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Kristine J. Feher is an experienced employment litigator and trial attorney, whose practice focuses on representing employers and managers in employment discrimination, harassment, and wrongful discharge cases arising under employment laws. In addition, she litigates wage payment and overtime compensation claims (including class actions) under the Fair Labor Standards Act and state laws. She has wide-ranging experience in defending claims of breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, and many other employment-related claims. Kris also defends Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and state fair employment practice agency charges, which are commonly a precursor to litigation.

In addition to litigation, Kris assists clients in a variety of labor and employment matters including advising on performance management, terminations, and reductions in force; conducting workplace training; drafting policies and handbooks; ensuring wage and hour compliance; and counseling franchisors regarding employment issues, including avoiding joint employer status with franchisees. Kris prides herself on offering advice that is both practical and consistent with the employer’s business goals and culture.

Kris has led the Greenberg Traurig Women’s Initiative (GTWI) in the New Jersey office, serves as an associate mentor, and has taught various internal training programs, including the firm’s Litigation Skills Academy. She is also an editor of the GT L&E Blog, and frequently speaks and writes on topics related to employment law.

Concentrations

  • Employment laws, including
    • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
    • Pregnancy Discrimination Act
    • Age Discrimination in Employment Act
    • Americans with Disabilities Act
    • New Jersey Law Against Discrimination
    • Conscientious Employee Protection Act
    • Family Medical Leave Act
    • New Jersey Family Leave Act
    • Employee Retirement Income Security Act

The attorney is providing legal services through and affiliated with Greenberg Traurig, LLP, a New York Limited Liability Partnership. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Capabilities

Experience

  • Won unanimous jury verdict in New Jersey Superior Court on behalf of major hospital system is case alleging whistleblower retaliation and obesity discrimination.
  • Won unanimous jury verdict in New Jersey Superior Court on behalf of major package delivery company in case alleging failure to accommodate the plaintiff’s disability.
  • Won unanimous jury verdict on plaintiff's claims and on counterclaim for damages against plaintiff on behalf of major telecommunications provider in case involving claims of breach of contract, implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and tortious interference, and defended plaintiff’s appeal to the New Jersey Appellate Division.
  • Along with GT co-counsel, achieved unanimous jury verdict in a case in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, in which plaintiff alleged claims of disability discrimination, failure to accommodate his alleged disability, and retaliation.
  • Secured resolution at arbitration in whistleblower retaliation and discrimination claim on behalf of hotel management company in case alleging sexual orientation discrimination and retaliation against corporate client and executives.
  • As part of the defense team representing a major U.S. retailer, defeated class and collective certification of classes of Assistant Store Managers in overtime misclassification cases.
  • As co-leader of the defense team for a major international chemical company, defeated a claim for certification of a proposed class action alleging a nation-wide practice of age discrimination in force reductions, and successfully defended that decision on appeal.
  • Secured summary judgment in overtime pay class action on behalf of medical device manufacturer who was alleged to be a joint employer of workers provided by a staffing agency.
  • Won summary judgment on behalf of a major hospital system in New Jersey state court in cases alleging disability discrimination, failure to accommodate, race discrimination,
  • Won summary judgement on behalf of another major hospital system in case alleging race discrimination and retaliation.
  • Achieved summary judgment on behalf of major telecommunications company in arbitration alleging race discrimination and retaliation.
  • Secured summary judgment in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of major telecommunications provider in a claim for benefits under an ERISA-governed disability plan, and defended the decision before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.°
  • Obtained summary judgment in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey on behalf of major telecommunications provider in a claim for retirement benefits under an ERISA-governed separation plan, and defended appeal to Third Circuit Court of Appeals.°
  • Secured summary judgment on behalf of major telecommunications provider in claim alleging sex discrimination and related issues, and defended the decision before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
  • Obtained dismissal on behalf of major telecommunications provider of suit in the Southern District of New York alleging race discrimination and various other claims.
  • Obtained summary judgment in numerous cases alleging discrimination and related claims against corporate clients in New Jersey and New York courts.
  • Enforced an oral settlement agreement entered into with a plaintiff after plaintiff sought to rescind the agreement. Plaintiff asserted claims relating to stock options in federal court in the District of New Jersey and won the Third Circuit Appeal.°
  • Obtained dismissals and findings of "no probable cause" in numerous employment discrimination charges filed with the EEOC and various state fair employment practice agencies.
  • Assisted corporate clients in employment-based immigration matters, including obtaining temporary work authorization and/or permanent residence for foreign workers, compliance with I-9 (employment verification) requirements, internal audits, and audits by agencies.
  • Counseled clients on employment law issues including layoffs, compliance and anticipated employment actions.
  • Conducted training, including prevention of workplace harassment and compliance with leave and disability laws, at dozens of client sites and seminars.
  • Reviewed and revised client handbooks, contracts, employment policies, offer letters and applications.

°The above representations were handled by Ms. Feher prior to her joining Greenberg Traurig, LLP.

Recognition & Leadership

  • Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Employment Law - Management; Litigation - Labor and Employment, 2018-2025
  • Listed, Chambers USA Guide, 2011-2024
  • Listed, Lawdragon, 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers, 2022-2025
  • Listed, The Legal 500 United States, 2013-2021
  • Listed, NJBIZ, “Best 50 Women in Business,” 2020
  • Selected, New Jersey Law Journal, “Mentor,” 2019
  • Recipient, Lexology’s "Client Choice" Award, Employment Benefits: New Jersey, 2017
  • Member, Winning Team, New Jersey Law Journal, "General Litigation Department of the Year" Award, 2013
  • Team Member,  Lexology’s Client Choice Award USA & Canada, United States: New Jersey, 2013
  • Team Member, a Law360 "Employment Practice Group of the Year," 2011 and 2013
  • Listed, Benchmark: Litigation, the Definitive Guide to America’s Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys, 2009
  • Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, New Jersey Super Lawyers, "Rising Stars," 2006-2009
  • Rated, AV Preeminent® 5.0 out of 5.0

°AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell DistinguishedSM and Martindale-Hubbell NotableSM are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell® certification procedures, standards and policies.

A description of the selection methodology for the above awards can be found here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

  • Litigation Counsel of America
    • Fellow, 2015-2020
    • Senior Fellow, 2021-Present
  • Member, Morris County Bar Association
  • Member, New Jersey Women Lawyers Association

Credentials

Education
  • J.D., University of Pennsylvania Law School, 1995
  • B.A., Tufts University, 1992
  • Phillips Academy at Andover, 1988
Admissions
  • New Jersey
  • U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit