Employment
- Services
- Employment

Overview
Responsiveness is the hallmark of our practice. We understand that the employer-employee dynamic is critical to the success of a business and, with more than 25 employment attorneys—many of whom spent decades honing their skills at management-side law firms and corporate in-house employment departments—we stand ready to enhance and/or protect your business with effective, business-oriented legal counsel.
Our approach is simple: we learn our clients’ businesses to identify and resolve issues before they become problems, preventing the loss of time and money associated with extensive legal proceedings. When the worst happens, we have achieved tremendous success on behalf of our clients by obtaining early dismissals of lawsuits before trial. We routinely represent businesses of all sizes—from Fortune 500 companies to startup entities—in all aspects of the employment relationship. From pre-employment screening, including those that occur under the Fair Credit and Reporting Act, through hiring and discipline to termination, from training to counseling, from internal complaints to administrative complaints and full-blown litigation, Taylor English responds to client needs while always keeping in mind the business interests that are our clients’ highest priorities.
We recognize that, at times, clients will benefit from alternative billing arrangements in those circumstances, and have successfully partnered with clients to implement flat fees for certain projects, including training, audits, handbook preparation, and certain agency proceedings and litigation situations.
“They’re very impressive - experienced lawyers working with sophisticated clients.”
- Chambers USA 2016
Experience
Experience
Obtained summary judgment in favor of a major media company in a case regarding claims of discrimination. District Court Judge overruled Plaintiff’s objections and granted Defendant’s motion for Summary Judgment on all of Plaintiff’s claims.
Successfully defended our client, a large fast food chain restaurant, against plaintiff who claimed same-sex sexual harassment, retaliation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Obtained favorable ruling on summary judgement for our client.
On behalf of Pilgrim’s Pride, moved for summary judgment as to all allegations and claims asserted. On June 5, 2015, U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia Barksdale issued a Report and Recommendation recommending that the Motion for Summary Judgment be granted in its entirety and Judgment to be entered in favor of Pilgrim’s Pride. On July 14, 2015, U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan issued an Order Adopting the Report and Recommendation and granting Summary ...
Defended BSI, the world’s first national standards body, and one of the world's largest independent certification bodies for management systems, with over 90,000 registered sites across the globe, in a wage/hour lawsuit (alleged misclassification) filed by a former employee, seeking more than $100,000 in alleged unpaid overtime and related damages and fees. At the completion of discovery, we successfully moved for summary judgment on our client’s behalf ...
Represented global insurance company in age discrimination lawsuit following reduction-in-force. After extensive discovery, we successfully moved for summary judgment on behalf of the employer. This resulted in a judgment in the company’s favor, as well as an award of costs against the plaintiff.
Represented chemical manufacturing company in pregnancy discrimination lawsuit filed by terminated employee. Following extensive discovery, filed a successful motion for summary judgment on all plaintiff’s claims. The court entered judgment in favor of the company, and ordered plaintiff to pay costs to the company.
Represented transportation company in race discrimination lawsuit filed in state court in South Georgia. Removed the case to federal court, and instituted discovery. After plaintiff failed to appear for his deposition, we demanded that plaintiff pay travel and other costs associated with his failure to appear. Faced with the likelihood of paying costs to the company, the plaintiff dismissed his lawsuit.
Represented a manufacturer in a jury trial for a racial harassment claim in 2014. Obtained jury verdict in favor of defense.
Successfully defended manufacturing company executives and management employees in lawsuit brought by former employee for wrongful termination, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and other tort claims. Obtained dismissal of all claims.
Achieved favorable confidential settlement at mediation on behalf of healthcare provider resolving litigation concerning race and national origin discrimination and retaliation claims in the Northern District of Georgia.
Obtained multiple temporary restraining orders in Georgia Superior Court on behalf of regional financial services firm, enforcing non-solicitation covenants of departing financial advisors and other executives who went to work for industry competitors.
Defended individual clients in wage and hour litigation in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia brought by live-in nanny for failure to pay overtime wages. Obtained summary judgment on FLSA claims as a result of successful assertion of the live-in domestic service workers exemption to FLSA’s overtime compensation requirements.
Active defense counsel for TBS, Inc. and subsidiaries, including CNN, CNN Español, and The Cartoon Network, Inc., in administrative charges filed at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and in federal lawsuits brought in Atlanta, Georgia, and New York, New York, alleging discrimination and retaliation under federal anti-discrimination laws. Taylor English regularly advises TBS, Inc. and its subsidiaries on complex employment law issues and prepare ...
