FRED S. SOMMER, chairman of the Firm's Employment Practice Group, represents employers in all aspects of employment and labor law. He litigates a wide variety of cases before federal and state courts, administrative agencies and arbitrators, including employment discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge, wage-hour and other matters. He has extensive experience in cases involving employment agreements, non-compete issues, trade secrets and related matters.

Mr. Sommer regularly advises management on preventive measures to avoid litigation. Such advice ranges from day-to-day employment practices and policies to the employment implications and structuring of complex business acquisitions, sales and other significant transactions and decisions. He conducts investigations of harassment and discrimination claims, as well as employee misconduct. He provides training programs to management, supervisors and employees on numerous topics, including discrimination and harassment, employee discipline, interviewing and hiring.

Mr. Sommer has broad experience in union-related matters. He regularly represents employers in collective bargaining negotiations, election and unfair labor practice proceedings before the NLRB, union organizing campaigns, grievance arbitrations, picketing, strikes and other labor disputes.

Mr. Sommer also advises businesses and represents them in litigation concerning ADA public accommodation and fair housing issues.

Mr. Sommer is a frequent lecturer on employment issues at programs sponsored by professional and trade associations, law schools, and others.