Labor & Employment: Band 1
Fisher & Phillips LLP
Jackson Lewis LLP*
Nexsen Pruet, LLC*
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC*
JACKSON LEWIS LLP
The Firm: Jackson Lewis has an extensive geographical footprint and an impressive depth of resources to match. The team represents management in a wide range of employment disputes and is singled out for its expertise in FLSA issues and ERISA benefit litigation. It is renowned for its proficiency with large, complex disputes, recently handling a major case involving claims under the ADA. Major regional clients include Liberty Mutual, Piggly Wiggly and Pfizer.
Sources say: “Jackson Lewis has tremendous resources and solid attorneys across the board.”
Key Individuals in Greenville:
Andreas Satterfield (BAND 2, LABOR & EMPLOYMENT) has extensive experience representing employers and management in litigation. He is well known throughout the state, and is described by interviewees as “knowledgeable, responsive and client-focused.”
Ashley Abel (BAND 3, LABOR & EMPLOYMENT) heads up the benefits litigation practice and excels in handling complex ERISA cases.
NEXSEN PRUET, LLC
The Firm: Nexsen Pruet has a strong presence in the state, with a 24-strong labor and employment team spread across four cities. Litigation forms a key component of the practice, and the team enjoys a strong reputation for success. It attracts an impressive client base, including many of the largest employers in South Carolina, such as Honda, Verizon and McDonald’s.
Sources say: “It is an excellent practice, with a comprehensive range of expertise in labor and employment.”
Key Individuals in Greenville:
Thomas Stephenson (BAND 3, LABOR & EMPLOYMENT) has a superb reputation as a mediator. His success is attributed to the fact that he “is personable, deeply intelligent and insightful,” according to sources.
OGLETREE, DEAKINS, NASH, SMOAK & STEWART, PC
The Firm: Ogletree Deakins is a national boutique, with an impressive bench of labor and employment lawyers in South Carolina. It is particularly renowned for its benefits practice and trial experience. The group represents a wide range of clients, from large private companies, to healthcare entities and municipalities.
Sources say: “The team understands our culture and our business, and acts as a true partner to us.”
Key Individuals in Greenville:
Gray Geddie (BAND 1, LABOR & EMPLOYMENT) has recently returned to practice in South Carolina after a ten-year hiatus as managing partner of the firm. He is described by peers as “a skilled litigator and a leader in the field.”
Fred Suggs (BAND 1, LABOR & EMPLOYMENT) is regarded as “a dean of employment law” and “the person to call when you have a thorny problem.” He recently acted as lead counsel in a large health insurance benefits case.
Lewis Smoak (BAND 2, LABOR & EMPLOYMENT) is one of the team’s most experienced lawyers, particularly in union-related matters. “He was integral in establishing and strengthening Ogletree’s distinctive reputation,” says one interviewee.
Mike Shetterly (BAND 3, LABOR & EMPLOYMENT) is the managing shareholder the Greenville office and has a thriving, well-rounded practice. Clients say he is “a solid attorney who provides excellent advice across an array of matters.”
Of counsel
Hamilton Stewart (SENIOR STATESMAN, LABOR & EMPLOYMENT) is an established labor and employment lawyer who continues to be “a real leader in his field.”
Labor & Employment: Band 2
Ford & Harrison LLP
Labor & Employment: Band 3
Constangy, Brooks & Smith, LLP*
Gignilliat, Savitz & Bettis LLP
Wyche, P.A.*
CONSTANGY, BROOKS & SMITH, LLP
The Firm: Constangy, Brooks & Smith is a national labor and employment boutique, with strong offices in both Greenville and Columbia. It is a comprehensive practice, advising on litigation, labor law, benefits, workers’ compensation and immigration. Current clients include UPS Freight, US Airways and BMW.
Sources say: “The team provides great client service, building long-term relationships with the companies it represents.”
Key Individuals in Greenville:
Steve Warren (BAND 2, LABOR & EMPLOYMENT) has over 30 years of experience counseling both unionized and union-free employers on a range of matters. Clients say he is “knowledgeable, accessible and gives excellent, practical advice.”
WYCHE, P.A.
The Firm: This team largely counsels small to mid-sized businesses on day-to-day employment issues, but also represents larger corporate clients during employment-related crises. The attorneys are particularly well known for their exceptional academic and professional credentials. Current clients include Synterra, Wellstone Mills and FGP International.
Sources say: “The lawyers are not only smart, but are client-focused and very easy to deal with.”
Key Individuals in Greenville:
Mark Bakker (BAND 3, LABOR & EMPLOYMENT) is widely recognized as an excellent mediator, and has particularly impressed with his personable approach. “He gives very detailed advice, lays out all the options and makes sure we understand where we’re going,” says one interviewee.
Theodore Gentry (BAND 3, LABOR & EMPLOYMENT) heads up the practice and impresses sources in class action litigation. He is praised for his “outstanding advice and guidance.”
OTHER NOTABLE LABOR & EMPLOYMENT PRACTITIONERS IN GREENVILLE
William Foster (BAND 3, LABOR & EMPLOYMENT) of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP is recognized as a strong litigator and leads the firm’s employment practice in Greenville. Peers are “impressed with his confidence and strong speaking skills” and “would always feel very comfortable referring work to him.”