© 2018 The Texas Lawbook.
By Brooks Igo
(Feb. 12) – Eversheds Sutherland recently strengthened its labor and employment practice in Houston with the partner additions of Scott McLaughlin and Marlene Williams.
McLaughlin and Williams were previously at Jackson Walker. McLaughlin says the move was a “unique situation” where one of their best clients suggested they meet with Eversheds.
“We weren’t looking to leave, but this is a unique opportunity to join a global platform and realize an immediate benefit to our practice,” he says. “Jackson Walker is a great firm and we loved our time there.”
Williams adds that she and McLaughlin were discussing ways to grow their labor and employment practice at the same time their longtime client approached them about Eversheds.
“When we met with Eversheds Sutherland we saw a lot of opportunity and a great firm culture – it was the perfect fit for us,” she says.
A significant emphasis of McLaughlin and Williams’ practice includes trade secret and non–compete matters, particularly under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
One area that has the attention of their clients is sexual harassment and discrimination in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Williams says clients have a renewed focus on harassment prevention and investigations.
“The movement is a tipping point and there is always more after a tipping point,” McLaughlin adds. “We expect to see more discrimination cases reaching the boardroom and becoming public.”
Williams says they are also paying close attention to recent moves by the Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board for developments in the areas of wage and hour and joint employment.
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