Labor Relations & Employment Law
Keane & Beane attorneys advise private, public and not-for-profit clients in all aspects of labor relations and employment law. We counsel clients relating to the employer-employee relationship, including review of employment contracts and employee handbooks, drafting of restrictive covenants and drafting and/or reviewing separation agreements. We represent employers in claims relating to the New York State and federal wage and hours laws. Our practice involves advising clients in avoiding discrimination suits and representing them in litigation if a claim is brought under New York or federal discrimination laws.
We negotiate collective bargaining agreements with representatives from various unions throughout New York State. In the public sector, we provide day-to-day advice to chief executives (both elected and appointed), municipal boards, personnel professionals and other municipal officials on contract administration issues and all aspects of personnel management. We represent clients before the New York State Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) in improper practice and representation proceedings, as well as other grievance proceedings and arbitrations. Additionally, we advise in all phases of union campaigns under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). We litigate in federal court in claims arising under the NLRA and Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
Some further examples of our accomplishments in this arena:
- Our extensive professional involvement. For example, Ron Longo is a Past President of the New York State Public Employer Labor Relations Assocation (NYSPELRA) and is active in the Management Advocates for School Labor Affairs (MASLA). Stephanie Roebuck is on the Executive Committee of the Labor and Employment Law Section of the New York State Bar Association and is Co-Chair of its Continuing Education Committee.
- In the case of Peter Lawrence v. Ira Mehlman, et al., 2010 WL 3124431 (C.A.2 (N.Y.)), the Court upheld the dismissal the plaintiff's racial discrimination claims against a hospital emergency room physicians'group and an individual physician.
- In Patrolmen’s Benevolent Assoc. of City of New York v. NY State Public Employment Rel. Bd., 6 N.Y. 3d 563 N.Y.S. 2d 1 (2006), Lance Klein and Edward Phillips successfully represented the Town of Orangetown, NY before the Court of Appeals in a case involving the primacy of the Rockland County Police Act over a collective bargaining agreement in disciplinary matters.
Advantages for Clients
The firm’s labor practice has a breadth, depth, and track record that few firms our size can match. In addition our attorneys are accessible and enjoy longstanding, productive relationships with our clients.
