Philip Kontul’s practice focuses on representing clients in complex and high stakes litigation, including class and collective action cases involving the Fair Labor Standards Act and state wage and hour laws.
He has represented employers in a wide range of litigation matters in both state and federal court, at the trial level and on appeal, before arbitrators, administrative law judges and other tribunals throughout the country.
Philip’s industry focus includes energy and natural resources, healthcare, and higher education.
Particular areas of expertise for Philip are:
- Counseling clients and representing them throughout the country in class action cases involving the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the use of background checks
- Conducting internal investigations regarding employee misconduct and defending whistleblower litigation, including representing clients in the energy industry in trials and appeals filed under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act
- Defending clients against claims filed in federal courts and before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and state agencies under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act
- Representing unionized employers and those who are subject to union organizing, including providing union avoidance training and representing employers in labor arbitrations and in matters before the National Labor Relations Board
- Litigating cases filed under the Pennsylvania Whistleblower Law and other statutes on behalf of clients in the healthcare industry
- Advising higher education clients in matters involving Title IX and in all areas of employment law
Philip is a trusted counselor and advisor to his clients, acting as a partner in helping them to achieve their business goals while providing sound legal advice and guidance. He is regularly called upon for advice, counsel, and training of management employees in order to reduce the risks of litigation or avoid it entirely.
For the past six years, Philip has served as a Hearing Officer for the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, conducting hearings in matters involving alleged violations of the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct.