Lynn A.Kappelman
Partner
Labor & Employment
lkappelman@seyfarth.com
Lynn is top-of-mind for clients facing a trial, arbitration, or contentious case anywhere in the country. She swoops in with her team of experienced trial lawyers and prepares the case to win.
More About Lynn
Clients can rest easily when facing a trial if they are working with Lynn, a seasoned trial attorney and chair of the firm's Trial group. She is the one you want to run your trial when your back is against the wall.
Lynn brings to each case the knowledge of what it takes to go to trial and win. She manages a number of large, national client portfolios, providing strategic and efficient support for clients in their employment litigation matters across the country, whether large or small, simple or complex. She also has significant experience working on non-compete and trade secrets litigation, taking many cases to evidentiary hearing and trial.
Lynn began her practice as a commercial litigator, but since the 1990s, her practice has focused on employment litigation, trials, class action discrimination cases, non-competition, and trade secrets disputes. She has handled multiplaintiff and class action trials, as well as single-plaintiff trials and arbitrations in state and federal courts all across the country.
Lynn also regularly guides clients through internal investigations, often at the executive level, helping them to navigate highly sensitive and confidential situations to protect their business and reputation. This includes working with clients on a strategic post-investigation plan, involving steps such as discipline, trainings, internal messaging, and changes to policies and processes.
In addition to chairing Seyfarth's Trials team, she is chair of the firm’s national Retail, Wholesale & Distribution industry group, liaising with a number of national retail industry groups to keep the challenges and solutions for retail clients top of mind every day. She is also leading the firm’s Health Care, Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals industry group. With a number of clients in this industry, she is helping to shape policy and practice for the life sciences workplace of the future.
Lynn is comfortable working within all sorts of alternative fee arrangements, and she regularly employs online budgeting and settlement templates to help drive efficiency and consistency.
Lynn welcomes the opportunity to work with clients across industries to understand their business models, to help them solve the problems, and to win the complex and contentious cases that keep them awake at night. She enjoys working at Seyfarth because her colleagues, as well as the firm's technical resources, help her to better serve her clients.
Lynn brings to each case the knowledge of what it takes to go to trial and win. She manages a number of large, national client portfolios, providing strategic and efficient support for clients in their employment litigation matters across the country, whether large or small, simple or complex. She also has significant experience working on non-compete and trade secrets litigation, taking many cases to evidentiary hearing and trial.
Lynn began her practice as a commercial litigator, but since the 1990s, her practice has focused on employment litigation, trials, class action discrimination cases, non-competition, and trade secrets disputes. She has handled multiplaintiff and class action trials, as well as single-plaintiff trials and arbitrations in state and federal courts all across the country.
Lynn also regularly guides clients through internal investigations, often at the executive level, helping them to navigate highly sensitive and confidential situations to protect their business and reputation. This includes working with clients on a strategic post-investigation plan, involving steps such as discipline, trainings, internal messaging, and changes to policies and processes.
In addition to chairing Seyfarth's Trials team, she is chair of the firm’s national Retail, Wholesale & Distribution industry group, liaising with a number of national retail industry groups to keep the challenges and solutions for retail clients top of mind every day. She is also leading the firm’s Health Care, Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals industry group. With a number of clients in this industry, she is helping to shape policy and practice for the life sciences workplace of the future.
Lynn is comfortable working within all sorts of alternative fee arrangements, and she regularly employs online budgeting and settlement templates to help drive efficiency and consistency.
Lynn welcomes the opportunity to work with clients across industries to understand their business models, to help them solve the problems, and to win the complex and contentious cases that keep them awake at night. She enjoys working at Seyfarth because her colleagues, as well as the firm's technical resources, help her to better serve her clients.
- JD, Georgetown University Law Center
- AB, Brown University
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- New York
- US Supreme Court
- US Court of Appeals, First Circuit
- US Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
- US Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
- US District Court, District of Colorado
- US District Court, District of Connecticut
- US District Court, District of Massachusetts
- US District Court, Eastern District of New York
- US District Court, Northern District of New York
- US District Court, Southern District of New York
- US District Court, Western District of New York
Related Services
Related Key Industries
Recent Employment-Related Jury Trials
- Secured employer verdict on all counts on behalf of a major national retail chain in a lawsuit alleging claims of age discrimination, disability discrimination, and retaliation.
- Secured employer verdict on all counts on behalf of a major national retailer in a lawsuit alleging pregnancy discrimination.
