Duane Morris' Employment, Labor, Benefits and Immigration attorneys provide clients with a wide spectrum of global services, from timely advice on regulatory issues through litigation developments. With dozens of attorneys focusing on these integrated areas, we provide comprehensive analyses of workplace issues affecting our clients domestically and internationally. Our clients benefit from the integration of employment, labor, benefits and immigration services in order to meet the complexities of today's business environment.
Range of Services
Duane Morris' employment lawyers offer practical counseling designed to help our clients achieve their business objectives and resolve potentially disruptive labor and employment disputes. Our lawyers aggressively promote client interests before state and federal courts and in mediation and arbitration proceedings, as well as before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, the federal Wage and Hour Division, and all other state and federal agencies.
Within our practice, the Duane Morris Class Action Defense Team focuses exclusively on class action lawsuits and has developed a well-earned reputation as a “go to” law firm in this space. Class Action Defense Team attorneys have defended high-profile claims in virtually every jurisdiction across the country, including some of the most significant “bet-the-company” cases ever filed against corporate America. The team harnesses a comprehensive understanding of procedural rules, evidentiary standards and substantive law with state-of-the-art technology to reduce risk and deliver results for our clients.
On the labor relations side, our lawyers have experience assisting employers in responding to union organizing efforts and regularly defend employers against unfair labor practice charges filed with the National Labor Relations Board. In cases where a union is already present, our lawyers represent clients in the collective bargaining process as well as in labor arbitration proceedings.
Duane Morris' employee benefits attorneys provide clients with the full range of benefits-related legal services, understanding that creating and maintaining effective employee benefits and compensation programs requires a delicate balancing of employee needs, company culture, cost, competitive pressures, and administrative and regulatory complexity. From qualified retirement plans to sophisticated equity compensation arrangements and from executive employment agreements to broad-based health and welfare plans, the firm's benefits lawyers combine practical experience with high-quality and efficient service that leads to practical solutions.
Duane Morris' immigration attorneys have a comprehensive knowledge of the legal, political and business context in which immigration and naturalization concerns arise. Our immigration attorneys have a reputation for responsiveness and efficiency, as well as a thorough understanding of immigration law and knowledge of bureaucratic intricacies, frequently dealing with decision makers at the Department of Homeland Security and Departments of State and Labor. One partner is a former president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and served as an advisor on immigration matters to the Clinton administration's transition team. Our attorneys represent clients in all facets of immigration- and naturalization-related issues.
With each client, we incorporate business and cultural concerns into our advice in employment and immigration matters. With in-depth knowledge of current federal agency requirements, changing laws and fiduciary responsibilities, we provide sound strategic advice for our clients. We also work interdepartmentally with members of the firm's tax, corporate, reorganization and finance, and healthcare practice groups to assist in completing business transactions in a comprehensive manner.
Our clients range from sole proprietors and small, closely held family businesses to New York Stock Exchange-listed companies, and include multinational conglomerates, governmental entities, hospitals, universities, trade associations, churches and other nonprofit organizations.
For Additional Information
For additional information regarding employment law, please contact Brian L. Johnsrud or any of the practice members referenced in the Attorney Listing.
For additional information concerning employee benefits law, please contact W. Michael Gradisek or any of the practice members referenced in the Attorney Listing.
For more information concerning immigration law, please contact Ted J. Chiappari or any of the practice members referenced in the Attorney Listing.
Class Action Defense
Long known as a trial powerhouse, Duane Morris has assembled attorneys from different practice areas and offices to create our national Class Action Defense Team, one of the largest class action practices of any law firm in the world.
The Duane Morris Class Action Defense Team has a well-earned reputation as a “go to” law firm in the workplace class action litigation space. Led by Chair Gerald L. Maatman, Jr. and Vice Chair Jennifer A. Riley, the Class Action Defense Team has defended high-profile claims in virtually every jurisdiction across the country, including some of the most significant “bet-the-company” cases ever filed against corporate America. The team harnesses a comprehensive understanding of procedural rules, evidentiary standards and substantive law with state-of-the-art technology to reduce risk and deliver results for our clients.
Recent Accolades
Duane Morris Employment Group Recognized as a Practice Group of the Year by Law360
Duane Morris has been honored as a 2025 Employment Group of the Year by Law360, recognizing its exceptional work in employment matters.
Jennifer Riley Selected by Law360 as an MVP of the Year
Duane Morris partner Jennifer A. Riley has been chosen as a winner of Law360’s MVP of the Year Award in the Employment category. For the 15th year, Law360 has selected attorneys who had the biggest wins and made the most significant contributions to their practice groups in the past year.
Duane Morris Attorneys Named to 2026 Lawdragon Leading Corporate Employment Lawyers Guide
Duane Morris LLP attorneys have been named to the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Corporate Employment Lawyers Guide, including Gerald L. Maatman, Jr. – Employment, Class Action Litigation (Chicago) and Jennifer A. Riley – Workplace Class Action Litigation (Chicago).
Duane Morris Partner Gerald L. Maatman Jr. Selected for the 2026 Lawdragon Hall of Fame
Duane Morris partner Gerald L. Maatman, Jr. has been selected as a 2026 Lawdragon Hall of Fame recipient. Now in its 11th edition, the Lawdragon Hall of Fame honors individuals whose work has made a lasting impact well beyond a single case or matter, with recipients chosen at the end of each year.
Duane Morris Attorneys Named “Stand-out Lawyers” by Thomson Reuters
Multiple Duane Morris attorneys have been recognized on the 2026 Thomson Reuters Stand-out Lawyers list, an honor that reflects exceptional client service, legal acumen and leadership across practice areas and industries.
