WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 21, 2014) – John R. Richards has joined the international law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP as Of Counsel in its Labor & Employment Practice. He will reside in the Washington, D.C. office. Prior to joining the firm, Richards was an Associate at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.
Richards will focus his practice on labor and employment matters, including class and collective action litigation that arises under the FLSA and state wage-and-hour laws, whistleblower/Sarbanes-Oxley actions and class action that arises under ERISA. Richards served as part of the trial team in two key retiree medical cases including Brubaker v. Deere (defense verdict in ERISA retiree medical benefits class action trial) and Tackett v. M&G Polymers LLC (cert. granted, May 5, 2014, Case No. 13-1010, involving ERISA and LMRA Section 301 claims for retiree health insurance). He also advises retail and financial services employers on employee handbooks and policies, wage and hour compliance, litigation avoidance, and e-discovery management.
"We are excited to have such a talented lawyer as John join Greenberg Traurig,” said David Long-Daniels, Co-Chair of the Global Labor and Employment Practice and Chair of the Atlanta Labor & Employment Practice. “His labor and employment practice complements our existing Washington, D.C. practices and will help to ensure that we continue to provide our clients the quality of service and support that they require.”
In addition to his labor and employment practice, Richards is actively involved in the LGBT business and legal community. He serves as Greenberg Traurig’s representative on the Out Leadership Committee and is also a member of the National Board of Directors of Lambda Legal. Richards was recently recognized as one of the “40 Best LGBT Attorneys Under 40," by the National LGBT Bar Association.
Richards clerked for the Honorable Gregory L. Frost in the Southern District of Ohio and has also interned at The White House, Office of Political Affairs. He is admitted to practice in Washington, D.C. and Illinois. Richards received his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 2006 and his B.S., summa cum laude, from Vanderbilt University in 2003.
About Greenberg Traurig's Labor & Employment Practice
Greenberg Traurig’s Labor & Employment Practice is a diverse team of more than 100 labor and employment attorneys. They provide an array of workplace strategies and legal counsel, including practical and efficient consulting, technical assistance, and litigation services. The team understands the business impact of labor and employment issues. They have the varied experience needed to help organizations analyze options, make informed decisions and take effective action. Law360 named the group “Practice Group of the Year” for Employment in 2011 and 2013. Also, visit Greenberg Traurig's LE Blog for insights and analysis of the latest labor and employment developments, including legislation, regulations, cases, policies and trends.