- Secured employer verdict on all counts on behalf of a major national retailer in a lawsuit alleging claims of religious discrimination, religious accommodation, religious harassment, and retaliation.
- Represented oilfield technology company at trial in a lawsuit involving multi-plaintiff race discrimination, racial harassment, and retaliation; jury deadlocked after 6 week trial.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a major national retail chain in a lawsuit alleging defamation.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a global supermarket company in a lawsuit alleging claims of religious discrimination and religious accommodation.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a frozen food distributor in a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and retaliation.
- Secured employer verdict on race and retaliation claims on behalf of a major national retailer in a lawsuit alleging claims of race discrimination, retaliation, and constructive discharge.
- Secured JNOV on behalf of a regional grocery store in a lawsuit alleging age discrimination and national origin discrimination.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a major national retailer in a lawsuit alleging an FMLA violation.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a nationwide grocery store chain in a lawsuit alleging race discrimination and retaliation claims.
- Represented a university in a lawsuit alleging claims of national origin discrimination and denial of tenure; settled right before verdict.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a major technology company in a lawsuit alleging age and race discrimination claims.
- Represented a major national retailer in a lawsuit alleging claims of age discrimination and breach of implied contract; settled after jury empaneled.
- Secured employer verdict for a nationwide grocery store chain in a lawsuit alleging claims of negligent infliction of emotional distress and wrongful termination in violation of public policy.
- Secured employer verdict for a nationwide grocery store chain in a lawsuit alleging claims of sex discrimination, hostile environment, and sexual harassment.
- Represented a multinational professional services company in a lawsuit alleging ADA and retaliation claims; settled after jury empaneled.
- Represented a global telecommunications company in a lawsuit alleging claims of age discrimination, tortious interference with advantageous business relations, and retaliation; settled after jury empaneled.
Employment Bench Trials/Arbitrations
- Secured complete defense victory on behalf of a nationwide health care company in an AAA arbitration brought by a plaintiff alleging that he was terminated in retaliation for his FMLA leave request.
- Secured an employer verdict on behalf of a steel production company in a three day non-compete, tortious interference trial.
- Secured an employer verdict on behalf of a health services innovation company in a AAA arbitration alleging age discrimination.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of an employer solutions company in a AAA arbitration alleging claims of race discrimination, retaliation, and constructive discharge.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a nationwide health care company in a AAA arbitration alleging Sarbanes-Oxley whistleblower claims, and retaliation.
- Secured judgment on behalf of a nationwide real estate company on breach of implied employment contract claim.
- Secured preliminary injunction to enforce non-compete agreement on behalf of a nationwide real estate company.
- Secured judgment on behalf of a motorcycle manufacturer on a breach of employment contract claim.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a nationwide health care company in a AAA arbitration involving disability discrimination accommodation.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a nationwide health care company in a AAA arbitration involving disability and FMLA claims.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a nationwide health care company in a AAA arbitration alleging race discrimination, and retaliation.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a nationwide health care company in a AAA arbitration alleging sex discrimination, and retaliation.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a nationwide health care company in a AAA arbitration alleging age, race, and national origin discrimination, and retaliation.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a motorcycle dealership in a AAA arbitration alleging wrongful termination in violation of public policy.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a nationwide health care company in a AAA arbitration alleging age, race, national origin, and sex discrimination, perceived disability, and retaliation.
- Represented a nationwide health care company in a AAA arbitration involving disability, FMLA, and retaliation claims.
Employment-Related Appeals
Federal:
- Reduced employer liability after trial from $27 million to $4 million for a steel production company in a lawsuit alleging claims of race discrimination and retaliation.
- Secured $1.6 million remittitur on behalf of hotel owner in a lawsuit alleging claims of age discrimination, constructive discharge, and retaliation.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a nationwide retailer in a lawsuit involving religious discrimination and accommodation claims.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a manufacturer in a lawsuit alleging age discrimination.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf a global computer hardware company in a lawsuit involving ERISA claims.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a global fraternal service organization in a lawsuit alleging national origin discrimination and retaliation.
State:
- Secured a favorable decision on behalf of a steel production company in a lawsuit involving trade secrets, breach of contract, and non-competition agreement claims.
- Secured a favorable decision on behalf of an office products distributor in a lawsuit involving breach of contract and breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealings claims.
MCAD public hearing:
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a nationwide retailer in a lawsuit involving disability, discrimination, and disability accommodation claims.
