V. Jonas Urba
My practice is focused on and limited to labor and employment law matters. I have been at this for more than a quarter century. Longer than 2 decades have been limited to labor and employment law matters.
I represent clients across New York State. Some I never meet in person.
The Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act play a big part in federal litigation. Most of my time is devoted to employees perceived or regarded as disabled, those with family members who have serious health conditions, employees discriminated at work including pregnant and aging employees, and employees who are not paid overtime or compensated for all worked hours.
Mediation seems to be growing in popularity although New York City is probably a bit more litigation oriented for some good reasons. Arbitration is growing but still expensive and maybe not the alternative many had hoped for. Litigation in the Southern District of New York usually triggers a mediation referral although no one can force settlement on anyone.
We try to take a balanced approach to employment law. Keeping your job is often the first goal. Negotiating a favorable settlement might be the next best thing. Filing charges or lawsuits is probably third in line since many employees are averse to years of expensive litigation. Calling around is always encouraged. Hiring the right lawyer or legal team the first time around should be every employee's or employer's first priority. Many contingent fee lawyers expect to be paid for all of the reasonable hours they work on your demand, charge, or complaint regardless of whether the employee is represented, or who the employee's last representative might be, should an employee recover money upon conclusion.
Tarrytown, New York 10591