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.