Related Trends
Related News & Insights
-
Firm News
08/15/2024
220 Seyfarth Attorneys Chosen as Leaders in Their Fields by Best Lawyers in America 2025
-
Attorney Publication
Apr 8, 2024
Lynn Kappelman and Christina Duszlak Write on Managing Trials with Time Limits in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
-
Recognition
10/05/2023
Seyfarth Ranked Tier 1 Nationally for Labor & Employment in Benchmark Litigation 2023; 29 Seyfarth Lawyers Cited
-
Webinar
Oct 4, 2023
Seyfarth and ACC: Cultural Trends Causing Explosive Verdicts in Employment Cases
- Recognized by Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.) for Employment Law - Management (2013-2025), Labor Law - Management (2013-2025), Litigation - Labor and Employment (2012-2025), and Appellate Practice (2018-2024)
- Recognized as a Recommended Attorney for Labor and employment disputes (including collective actions) - defense, The Legal 500 (Legalese Ltd.) (2023)
- Recognized practitioner, labor and employment (Massachusetts), Chambers USA (2014-2015)
-
Recognized as a "Labor & Employment Star" by Benchmark Litigation (Euromoney Institutional Investor) (2020-2021, 2023)
- 2014 Lawyer of the Year for Labor Law-Management, Best Lawyers (Woodward/White Inc.)
- Listed in Massachusetts Super Lawyers for Employment & Labor (Thomson Reuters) (2010-2019)
- New York Bar Association
- Massachusetts Bar Association
- Connecticut Bar Association
- Co-Author, "Reading between the lines: decision offers insight into how to craft voir dire questions," Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (September 6, 2024)
- Co-Author, "Practical tips for managing trials with time limits," Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (April 5, 2024)
- Co-Author, "Employer Tips For Fighting Back Against Explosive Verdicts," Law360 (July 31, 2023)
- Co-Author, "A Unanimous Supreme Court Rules on Undue Hardship in Religious Accommodation: De Minimis Is Out, “Substantial Increased Costs” Is In," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 29, 2023)
- Co-Author, "How the Consolidated Appropriations Act Impacts Unemployment Compensation Benefits," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 31, 2020)
- Co-Author, "President Trump Signs Four Executive Orders Providing or Extending Coronavirus Relief," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 10, 2020)
- Co-Author, "Tips for the pandemic-era trial lawyer," Legal News (June 23, 2020)
- Co-Author, "Tips for the pandemic-era trial lawyer," Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (June 18, 2020)
- Co-Author, "How can jury trials resume in midst of COVID-19?," Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (May 21, 2020)
- Co-Author, "The Mitigation Defense Tool Your Employment Case May Need," Law360 (December 2, 2019)
- Co-Author, "What jurors really think about your employment case, Part 2," Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly (October 18, 2019)
- Co-Author, "What jurors really think about your employment case, Part 1," Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly (October 18, 2019)
- Co-Author, "Expanding the definition of ‘protected class’," Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (June 27, 2019)
- Co-Author, "Terminating employees for off-duty conduct," Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (April 4, 2019)
- Co-Author, "Authenticating Digital Signatures at Trial," Corporate Counsel (March 13, 2019)
- Co-Author, "Jury selection for harassment cases in the #MeToo era," New England In-House (February 25, 2019)
- Co-Author, "Jury selection for harassment cases in the #MeToo era," Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (January 10, 2019)
- Co-Author, "Tips For Employers As EEOC Targets Hearing Disabilities," Law360 (January 4, 2019)
- Co-Author, "Becoming Predictable: Oregon’s Final Rules Help Clarify Its New Predictable Scheduling Law," Retail Detail, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 14, 2018)
- Co-Author, "The Future for Employers in the Pharmaceutical Industry," Massachusetts Biotechnology Council Blog (December 5, 2017)
- Co-Author, "Combating Punitive Damages Awards on Appeal," Best Lawyers (September 14, 2017)
- Co-Author, "Trial technology can be friend or foe: top traps to avoid," New England In-House (December 14, 2016)
- Co-Author, "Connecticut Bans (Another) Box, Expanding Protections for Applicants With Criminal Backgrounds," Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 10, 2016)
- Co-Author, "A Standardized Test Is Here: Connecticut Supreme Court Brings Clarity to the 'ABC' Test for Independent Contractor Status," Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 15, 2016)
- Co-Author, "Using Information Graphics Effectively In The Courtroom," Law360 (November 2, 2015)
- Co-Author, "7 Key Moments To Preserve Objections At Jury Trials," Law360 (May 11, 2015)
- Co-Author, "The Supreme Court Weighs The Constitutionality Of Restricting Marriage To Opposite Sex Couples, And The Impact Their Decision May Have For Employers," Employment Law Lookout Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 28, 2015)
- Co-Author, "What Does The Employer Know, And When Does It Know It? SCOTUS Grants Cert In EEOC V. Abercrombie Religious Discrimination Suit," Employment Law Lookout Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 16, 2014)
- Co-Author, "American Bar Association Ethics Opinion Greenlights Attorneys’ Review of Jurors’ 'Internet Presence'," Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 29, 2014)
- Co-Author, "The Trial Lawyer's Guide To A Winning Direct Examination," Law360 (May 21, 2014)
- Co-Author, "EEOC Offers Guidance on Religious Clothing, Grooming," New England In-House (April, 2014)
- Co-Author, "Close the Deal: 6 Steps for a Knockout Closing Argument," Corporate Counsel (March 25, 2014)
- Co-Author, "You’re Wearing That? The EEOC Weighs in on Workplace Accommodations for Religious Clothing and Grooming Practices," Legal Update, Retail Detail, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 12, 2014)
- Co-Author, "Opening Statements Not Just Job of Outside Counsel," New England In-House (February 2014)
- Co-Author, "Have the jury at ‘hello’," Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (February 6, 2014)
- Co-Author, "Preparing Your Case for Trial," Desktop Reference, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (2014 Edition)
- Co-Author, "5 Steps To A Successful Cross-Examination," Law360 (December 13, 2013)
- Co-Author, "How To Prepare Witnesses To Make (Not Break) Your Case," Law360 (October 21, 2013)
- Co-Author, "'Leaning In'… But Not to a Lawsuit," Employment Law Update (Fall 2013)
- Co-Author, "U.S. Supreme Court Decides Landmark Same-Sex Marriage Decisions That Will Significantly Impact U.S. Employers," Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 26, 2013)
- Co-Author, "Leveraging Motions in Limine to Win Your Trial and Appeal," Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (May 22, 2013)
- Co-Author, "Retail Employers Should Consider Moving to Strike Inadequate Class Claims Immediately," Retail Detail, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 25, 2013)
- Co-Author, "The Conflict in the Circuits Regarding Religious Accommodations Continues," Retail Detail, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 29, 2013)
- Co-Author, "The Supreme Court Grants Review In Two Cases With Direct Implications For Retail Employers," Retail Detail, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 12, 2012)
- Contributing Author, Workplace Class Action Blog
- Co-Author, "Employment Litigation to Rise Under Ledbetter Act," Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (February 23, 2009)
- Co-Presenter, “Jury Trials in 2024: Seyfarth’s Employment Trial Team on Lessons from the Front Lines - Part 4: The Flip Side,” Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (September 25, 2024)
- Co-Speaker, "Workplace Religious Accommodations under the New “Substantial Increased Costs” Standard: Unanimous Supreme Court Decides Groff v. DeJoy," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 10, 2023)
- Co-Presenter, "Explosive Jury Verdicts in Employment Cases: Why Are They Happening and How to Fight Back," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 27, 2023)
- "Hot Issues on Retail Employee Safety In the Face of COVID-19," Winter 2021 Retail Workforce Summit Webinar, hosted by Retail Industry Leaders Association and Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 17, 2021)
- "The Impact of Technology on Our Workplaces," New England Human Resources Association (May 2, 2019)
- "Drafting Winning Post-Trial Briefs," Webinar, presented by Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 5, 2018)
- "An In-House Counsel’s Guide to Expert Testimony in Jury Trials," Webinar, presented by Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 18, 2017)
- "Roadmap for the In-House Lawyer Whose Client is Going to Trial," Webinar, presented by Seyfarth Shaw LLP (September 27, 2016)
- "Roadmap for the In-house Lawyer Going to Trial," NY Today (2013)
- "When to Use Focus Groups and Mock Trials When Preparing for Trial," Webinar, presented by Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 2013)
- "How to Prepare Witnesses for Trial," Webinar, presented by Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 2013)
- "New Developments and Hot Topics in Religious Discrimination for Colleges and Universities," National Association of Colleges and Universities Continuing Legal Education Conference (Spring 2009)
- "Developments in the Employments Laws Pertaining to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Individuals on College and University Campuses," National Association of Colleges and Universities Continuing Legal Education Conference (Spring 2005)
- Provincetown Commons, board member
- Greater Boston Food Bank volunteer
Lynn is top-of-mind for clients facing a trial, arbitration, or contentious case anywhere in the country. She swoops in with her team of experienced trial lawyers and prepares the case to win.