Thomson Reuters asked more than 2,000 senior legal buyers around the world to nominate up to three lawyers they have worked with within the last 12 months who have stood out to them.
Alex W. Karasik and Gerald L. Maatman, Jr. of the Class Action Defense Team were recognized for their ability to “improve client satisfaction, strengthen their brand, increase client advocacy, enhance people engagement, grow share of wallet, and increase profits per partner.”
Thought Leadership
Duane Morris closely tracks developments and trends in class action and mass tort litigation. Each year, the leaders of the Class Action Defense Team publish the Duane Morris Class Action Review (DMCAR) with contributions from attorneys across the firm. Drawing on decades of experience, the group’s insights provide a valuable data-driven analysis of filings, trial outcomes and settlements, and developing case law.
The DMCAR is widely regarded by legal professionals, including plaintiffs' lawyers, corporate counsel and even courts, as an essential desk reference for class action litigation trends, statistics and analysis. The report analyzes thousands of court decisions, providing deep insights into certifications trends, settlements and emerging issues in areas like employment, consumer fraud and data breaches, making it a crucial resource for understanding the legal landscape.
Federal district courts have cited the analysis of the DMCAR in certification rulings, and in 2025 and 2026, litigants filed four briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court with citations to the DMCAR’s findings.
The DMCAR has been profiled domestically and internationally in news publications such as Forbes, Forbes C-Suite Newsletter, Corporate Counsel, Bloomberg, Law360, Law.com, International Employment Lawyer, Business Wire, and more.
Drawing on the DMCAR as a source, the Class Action Defense Team publishes an annual series of practical legal e-books designed to provide clear, actionable insights into workplace law favored by the class action plaintiffs’ bar.
Each e-book delivers in-depth analysis of key legal principles, recent case developments and strategic considerations, making it an essential tool for litigators, in-house counsel, compliance professionals and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of class action practice. The 2026 series examines the following areas:
- Wage & Hour Class and Collective Action Review 2026
- Private Attorneys General Act Review 2026
- Discrimination Class Action Review 2026
- EEOC and Government Enforcement Litigation Review 2026
- FCRA Class Action Review 2026
- ERISA Class Action Review 2026
The Class Action Defense Team regularly creates and contributes thought leadership through articles, speaking engagements, The Class Action Weekly Wire podcast and the specialty branded Duane Morris Class Action Defense Blog.
Additionally, the chair of the Class Action Defense Team writes and lectures extensively on class action and employment litigation topics. He has authored eight books on employment law topics and has spoken to employer groups throughout the United States, as well as in Asia, Europe, Canada and Mexico. His latest publication, The Employment Law Manual: A Practical Guide for Business Owners, Managers, and Executives, is a comprehensive roadmap for navigating the complexities of employment law. Mr. Maatman is also the author and editor of The Law of Class Actions: Fifty States, published biannually by Law.com Scholar.
Your Trusted Partner for Legal, HR, and Compliance Education
Duane Morris Institute delivers CLE and professional development for HR professionals, legal practitioners, and business leaders. To learn more, please contact Jonathan A. Segal, Partner and Managing Principal, or Linda B. Hollinshead, Partner and Executive Director.
View Our Courses
The Class Action Weekly Wire
Like a Boss with Michael Cohen
Duane Morris Class Action Review
The Duane Morris Class Action Review ‒ 2026 provides a comprehensive analysis of more than 1,761 class action decisions, rulings and settlements from 2025 that will support readers in their decision-making related to complex litigation risks in 2026. Researched and compiled by Gerald L. Maatman, Jr. and Jennifer A. Riley, Duane Morris partners and leaders of the firm’s Class Action Defense Team, the Duane Morris Class Action Review has been called “the bible on class actions that no corporate counsel should do without" by EPLiC Magazine. Widely praised for its sharp analysis backed by comprehensive research, the Class Action Review helps corporate employers navigate an increasingly volatile class action landscape.
Learn the 10 key class action trends in 2025.
The Employment Law Manual: A Practical Guide for Business Owners, Managers and Executives
A landmark resource for executives, managers and business owners on mastering employment law
The first of its kind, this comprehensive guide is a road map for navigating employment law complexities while building stronger, more productive workplaces. Drawing from his four decades of frontline experience defending companies in employment litigation, Gerald L. Maatman, Jr. follows the chronological sequence of employment relationships – from hiring to firing, and everything in between – providing actionable strategies that have been stress-tested in courtrooms across America.
Not stopping there, Maatman reveals the hidden dynamics of how judges and juries evaluate personnel decisions, sharing insights gleaned from winning and losing court cases, teaching trial advocacy and hearing directly from jurors about what influences their verdicts. Readers will learn how to:
- Implement effective hiring practices and conduct fair terminations
- Handle difficult employees and prevent sexual harassment problems
- Manage documentation requirements and structure personnel policies that protect both companies and workers
The Employment Law Manual: A Practical Guide for Business Owners, Managers and Executives is an essential practical toolkit that enables business leaders to make confident personnel decisions while minimizing legal exposure and create workplaces characterized by trust, fairness and mutual respect that foster both productivity and legal protection.
Learn more and purchase the book from Amazon.
Duane Morris Class Action Review E-book Series
Duane Morris publishes an annual series of practical legal resources designed to provide clear, actionable insights into workplace law favored by the class action plaintiffs’ bar.
Each e-book delivers in-depth analysis of key legal principles, recent case developments and strategic considerations, making it an essential tool for litigators, in-house counsel, compliance professionals and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of class action practice. Written by Duane Morris partners Gerald L. Maatman, Jr. and Jennifer A. Riley, with contributions from attorneys across the firm, these e-books provide a broad array of analysis and information from their extensive experience in defending class action litigation.
