Admitted in Texas and Louisiana, Drew’s goal is to advise clients on risk mitigation and compliance to avoid litigation and, when litigation occurs, to defend clients in an effective, cost-efficient manner. He brings 30+ years of experience to the benefit of employers. He also brings his knowledge of Ogletree, its lawyers and resources to help clients solve their employment needs wherever they might occur.
He works with local, regional and national employers on issues arising under discrimination laws, leave and accommodation laws such as ADA and FMLA, and WARN. Drew counsels clients on state laws concerning drug testing, final pay check claims, and handbooks. He also defends claims of defamation, invasion of privacy, wrongful discharge, and intentional infliction of emotional distress claims based on state laws. Drew has extensive employment law experience representing employers in both federal and state courts and federal and state administrative agencies. He often resolves matters favorably to the client at the summary judgment stage of litigation.
When an employee leaves a client, Drew guides the client through advice and/or action in enforcing a restrictive covenant, trade secret protections or the often underestimated but ever powerful duty of loyalty. Drew also works with clients to put appropriate agreements in place to proactively manage the risk associated with employees going to work for a competitor. Finally, given Louisiana’s demanding statute governing restrictive covenants, he both drafts non-compete agreements and amends those drafted by counsel unfamiliar with Louisiana law to be Louisiana-compliant.
Drew defends companies against overtime lawsuits under the Fair Labor Standards Act and corresponding state laws. Because of his experience defending such lawsuits, Drew has expanded his practice in training clients and reworking policies to mitigate against the risk of future suits for unpaid overtime.
Working with clients in collective bargaining relationships, Drew regularly handles grievance and arbitration matters as well defends unfair labor practice charges for organized and union-free facilities.
Thanks to Ogletree Deakins’ Cross-Border Practice Group, Drew’s clients have received advice about stock options in the European Union, employment agreements in Zambia, restrictive covenant issues in Norway and South Africa, as well as independent contractor agreements in Canada.
Additionally, Drew was a chapter editor of and contributing author to The Family and Medical Leave Act Treatise, published by BNA. He also was contributing author to The Developing Labor Law (BNA).