More About Lynn
Clients can rest easily when facing a trial if they are working with Lynn, a seasoned trial attorney and chair of the firm's Trial group. She is the one you want to run your trial when your back is against the wall.
Lynn brings to each case the knowledge of what it takes to go to trial and win. She manages a number of large, national client portfolios, providing strategic and efficient support for clients in their employment litigation matters across the country, whether large or small, simple or complex. She also has significant experience working on non-compete and trade secrets litigation, taking many cases to evidentiary hearing and trial.
Lynn began her practice as a commercial litigator, but since the 1990s, her practice has focused on employment litigation, trials, class action discrimination cases, non-competition, and trade secrets disputes. She has handled multiplaintiff and class action trials, as well as single-plaintiff trials and arbitrations in state and federal courts all across the country.
Lynn also regularly guides clients through internal investigations, often at the executive level, helping them to navigate highly sensitive and confidential situations to protect their business and reputation. This includes working with clients on a strategic post-investigation plan, involving steps such as discipline, trainings, internal messaging, and changes to policies and processes.
In addition to chairing Seyfarth's Trials team, she is chair of the firm’s national Retail, Wholesale & Distribution industry group, liaising with a number of national retail industry groups to keep the challenges and solutions for retail clients top of mind every day. She is also leading the firm’s Health Care, Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals industry group. With a number of clients in this industry, she is helping to shape policy and practice for the life sciences workplace of the future.
Lynn is comfortable working within all sorts of alternative fee arrangements, and she regularly employs online budgeting and settlement templates to help drive efficiency and consistency.
Lynn welcomes the opportunity to work with clients across industries to understand their business models, to help them solve the problems, and to win the complex and contentious cases that keep them awake at night. She enjoys working at Seyfarth because her colleagues, as well as the firm's technical resources, help her to better serve her clients.
Lynn brings to each case the knowledge of what it takes to go to trial and win. She manages a number of large, national client portfolios, providing strategic and efficient support for clients in their employment litigation matters across the country, whether large or small, simple or complex. She also has significant experience working on non-compete and trade secrets litigation, taking many cases to evidentiary hearing and trial.
Lynn began her practice as a commercial litigator, but since the 1990s, her practice has focused on employment litigation, trials, class action discrimination cases, non-competition, and trade secrets disputes. She has handled multiplaintiff and class action trials, as well as single-plaintiff trials and arbitrations in state and federal courts all across the country.
Lynn also regularly guides clients through internal investigations, often at the executive level, helping them to navigate highly sensitive and confidential situations to protect their business and reputation. This includes working with clients on a strategic post-investigation plan, involving steps such as discipline, trainings, internal messaging, and changes to policies and processes.
In addition to chairing Seyfarth's Trials team, she is chair of the firm’s national Retail, Wholesale & Distribution industry group, liaising with a number of national retail industry groups to keep the challenges and solutions for retail clients top of mind every day. She is also leading the firm’s Health Care, Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals industry group. With a number of clients in this industry, she is helping to shape policy and practice for the life sciences workplace of the future.
Lynn is comfortable working within all sorts of alternative fee arrangements, and she regularly employs online budgeting and settlement templates to help drive efficiency and consistency.
Lynn welcomes the opportunity to work with clients across industries to understand their business models, to help them solve the problems, and to win the complex and contentious cases that keep them awake at night. She enjoys working at Seyfarth because her colleagues, as well as the firm's technical resources, help her to better serve her clients.
- JD, Georgetown University Law Center
- AB, Brown University
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- New York
- US Supreme Court
- US Court of Appeals, First Circuit
- US Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
- US Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
- US District Court, District of Colorado
- US District Court, District of Connecticut
- US District Court, District of Massachusetts
- US District Court, Eastern District of New York
- US District Court, Northern District of New York
- US District Court, Southern District of New York
- US District Court, Western District of New York
Related Services
Related Key Industries
Recent Employment-Related Jury Trials
- Secured employer verdict on all counts on behalf of a major national retail chain in a lawsuit alleging claims of age discrimination, disability discrimination, and retaliation.
- Secured employer verdict on all counts on behalf of a major national retailer in a lawsuit alleging pregnancy discrimination.
- Secured employer verdict on all counts on behalf of a major national retailer in a lawsuit alleging claims of religious discrimination, religious accommodation, religious harassment, and retaliation.
