Houston labor and employment attorney Virginia Mixon Swindell has moved her law practice at Jackson Lewis to Munsch Hardt, the firm announced this week.
Swindell defends employers against claims of discrimination, harassment, whistleblower retaliation, wage and hour violations, leave and disability accommodation issues, and breaches of contract. She said she was drawn to the strength of Munsch Hardt’s labor and employment practice and breadth of expertise.
“My clients, which are mostly based in Texas, will benefit from Munsch Hardt’s strong Texas presence and deep understanding of our local economy,” she added.
The drastic workplace changes caused by the pandemic and economic downturn have resulted in an interesting year for Swindell and other labor and employment practitioners.
“Employment lawyers are learning entirely new laws on the fly, as well as analyzing novel applications of existing laws to new scenarios. For example, employers need real-time, practical options for complying with FFCRA leave entitlements and with WARN notice requirements for layoffs,” she said.
“Providing clarity for my clients on these legal challenges and risks and proposing creative, workable solutions are the most satisfying aspects of my practice.”
Swindell says employers have a “long road ahead of them” with COVID-related challenges and claims.
In addition to litigation relating to WARN, she says employers can expect an increase in disputes in the following areas: wrongful termination, FLSA claims related to non-exempt employees working remotely, disability accommodation and leave, and caregiver-related gender discrimination claims.
Swindell earned her law degree at the University of Houston and began her career as a clerk to the Honorable Carolyn Dineen King of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.