Vines, William D.

Mr. Lawson represents large and small employers in all types of employment-related litigation in Tennessee and the Southeast. He handles cases brought under both state and federal employment laws involving claims of race, age, disability, national origin, religion and sex discrimination, as well as workplace harassment, hostile work environment, and retaliatory discharge. He also handles wage and hour cases brought under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and cases under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Mr. Lawson has extensive trial experience involving the defense or enforcement of non-compete agreements, and cases involving trade secrets and confidential information. He also has broad experience dealing with the EEOC--as well as similar state and local labor and employment agencies throughout the United States--including regularly providing assistance to employers in preparing responses to Charges of Discrimination.

Mr. Lawson counsels clients on a variety of employment practices and issues, including wage and hour compliance, defense of claims for unemployment compensation benefits, employment contracts and release agreements, group reductions in force, and employee handbooks and policies. In addition, he conducts training programs for management personnel on compliance with state and federal anti-discrimination laws, wage and hour laws and regulations, state and federal leave laws, and counsels his clients regarding preventative employment strategies.