Seyfarth Adds Labor & Employment Group in Atlanta and Houston

ATLANTA and HOUSTON (May 19, 2021) -- Seyfarth announced today the arrival of partner Annette A. Idalski to its Labor & Employment department and Wage Hour Class & Collective Actions practice group in Atlanta and Houston. Also joining the firm in Houston are Labor & Employment associates Ray Abilmouna and Brian A. Smith. All three lawyers join Seyfarth from Chamberlain Hrdlicka.

Idalski, who served as national chair of Chamberlain Hrdlicka’s Labor & Employment department, leads the team of wage and hour attorneys joining the firm. Idalski’s national practice focuses on defending clients facing high-stakes wage and hour claims in arbitration and class and collective action litigation. Among the many industries she serves, Idalski is often recognized for her successful representation of clients in the energy sector.

“This excellent group of lawyers bring important wage and hour skills and industry knowledge to one of our premier practice groups,” Seyfarth Labor & Employment chair Laura Maechtlen said. “We’re thrilled to see Annette, Ray, and Brian continue to grow their dynamic practices on our national platform.”

With more than 100 of the country’s preeminent wage and hour lawyers, Seyfarth’s Wage Hour Class & Collective Actions practice group is one of the hallmarks of the firm’s nationally-recognized Labor & Employment department. The practice group regularly defends many of the largest and best known companies with US operations, as well as more modest-sized and emerging employers, in wage and hour litigation.

“Annette’s client-centric focus and winning track record have justly earned her a stellar reputation in Georgia and throughout the country,” said Steven Kennedy, managing partner of Seyfarth’s Atlanta office.

“Annette, Ray, and Brian add tremendous strength to our office. Notably, Annette’s impressive energy sector acumen enhances a key service offering we provide in Texas,” said Mark Coffin, managing partner of Seyfarth’s Houston office.

Admitted to practice in Georgia and Texas, Idalski received her J.D. from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas. She earned a B.S., cum laude, from Central Michigan University.

The new group marks the latest expansion of the firm’s Labor & Employment department in its Southern offices. In 2019, Seyfarth announced the arrival of three Labor & Employment partners in Atlanta. Nancy Rafuse, James Swartz, Jr., and Stan Hill all joined from Polsinelli’s Atlanta office. Rafuse had served as chair of Polsinelli’s Labor & Employment department.

About the New Associates:

Ray Abilmouna’s practice focuses on wage and hour class and collective actions involving the Fair Labor Standards Act, among many other matters before federal and state courts, and arbitration tribunals.

Abilmouna received his J.D. and dual B.B.A. from the University of Houston.

Brian A. Smith's practice focuses on wage and hour class and collective actions involving the Fair Labor Standards Act and various state statutory schemes. He also has experience with a variety of employment law issues including harassment, discrimination, and the Family and Medical Leave Act, among many other matters before federal and state courts.

Smith received his J.D. and B.A. from the University of Texas.

About Seyfarth
With more than 900 lawyers across 17 offices, Seyfarth Shaw LLP provides advisory, litigation, and transactional legal services to clients worldwide.

Contact:

Martin Grego, Director of Public Relations, (312) 460-6659, mgrego@seyfarth.com