- Represented oilfield technology company at trial in a lawsuit involving multi-plaintiff race discrimination, racial harassment, and retaliation; jury deadlocked after 6 week trial.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a major national retail chain in a lawsuit alleging defamation.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a global supermarket company in a lawsuit alleging claims of religious discrimination and religious accommodation.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a frozen food distributor in a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and retaliation.
- Secured employer verdict on race and retaliation claims on behalf of a major national retailer in a lawsuit alleging claims of race discrimination, retaliation, and constructive discharge.
- Secured JNOV on behalf of a regional grocery store in a lawsuit alleging age discrimination and national origin discrimination.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a major national retailer in a lawsuit alleging an FMLA violation.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a nationwide grocery store chain in a lawsuit alleging race discrimination and retaliation claims.
- Represented a university in a lawsuit alleging claims of national origin discrimination and denial of tenure; settled right before verdict.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a major technology company in a lawsuit alleging age and race discrimination claims.
- Represented a major national retailer in a lawsuit alleging claims of age discrimination and breach of implied contract; settled after jury empaneled.
- Secured employer verdict for a nationwide grocery store chain in a lawsuit alleging claims of negligent infliction of emotional distress and wrongful termination in violation of public policy.
- Secured employer verdict for a nationwide grocery store chain in a lawsuit alleging claims of sex discrimination, hostile environment, and sexual harassment.
- Represented a multinational professional services company in a lawsuit alleging ADA and retaliation claims; settled after jury empaneled.
- Represented a global telecommunications company in a lawsuit alleging claims of age discrimination, tortious interference with advantageous business relations, and retaliation; settled after jury empaneled.
Employment Bench Trials/Arbitrations
- Secured complete defense victory on behalf of a nationwide health care company in an AAA arbitration brought by a plaintiff alleging that he was terminated in retaliation for his FMLA leave request.
- Secured an employer verdict on behalf of a steel production company in a three day non-compete, tortious interference trial.
- Secured an employer verdict on behalf of a health services innovation company in a AAA arbitration alleging age discrimination.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of an employer solutions company in a AAA arbitration alleging claims of race discrimination, retaliation, and constructive discharge.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a nationwide health care company in a AAA arbitration alleging Sarbanes-Oxley whistleblower claims, and retaliation.
- Secured judgment on behalf of a nationwide real estate company on breach of implied employment contract claim.
- Secured preliminary injunction to enforce non-compete agreement on behalf of a nationwide real estate company.
- Secured judgment on behalf of a motorcycle manufacturer on a breach of employment contract claim.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a nationwide health care company in a AAA arbitration involving disability discrimination accommodation.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a nationwide health care company in a AAA arbitration involving disability and FMLA claims.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a nationwide health care company in a AAA arbitration alleging race discrimination, and retaliation.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a nationwide health care company in a AAA arbitration alleging sex discrimination, and retaliation.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a nationwide health care company in a AAA arbitration alleging age, race, and national origin discrimination, and retaliation.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a motorcycle dealership in a AAA arbitration alleging wrongful termination in violation of public policy.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a nationwide health care company in a AAA arbitration alleging age, race, national origin, and sex discrimination, perceived disability, and retaliation.
- Represented a nationwide health care company in a AAA arbitration involving disability, FMLA, and retaliation claims.
Employment-Related Appeals
Federal:
- Reduced employer liability after trial from $27 million to $4 million for a steel production company in a lawsuit alleging claims of race discrimination and retaliation.
- Secured $1.6 million remittitur on behalf of hotel owner in a lawsuit alleging claims of age discrimination, constructive discharge, and retaliation.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a nationwide retailer in a lawsuit involving religious discrimination and accommodation claims.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a manufacturer in a lawsuit alleging age discrimination.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf a global computer hardware company in a lawsuit involving ERISA claims.
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a global fraternal service organization in a lawsuit alleging national origin discrimination and retaliation.
State:
- Secured a favorable decision on behalf of a steel production company in a lawsuit involving trade secrets, breach of contract, and non-competition agreement claims.
- Secured a favorable decision on behalf of an office products distributor in a lawsuit involving breach of contract and breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealings claims.
MCAD public hearing:
- Secured employer verdict on behalf of a nationwide retailer in a lawsuit involving disability, discrimination, and disability accommodation claims.