Taylor English represents RentPath, Inc. in restrictive covenant lawsuits. Recently, we brought an action in Georgia Superior Court to enforce employee covenant agreements and recover damages resulting from the departures of several sales executives. Given the highly competitive nature of the industry, it was important that RentPath acted aggressively in enforcing its restrictive covenants. This matter resulted in a very favorable settlement in ...
Defended HomeBanc, and its former CEO, in Wage-Hour collective actions in Georgia and Florida federal courts seeking to treat mortgage loan officers as non-exempt and thereby entitled to overtime pay. All were settled very inexpensively.
Assumed defense of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company after a default judgment had been entered against the company by a federal judge in Georgia, in an ERISA case discovery dispute. After a hearing on damages, we appealed to the 11th Circuit, which vacated the default judgment.
Defended Fortune 100 companies, including John Harland Co., Brown & Williamson, General Motors, IBM, Tenneco Packaging/PACTIV, and Rockwell International in various individual and class action discrimination suits, jury and non-jury, in federal courts in Georgia.
Served as attorneys’ fee expert for an ERISA fiduciary and the City of Atlanta.
Represented a start-up Georgia company that expanded its precious metals business to Illinois and California. Provided legal advice in all aspects of corporate and business development and assisted the company in opening more than 200 locations throughout the United States. Prior to returning to Taylor English, Mr. Lucas served as Senior General Counsel for the company and oversaw all aspects of the business operations, regulatory compliance, corporate ...
Successfully resolved hybrid wage and hour collective/class action brought by managers of national coffee store company who alleged that they were misclassified as exempt.
Recovered in arbitration more than $2 million in additional severance benefits for a senior executive who was let go by his company after it was acquired.
Obtained jury verdict for Fortune 200 company in a potentially $50 million case in which plaintiffs alleged that their plant was closed because of the age of the workforce in violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
Successfully defended the first class action under the WARN Act.
Successfully resolved putative collective action by managers and assistant managers of national fast food restaurant chain who alleged that they were misclassified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Won summary judgment against the plaintiff’s claim for minimum and overtime wages under the Fair Labor Standards Act based upon the fact that the plaintiff was exempt under the computer professional exemption.
Represented the plaintiff to a satisfactory resolution in companion litigation in Georgia and Colorado to enforce restrictive covenants and obtain protection against the misappropriation of trade secrets.
Hecht v. Laurelbrook Sanitarium and School
Represented the defendant, a Seventh Day Adventist school and sanitarium, against claims brought by the plaintiff under Tennessee’s workers’ compensation statutes. The defendant’s defense was based in part under the United States Constitution and the Tennessee Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Successfully compelled compliance with client’s restrictive covenants against a group of departing employees before expense of litigation arose. Given the fast and aggressive strategy employed, client was able to prevent the disclosure of its trade secret and confidential information, as well as the solicitation of its existing client base.
Newsroom
Headlines
- March 23, 2021
- February 18, 2021
- February 9, 2021
- August 6, 2020
- July 22, 2020
- May 27, 2020
- May 19, 2020
- May 11, 2020
- April 29, 2020
- April 24, 2020
- April 20, 2020
- January 7, 2020
- January 3, 2020
- June 14, 2019
- May 30, 2019
- April 22, 2019
- March 11, 2019
- February 25, 2019
- February 15, 2019
- February 14, 2019
- December 6, 2018
- December 3, 2018
- October 16, 2018
- September 4, 2018
- August 24, 2018
- July 19, 2018
- May 16, 2018
- May 7, 2018
- May 1, 2018
- April 27, 2018
- April 5, 2018
- January 29, 2018
- January 25, 2018
- Georgia Bar Journal, December 18, 2017
- Cobb Business Journal, November 17, 2017
- November 7, 2017
