. Moreover, we are adept at dealing with breach of contract cases, offering robust representation to educators who have suffered as a result of contract violations. We recognize the pivotal role educators play in shaping our future and, as such, we are steadfast in our commitment to protecting their rights and interests.
Employee Benefits
Our practice also includes representation on matters of union-related pensions, medical plans, and other benefits. When employers try to avoid their plan obligations, we are prepared to litigate to defend workers’ contractual rights to their benefits. Additionally, we have represented benefit plans when contributing employers have filed for bankruptcy or otherwise get wrapped up in complex litigation pertaining to their financial obligations.
Employment Agreements
Engaging in negotiations with an employer can often leave individual employees in a position of less leverage, due to disparities in resources and power dynamics. This can result in employment agreements that disproportionately favor the employer. At Eisner Dictor & Lamadrid, we specialize in providing robust representation for employees during the negotiation of employment contracts. We diligently work to ensure that the terms of the contract are balanced and beneficial to the employee. Our expert team works tirelessly to secure favorable conditions across multiple key areas such as wages, benefits, and job security, making certain that our clients receive a fair deal. Furthermore, as an employment relationship draws to a close, we offer crucial support in negotiating severance agreements. We focus on securing the best possible terms for our clients, carefully addressing issues pertaining to end-of-service benefits, accrued time off, confidentiality, and any other relevant aspects. Our mission is to help level the playing field, enabling our clients to confidently navigate the complexities of employment agreements and exit processes.