Ephraim J. Pierre
Partner – Labor & Employment (New York)
Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Description of field of expertise

Effective management of complex employment litigation is key to a productive enterprise, a sustainable workplace culture, and achieving business goals. Clients look to Ephraim for insightful and practical solutions to the legal, strategic, and operational challenges presented by complex employment litigation.

Ephraim has worked with clients in the financial services, media and entertainment, technology, health care, education, retail, energy, and nonprofit industries to manage complex employment litigation. Ephraim’s experience in representing employers in a variety of industries across the nation provides him with unique insights into the challenges that employers face in complex employment litigation. He has extensive experience with single-plaintiff and class action employment litigation in state and federal courts and administrative agencies. For example, Ephraim has won summary judgment or obtain dismissal on a range of claims including, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) interference and retaliation claims, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims under federal and state law, and class action claims under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Additionally, Ephraim has significant experience with Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration proceedings representing broker-dealers.

Ephraim has significant first-chair trial experience in many different litigation and arbitration matters. For example, he once obtained the dismissal of four out of six claims on a motion for directed verdict and secured a defense jury verdict on the remaining claims of gender discrimination and retaliation for a Fortune 25 client. He has also obtained dismissal of eight of ten claims in a FINRA arbitration on a motion to dismiss and then obtained a defense verdict following a 16-day arbitration on breach of contract claims against a Fortune 50 client.

 

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

Every assignment is an opportunity to demonstrate your critical reasoning and judgment, even though it may seem intimidating to work with experienced attorneys. Young attorneys must demonstrate judgment and take ownership of their cases. You can influence positive outcomes by anticipating the next steps, asking questions, and providing insights.

 

Final thoughts…

I would like to thank the NBA for being a place for us, a voice for us, and a champion for us in the legal profession.