- November 6, 2017
- September 22, 2017
- September 22, 2017
- September 21, 2017
- August 18, 2017
- July 27, 2017
- July 22, 2017
- July 20, 2017
- July 20, 2017
- July 5, 2017
- June 3, 2017
- June 3, 2017
- May 31, 2017
- February 15, 2017
- January 20, 2017
- November 11, 2016
- November 2, 2016
- September 23, 2016
- September 14, 2016
- August 19, 2016
- August 11, 2016
- August 1, 2016
- July 8, 2016
- July 8, 2016
- July 5, 2016
- July 5, 2016
- June 23, 2016
- "Taylor English Duma Adds a Counsel to Employment and Labor Relations Group," Marietta Daily JournalJune 23, 2016
- June 22, 2016
- June 17, 2016
- June 17, 2016
- June 16, 2016
- June 3, 2016
- June 3, 2016
- June 3, 2016
- March 7, 2016
- January 27, 2016
- January 8, 2016
- October 30, 2015
- October 14, 2015
- October 8, 2015
- October 8, 2015
- October 6, 2015
- September 15, 2015
- July 28, 2015
- July 16, 2015
- June 23, 2015
- May 11, 2015
- January 20, 2015
- January 1, 2015
- December 29, 2014
- November 6, 2014
- May 29, 2014
- May 6, 2014
- March 29, 2014
- January 31, 2014
- January 31, 2014
- December 19, 2013
- December 17, 2013
- December 2, 2013
- December 2, 2013
- October 14, 2013
- August 27, 2013
- March 14, 2013
News Releases
- February 18, 2021
- December 3, 2020
- August 31, 2020
- August 20, 2020
- August 5, 2020
- July 21, 2020
- April 24, 2020
- December 5, 2019
- November 8, 2019
- August 15, 2019
- Eight Attorneys Also Recognized as Leaders in Their FieldsMay 9, 2019
- December 6, 2018
- November 1, 2018
- September 4, 2018
- August 30, 2018
- August 15, 2018
- Nine Attorneys Also Recognized as Leaders in Their FieldsMay 3, 2018
- May 1, 2018
- April 26, 2018
- February 22, 2018
- November 1, 2017
- Ten Attorneys Also Recognized as Leaders in Their FieldsMay 30, 2017
- December 15, 2016
- December 13, 2016
- November 1, 2016
- August 15, 2016
- June 15, 2016
- June 10, 2016
- Six Attorneys Also Recognized as Leaders in Their FieldsMay 27, 2016
- December 1, 2015
- November 2, 2015
- October 6, 2015
- August 17, 2015
- July 1, 2015
- Chambers USA, May 28, 2015
- November 12, 2014
- November 10, 2014
- July 8, 2014
- July 7, 2014
- January 29, 2014
- April 27, 2011
- January 5, 2011
- January 28, 2010
Publications
- March 1, 2021
- Bitcoin Compensation Hurdles: Borderless Money in a Bordered World, GGI Labour & Employment Law NewsApril 30, 2020
- March 24, 2020
- Employee Benefit News, October 23, 2019
- Bitcoin Magazine, October 9, 2019
- October 1, 2019
- August 15, 2019
- April 2, 2019
- February 11, 2019
- January 18, 2019
- December 15, 2018
- December 5, 2018
- HR Hero, July 2018
- HR Daily Advisor, June 5, 2018
- February 9, 2018
- November 7, 2017
- July 31, 2017
- May 23, 2017
- December 6, 2016
- November 15, 2016
- October 20, 2016
- CMA Building Profits, July 26, 2016
- July 19, 2016
- July 6, 2016
- June 20, 2016
- May 11, 2016
- May 10, 2016
- May 6, 2016
- April 20, 2016
- "A Guide to Employment Laws, Regulations, and Practices," Labor and Employment in Georgia (Matthew Bender & Company), 2015, 2016
- December 2, 2014
- November 14, 2014
- March 29, 2014
- December 20, 2013
- April 2012
- September 19, 2011
Alerts
- Information Current as of March 15, 2021
- Information Current as of March 12, 2021
- February 17, 2021
- Information Current as of January 21, 2021
- January 20, 2021
- January 8, 2021
- January 7, 2021
- October 16, 2020
- Information Current as of October 12, 2020
- Information Current as of September 2, 2020
- August 24, 2020
- Information Current as of July 27, 2020
- Information Current as of July 27, 2020
- Information Current as of July 1, 2020
- Information Current as of June 29, 2020
- June 23, 2020
- Information Current as of June 11, 2020
- Information Current as of June 11, 2020
- Information Current as of June 5, 2020
- Information Current as of June 3, 2020
- Information Current as of May 29, 2020
- Information Current as of May 26, 2020
- Information Current as of May 26, 2020
- Information Current as of May 26, 2020
- by Jonathan Crumly Sr., Christina Moore, and Chris Hopper with Taylor English Decisions (chopper@tedecisions.com)Information Current as of April 18, 2020
- Information Current as of May 13, 2020
- Information Current as of May 13, 2020
- Information Current as of May 4, 2020
- Information Current as of April 29, 2020
- Information Current as of April 28, 2020
- Information Current as of April 27, 2020