Related Trends
Related News & Insights
-
Firm News
08/15/2024
220 Seyfarth Attorneys Chosen as Leaders in Their Fields by Best Lawyers in America 2025
-
Attorney Publication
Apr 8, 2024
Lynn Kappelman and Christina Duszlak Write on Managing Trials with Time Limits in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
-
Recognition
10/05/2023
Seyfarth Ranked Tier 1 Nationally for Labor & Employment in Benchmark Litigation 2023; 29 Seyfarth Lawyers Cited
-
Webinar
Oct 4, 2023
Seyfarth and ACC: Cultural Trends Causing Explosive Verdicts in Employment Cases
- Recognized by Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.) for Employment Law - Management (2013-2025), Labor Law - Management (2013-2025), Litigation - Labor and Employment (2012-2025), and Appellate Practice (2018-2024)
- Recognized as a Recommended Attorney for Labor and employment disputes (including collective actions) - defense, The Legal 500 (Legalese Ltd.) (2023)
- Recognized practitioner, labor and employment (Massachusetts), Chambers USA (2014-2015)
-
Recognized as a "Labor & Employment Star" by Benchmark Litigation (Euromoney Institutional Investor) (2020-2021, 2023)
- 2014 Lawyer of the Year for Labor Law-Management, Best Lawyers (Woodward/White Inc.)
- Listed in Massachusetts Super Lawyers for Employment & Labor (Thomson Reuters) (2010-2019)
- New York Bar Association
- Massachusetts Bar Association
- Connecticut Bar Association
- Co-Author, "Reading between the lines: decision offers insight into how to craft voir dire questions," Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (September 6, 2024)
- Co-Author, "Practical tips for managing trials with time limits," Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (April 5, 2024)
- Co-Author, "Employer Tips For Fighting Back Against Explosive Verdicts," Law360 (July 31, 2023)
- Co-Author, "A Unanimous Supreme Court Rules on Undue Hardship in Religious Accommodation: De Minimis Is Out, “Substantial Increased Costs” Is In," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 29, 2023)
- Co-Author, "How the Consolidated Appropriations Act Impacts Unemployment Compensation Benefits," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 31, 2020)
- Co-Author, "President Trump Signs Four Executive Orders Providing or Extending Coronavirus Relief," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 10, 2020)
- Co-Author, "Tips for the pandemic-era trial lawyer," Legal News (June 23, 2020)
- Co-Author, "Tips for the pandemic-era trial lawyer," Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (June 18, 2020)
- Co-Author, "How can jury trials resume in midst of COVID-19?," Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (May 21, 2020)
- Co-Author, "The Mitigation Defense Tool Your Employment Case May Need," Law360 (December 2, 2019)
- Co-Author, "What jurors really think about your employment case, Part 2," Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly (October 18, 2019)
- Co-Author, "What jurors really think about your employment case, Part 1," Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly (October 18, 2019)
- Co-Author, "Expanding the definition of ‘protected class’," Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (June 27, 2019)
- Co-Author, "Terminating employees for off-duty conduct," Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (April 4, 2019)
- Co-Author, "Authenticating Digital Signatures at Trial," Corporate Counsel (March 13, 2019)
- Co-Author, "Jury selection for harassment cases in the #MeToo era," New England In-House (February 25, 2019)
- Co-Author, "Jury selection for harassment cases in the #MeToo era," Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (January 10, 2019)
- Co-Author, "Tips For Employers As EEOC Targets Hearing Disabilities," Law360 (January 4, 2019)
- Co-Author, "Becoming Predictable: Oregon’s Final Rules Help Clarify Its New Predictable Scheduling Law," Retail Detail, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 14, 2018)
- Co-Author, "The Future for Employers in the Pharmaceutical Industry," Massachusetts Biotechnology Council Blog (December 5, 2017)
- Co-Author, "Combating Punitive Damages Awards on Appeal," Best Lawyers (September 14, 2017)
- Co-Author, "Trial technology can be friend or foe: top traps to avoid," New England In-House (December 14, 2016)
- Co-Author, "Connecticut Bans (Another) Box, Expanding Protections for Applicants With Criminal Backgrounds," Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 10, 2016)
- Co-Author, "A Standardized Test Is Here: Connecticut Supreme Court Brings Clarity to the 'ABC' Test for Independent Contractor Status," Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 15, 2016)
- Co-Author, "Using Information Graphics Effectively In The Courtroom," Law360 (November 2, 2015)
- Co-Author, "7 Key Moments To Preserve Objections At Jury Trials," Law360 (May 11, 2015)
