We have an extensive background and reputable track record of successes defending private and public employers in state and federal trial and appellate courts. Our experience in the employment law arena includes a wide variety of alleged wrongful employment practices, including claims of discrimination; harassment, retaliation; wrongful termination and demotion; and alleged violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII, OSHA, and state counterparts. We also represent clients in arbitration and before administrative bodies.
Proactive Advice and Counsel
Well-written handbooks and policies, proper employee training, and prompt and thorough investigation of complaints go far in preventing lawsuits. Much of our practice is focused on helping employers take proactive steps to minimize potential litigation. This includes assisting our employer clients maintain thorough and updated policy and guidebook development and implementing proper investigative and employee review procedures.
We show companies not only how to implement these procedures but also how to best protect themselves in the event of litigation. Proper documentation in the form of written records, and witnesses during employer-employee meetings can go a long way when the need to protect a company surfaces.
Protecting Company Assets
In addition to representing employers against employee claims, we also represent employers when employees or former employees violate noncompetition agreements, non-solicitation agreements, and nondisclosure agreements that protect a company’s proprietary and confidential information.
We additionally represent employers that hire persons who have entered into unenforceable noncompetition, non-solicitation, and nondisclosure agreements with a prior employer. Under Utah law, agreements designed to prohibit or limit the ability of a worker to engage in gainful employment must be carefully balanced against such worker’s right to earn a living and the legitimate needs of employers to protect company interests. Some employers draft such agreements too broadly, leading to agreements being unenforceable. Based on our experience, we provide a legal review of non-solicitation, nondisclosure, and non-compete agreements and advise employers whether such agreements would likely be enforceable if challenged in court.
We additionally help employers draft non-competition, non-solicitation, and nondisclosure agreements to protect their interests. If an employer already has such an agreement, we can assess the strengths and weaknesses of the agreement and make suggestions if changes are desirable.
Primary Practice Contact: Nathan R. Skeen
When an Experienced Utah Employment Defense Firm is Needed
Our employment lawyers are ready to help. For more information about the employer defense services SC&M provides, contact Nathan R. Skeen, Chris Droubay, or Scott Young.