- Information Current as of April 27, 2020
- Information Current as of April 27, 2020
- Information Current as of April 24, 2020
- Information Current as of April 21, 2020
- Information Current as of April 15, 2020
- Information Current as of April 15, 2020
- Information Current as of April 14, 2020
- Information Current as of April 10, 2020
- Information Current as of April 10, 2020
- Information Current as of April 9, 2020
- Information Current as of April 8, 2020
- April 1, 2020
- March 30, 2020
- March 30, 2020
- March 27, 2020
- March 25, 2020
- March 19, 2020
- March 19, 2020
- March 19, 2020
- March 18, 2020
- March 16, 2020
- February 14, 2020
- September 24, 2019
- September 24, 2019
- By: Bryan JacoutotJune 27, 2019
- By: Steven J. WhiteheadMay 23, 2019
- April 29, 2019
- By: Joe BryanApril 25, 2019
- By: Steven J. WhiteheadMarch 27, 2019
- By: Steven J. WhiteheadMarch 26, 2019
- By: Steven J. WhiteheadMarch 18, 2019
- By: Steven J. WhiteheadMarch 18, 2019
- By: Steven J. WhiteheadAugust 29, 2018
- By: Steven J. Whitehead and Rachael Lee ZichellaAugust 20, 2018
- By: Steven WhiteheadMay 21, 2018
- By: Deborah LivesayMay 8, 2018
- By: Steven J. WhiteheadApril 5, 2018
- January 23, 2018
- November 27, 2017
- September 1, 2017
- January 27, 2017
- December 1, 2016
- Nationwide injunction stalls massive overtime expansion, offers reprieve for employersNovember 23, 2016
- November 8, 2016
- October 13, 2016
- October 10, 2016
- September 22, 2016
- August 12, 2016
- August 4, 2016
- July 14, 2016
- May 18, 2016
- May 13, 2016
- April 22, 2016
- April 20, 2016
- April 11, 2016
- April 11, 2016
- March 4, 2016
- February 26, 2016
- February 2, 2016
- January 26, 2016
- January 14, 2016
- December 8, 2015
- November 20, 2015
- October 21, 2015
- September 30, 2015
- September 23, 2015
- August 19, 2015
- August 11, 2015
- July 15, 2015
- July 6, 2015
- June 2, 2015
- March 19, 2015
- September 4, 2014
- August 7, 2014
- June 20, 2014
- June 12, 2014
- January 3, 2014
- October 14, 2013
- September 24, 2013
- August 29, 2013
- April 19, 2013
- January 24, 2013
- January 9, 2013
Events
- Taylor English | 1600 Parkwood Circle, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30339, January 15, 2019
- An Interactive Hospitality and Retail Law SeriesDavio's | 3500 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30326, July 24, 2018
- An Interactive Hospitality and Retail Law SeriesDavio's | 3500 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30326, March 27, 2018
- Taylor English Duma LLP, Suite 200, January 24, 2017
- Davio's, August 25, 2016
- Davio's, June 21, 2016
- Cobb Chamber of Commerce, May 10, 2016
- The Buckhead Club, January 14, 2016
- Davio's, September 22, 2015
- June 27, 2014
- May 21, 2014
Speaking Engagements
- February 18, 2021
- February 11, 2021
- January 27, 2021
- September 29, 2020
- May 21, 2020
- April 1, 2020
- March 30, 2020
- February 20, 2020
- February 13, 2020
- December 5, 2019
- November 15, 2019
- August 23, 2019
- Friday, August 9, 2019
- July 18, 2019
- State Bar of Georgia, April 11, 2019
- September 26, 2018
- September 21, 2018
- The Ritz Carlton New Orleans, April 26, 2018
- SHRM-Atlanta HR ConferenceCobb Galleria Centre, March 27 – 28, 2018
- February 20, 2018
- Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, February 12, 2018
- Westin Atlanta Perimeter, February 1, 2018
- November 15, 2017
- Gwinnett Infinite Energy Center, October 13, 2017
- The Fox Theatre, October 3-4, 2017
- August 31, 2017
- August 17, 2017
- Smyrna, Ga., March 21, 2017
- Dunwoody, Ga., February 15, 2017
- Atlanta, Ga., January 24, 2017
- Atlanta, Ga., December 9, 2016
- Atlanta, Ga., October 27, 2016
- October 18, 2016
- Atlanta, Ga., August 18, 2016
- Atlanta, Ga., June 21, 2016
- Atlanta, Ga., April 26, 2016
- April 26, 2016
- Orlando, Fla., April 22, 2016
- Atlanta, Ga., April 14, 2016
- Scottsdale, Ariz., March 15, 2016
- Scottsdale, Ariz., March 14, 2016
- Atlanta, Ga., January 14, 2016
- Atlanta, Ga., December 10, 2015
- National HR in Hospitality ConferenceMarch 16, 2015
- New York, N.Y., September 10, 2014
- July 15, 2014
- Las Vegas, Nev., April 28, 2014
- May 5, 2013
- Las Vegas, Nev., March 11, 2013
- February 21, 2013
- Atlanta, Ga., November 13, 2012
Videos
A partner in Taylor English’s Employment and Labor Relations group, Shawntel Hebert first realized her interest in employment law as a student at Emory University School of Law.