- Co-Author, "The Supreme Court Weighs The Constitutionality Of Restricting Marriage To Opposite Sex Couples, And The Impact Their Decision May Have For Employers," Employment Law Lookout Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 28, 2015)
- Co-Author, "What Does The Employer Know, And When Does It Know It? SCOTUS Grants Cert In EEOC V. Abercrombie Religious Discrimination Suit," Employment Law Lookout Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 16, 2014)
- Co-Author, "American Bar Association Ethics Opinion Greenlights Attorneys’ Review of Jurors’ 'Internet Presence'," Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 29, 2014)
- Co-Author, "The Trial Lawyer's Guide To A Winning Direct Examination," Law360 (May 21, 2014)
- Co-Author, "EEOC Offers Guidance on Religious Clothing, Grooming," New England In-House (April, 2014)
- Co-Author, "Close the Deal: 6 Steps for a Knockout Closing Argument," Corporate Counsel (March 25, 2014)
- Co-Author, "You’re Wearing That? The EEOC Weighs in on Workplace Accommodations for Religious Clothing and Grooming Practices," Legal Update, Retail Detail, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 12, 2014)
- Co-Author, "Opening Statements Not Just Job of Outside Counsel," New England In-House (February 2014)
- Co-Author, "Have the jury at ‘hello’," Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (February 6, 2014)
- Co-Author, "Preparing Your Case for Trial," Desktop Reference, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (2014 Edition)
- Co-Author, "5 Steps To A Successful Cross-Examination," Law360 (December 13, 2013)
- Co-Author, "How To Prepare Witnesses To Make (Not Break) Your Case," Law360 (October 21, 2013)
- Co-Author, "'Leaning In'… But Not to a Lawsuit," Employment Law Update (Fall 2013)
- Co-Author, "U.S. Supreme Court Decides Landmark Same-Sex Marriage Decisions That Will Significantly Impact U.S. Employers," Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 26, 2013)
- Co-Author, "Leveraging Motions in Limine to Win Your Trial and Appeal," Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (May 22, 2013)
- Co-Author, "Retail Employers Should Consider Moving to Strike Inadequate Class Claims Immediately," Retail Detail, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 25, 2013)
- Co-Author, "The Conflict in the Circuits Regarding Religious Accommodations Continues," Retail Detail, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 29, 2013)
- Co-Author, "The Supreme Court Grants Review In Two Cases With Direct Implications For Retail Employers," Retail Detail, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 12, 2012)
- Contributing Author, Workplace Class Action Blog
- Co-Author, "Employment Litigation to Rise Under Ledbetter Act," Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (February 23, 2009)
- Co-Presenter, “Jury Trials in 2024: Seyfarth’s Employment Trial Team on Lessons from the Front Lines - Part 4: The Flip Side,” Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (September 25, 2024)
- Co-Speaker, "Workplace Religious Accommodations under the New “Substantial Increased Costs” Standard: Unanimous Supreme Court Decides Groff v. DeJoy," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 10, 2023)
- Co-Presenter, "Explosive Jury Verdicts in Employment Cases: Why Are They Happening and How to Fight Back," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 27, 2023)
- "Hot Issues on Retail Employee Safety In the Face of COVID-19," Winter 2021 Retail Workforce Summit Webinar, hosted by Retail Industry Leaders Association and Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 17, 2021)
- "The Impact of Technology on Our Workplaces," New England Human Resources Association (May 2, 2019)
- "Drafting Winning Post-Trial Briefs," Webinar, presented by Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 5, 2018)
- "An In-House Counsel’s Guide to Expert Testimony in Jury Trials," Webinar, presented by Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 18, 2017)
- "Roadmap for the In-House Lawyer Whose Client is Going to Trial," Webinar, presented by Seyfarth Shaw LLP (September 27, 2016)
- "Roadmap for the In-house Lawyer Going to Trial," NY Today (2013)
- "When to Use Focus Groups and Mock Trials When Preparing for Trial," Webinar, presented by Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 2013)
- "How to Prepare Witnesses for Trial," Webinar, presented by Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 2013)
- "New Developments and Hot Topics in Religious Discrimination for Colleges and Universities," National Association of Colleges and Universities Continuing Legal Education Conference (Spring 2009)
- "Developments in the Employments Laws Pertaining to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Individuals on College and University Campuses," National Association of Colleges and Universities Continuing Legal Education Conference (Spring 2005)
- Provincetown Commons, board member
- Greater Boston Food Bank volunteer