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EMPLOYMENT & BENEFITS
Our lawyers provide comprehensive management services addressing all aspects of the employment relationship. We represent both unionized and union-free employers. I. Benefits The attorneys in our Employee Benefits Group represent employers in the design and operation of all forms of employee benefit programs, including retirement and welfare benefit plans. We assist clients in navigating the complex funding and structural requirements of plans, and assure compliance with fiduciary standards and claims adjudication. We represent single and multi-employer plans in a wide range of issues. Our goal is to develop programs that are aligned with the employer's goals, and to allow employees to get the most out of their retirement system and other benefit programs. II. Employment Our employment law services address the day-to-day challenges faced by employers of all sizes. We advise clients on matters such as hiring, firing, claims for unemployment compensation, harassment, discrimination, accommodation, handbooks, and compliance with applicable statutory and common laws. We also prepare and evaluate documents such as individual policies, procedures, employment contracts, covenants not to compete, confidentiality agreements, and separation agreements. III. Labor Our labor law services address all matters under the authority of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the State Employment Relations Board (SERB), ranging from representation of union-free employers during organizing and representation proceedings, through and including all aspects of the collective bargaining process on behalf of unionized employers. Employers also seek our services in defense of unfair labor practice charges, grievances, and matters subject to arbitration. IV. Litigation Another significant focus of our employment and benefits practice is the defense of employers who have been sued in a state or federal court, or had charges brought against them in an administrative proceeding before a governmental agency such as the National Labor Relations Board, Department of Labor (DOL), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), State Employment Relations Board (SERB), Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC), Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), Ohio Department of Commerce, Ohio Unemployment Compensation Review Commission (UCRC), Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC), Ohio Industrial Commission, or the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. V. Workers' Compensation As part of our comprehensive management services, we represent the interests of both state fund and self-insured employers before the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) and the Ohio Industrial Commission (IC). Our lawyers regularly argue matters before District Hearing Officers (DHO), Staff Hearing Officers (SHO) and the Industrial Commission. We also defend employers against claims alleging violations of a specific safety requirement (VSSR) and assist them with disputes before the Bureau of Workers' Compensation over premiums assessed and the classification of employees for purposes of premium allocation. We also handle appeals to court and mandamus actions should the matter proceed beyond the administrative process. RC&O Employment & Benefits Professionals Mark C. Abramson
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“I am prepared to go anywhere, provided it be forward.” — David Livingstone
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