Will Adams is attorney number nine and has basically been with Taylor English since our start in 2005. An employment attorney, Will balances his career, parenthood, and ministry.
Bryan Jacoutot covers the basics of what blockchain is, how blockchain works, how it came to be and how bitcoin uses the blockchain.
Shawntel R. Hebert discusses the Americans with Disabilities Act and employee requests for accommodation and what an employers responsibilities and rights are with respect to dealing with those requests.
Shawntel R. Hebert talks about things an employer should look for and what their rights and responsibilities when faced with a request for accommodations after an employee has violated a workplace rule.
Alison M. Ballard discusses how to structure the workplace investigation.
Alison M. Ballard discusses tips on how to conduct a workplace investigation and what to think about when conducting an investigation.
Blogs
- SBA Releases Interim Final Rule for PPP Loans of $50,000 or less Christina L. Moore
- President Trump’s Payroll Tax Deferral Order Lauren Marlow
- State Powers to Mandate COVID-19 Vaccination and Employee Vaccination Considerations for Employers Joseph M. English, Kevin P. Langley, Christina L. Moore, Joseph C. Sullivan
- What to Do When Your Employee Refuses to Return to Work Amid COVID-19? Shawntel R. Hebert
- Georgia COVID-19 Pandemic Business Safety Act James Balli, Jonathan D. Crumly Sr.
- Leave Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act Due to Closure or Partial Closure of Summer Camps, Summer Enrichment Programs or Other Summer Programs Alisa P. Cleek
- An Anticipated Coronavirus Vaccine: How will Georgia Schools & Daycare Handle Vaccination Exemptions? Deborah A. Ausburn, Christina L. Moore
- Child Care Providers: Surviving the Summer with or without a PPP Loan Shawntel R. Hebert, Christina L. Moore
- View More
- Voting and Employee Time Off Manori de Silva
- New Georgia Law Protects Breastfeeding Moms in the Workplace Ilene W. Berman
- Supreme Court of the United States Rules That Title VII Protects Gay and Transgender Employees from Discrimination Alisa P. Cleek
- Department of Labor Releases Q&A Regarding Coronavirus Emergency Paid Sick Leave and FMLA Leave Rules Mitzi L. Hill
- How the Families First Coronavirus Response Act Could Impact Employers
- Recent Guidelines in Handling FMLA Claims Randy C. Gepp
- Tips on Religious Requirements in the Workplace Randy C. Gepp
- Tips for Claims Under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the American Disabilities Act Randy C. Gepp
- View More
- Hiring Bias: How to Acknowledge and Avoid It! Shawntel R. Hebert
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA): Challenges Specific to Childcare & Youth Organizations Shawntel R. Hebert
- Employees or Independent Contractors? Deborah A. Ausburn
Coronavirus Impact Updates
HR Minute
Youth Services Law
Areas Of Focus
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace
- Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation
- Employment Advice and Counsel
- Employment Litigation and Class Actions
- Employment Policy Development and Implementation
- ERISA Litigation
- Immigration
- Internal Investigations
- Non-Traditional Staffing Arrangements
- Restrictive Covenants
- Unions and Traditional Labor
- Whistleblower Litigation
- Worker Classification, Compensation and Litigation
- Workplace Safety and OSHA Counseling and Litigation