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Adam T. Pankratz

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Employment Law, Litigation, Mergers and Acquisitions, Leaves of Absence/Reasonable Accommodation, Unfair Competition and Trade Secrets, Wage and Hour
Manufacturing

Mr. Pankratz represents local and national employers in a myriad of employment-related and complex commercial matters, including litigation involving discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wage and hour, wrongful termination, ADA and FMLA leave issues, and other matters in state and federal courts and administrative agencies. Mr. Pankratz has experience successfully representing employers in executive termination, non-compete and unfair competition disputes, and often represents buyers and sellers in mergers and acquisitions. Recent successes include obtaining summary judgment in various employment discrimination and retaliation lawsuits, and obtaining a positive decision on appeal before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Mr. Pankratz also regularly advises employers regarding workplace policies and procedures, and counsels employers on compliance with applicable federal, state and local employment laws and regulations. Mr. Pankratz is also an active speaker on various employment-related topics and provides training for supervisors and non-management employees.

Mr. Pankratz regularly represents employers in the manufacturing, retail, education, service, hospitality, healthcare, insurance, financial services, real estate, private equity, technology, and transportation industries. Mr. Pankratz has represented employers throughout the United States.

Mr. Pankratz also serves as co-chair of ODAlliance, Ogletree Deakins’ LGBTQ+ business resources group, and is a member of Ogletree Deakins’ Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee.

Employment Law, Litigation, Mergers and Acquisitions, Leaves of Absence/Reasonable Accommodation, Unfair Competition and Trade Secrets, Wage and Hour
Manufacturing
Learn more about Adam T. Pankratz

Mr. Pankratz has first chaired a multiple-day employment discrimination arbitration, has first chaired contract dispute arbitrations, has first chaired a number of judge-tried trials, and has successfully argued before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in support of an order granting summary judgment. Mr. Pankratz also has significant experience in general commercial litigation and has second chaired a reinsurance arbitration regarding yearly renewable term rates resulting in a positive judgment for the client in excess of $100 million.

With respect to employment matters, Mr. Pankratz regularly engages in the following:

Education

Admittance to Practice

Professional Activities

  • Kansas Bar Association
  • Missouri Bar Association
  • Washington Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • Greater Seattle Business Association
  • Centurions Leadership Program – Greater KC Chamber of Commerce (Graduate)
  • Kay Barnes Leadership Series (MAGLCC)
  • KCMBA Bar Leadership Academy (Graduate)
  • Beta Theta Pi – General Fraternity Volunteer – Assistant District Chief XXXI & former District Chief of District XXI

Speeches

Insights by Adam T. Pankratz

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Washington’s New Long-term Care Benefit Program: Important Deadlines Loom!

In 2021, Washington established a long-term care benefit program for Washington workers called the WA Cares Fund. In short, the program implements a mandatory 0.58 percent payroll deduction on employee wages to create a state trust fund, which, beginning in 2025, will be used to fund certain long-term care costs for eligible Washington workers. Each eligible Washington worker is entitled to a lifetime benefit of up to $36,500, which will be adjusted annually for inflation. The regulatory scheme implementing the program is still being developed, and we will update the below information on our Washington blog about the program as the regulatory rules are finalized and implemented.

Surgeon adjusting hairnet.

Resolving Workplace Vaccination and Mask Conflicts: 5 FAQS as Workplaces Reopen

As the COVID-19 pandemic enters a new phase in the United States and employees return to the workplace, some employers may need to face controversial issues regarding vaccinated and unvaccinated employees. Below are some considerations for employers as they take steps to prevent or resolve workplace disagreements regarding vaccines and other workplace safety measures to help employees focus on work.

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