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    Jay Ebelhar photograph

    Jay A. Ebelhar

    Counsel

    Memphis
    901-259-7212
    jay.ebelhar@phelps.com
    Areas Of Focus
    Labor and EmploymentLitigationEmployment Litigation

    Jay Ebelhar guides company leadership through lawsuits and administrative proceedings to resolve complex employment disputes. He acts as a go-to resource for the full spectrum of employment matters, from harassment and discrimination claims to wage and hour challenges. Utilizing this varied experience, Jay partners with employers to explore options and develop sound strategies that manage risk in line with their organizational goals. Whether this means taking a case through trial or resolving a dispute by alternative means, employers benefit from Jay’s skill at balancing economic, operational and reputational concerns to resolve issues involving:

      • Discrimination and retaliation claims brought under federal and state laws, including 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
      • Wage and hour disputes under the Fair Labor Standards Act
      • Investigations by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor and other administrative agencies
      • Whistleblower claims
      • Restrictive covenants

    In addition to defending employment matters, Jay provides clients with clear, actionable advice on day-to-day employment decisions. He collaborates with employers to navigate federal and state law, while also keeping business needs in mind, to find pragmatic solutions that safeguard clients.

    In addition to defending employment matters, Jay provides clients with clear, actionable advice on day-to-day employment decisions. He collaborates with employers to navigate federal and state law, while also keeping business needs in mind, to find pragmatic solutions that safeguard clients.

    Insights

    • May 13, 2025

      President Trump’s First 100 Days: What Has Been Done in Labor and Employment…

    • May 1, 2025

      What Has Been Done in Labor and Employment During President Trump’s First 100 Days?…

    More +
    • August 15, 2024

      185 Phelps Lawyers Chosen for Best Lawyers in America, 20 Named "Lawyer of the Year," 26 Added to “Ones to Watch” List…

    • August 7, 2024

      Proven Litigator Jay Ebelhar Joins Phelps to Help Mid-South Employers Resolve Complex Disputes…

    Recognition

    • Employment Law - Management (2017-2025), Litigation – Labor and Employment (2017-2025), Litigation – Real Estate (2017-2025), Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law (2017-2025), The Best Lawyers in America
    • Mid-South Super Lawyers Rising Stars list (2013-2015), Mid-South Super Lawyers list (2016-2020), (2022-2023), Super Lawyers
    • Employment Law - Management (2017-2025), Litigation – Labor and Employment (2017-2025), Litigation – Real Estate (2017-2025), Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law (2017-2025), The Best Lawyers in America
    • Mid-South Super Lawyers Rising Stars list (2013-2015), Mid-South Super Lawyers list (2016-2020), (2022-2023), Super Lawyers

    Education

    • University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, 2003
    • Bellarmine University, B.A., summa cum laude, 1997
    • University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, 2003
    • Bellarmine University, B.A., summa cum laude, 1997

    Credentials

    • Tennessee
    • Arkansas
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee
    • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Tennessee
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Arkansas
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Arkansas
    • Tennessee
    • Arkansas
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee
    • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Tennessee
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Arkansas
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Arkansas

    Memberships and Affiliations

    Professional

      • Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education
      • American Bar Association
      • Tennessee State Bar Association
      • Memphis Bar Association

     Civic

      • Memphis Vocal Arts Ensemble - Board of Directors (2008-2009)
      • Special Kids & Families – Board of Directors (2010-2014)
      • SRVS, Inc. – Board of Directors, Chairperson (2019-2021), 1st Vice Chairperson (2017-2019)

    Professional

      • Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education
      • American Bar Association
      • Tennessee State Bar Association
      • Memphis Bar Association

     Civic

      • Memphis Vocal Arts Ensemble - Board of Directors (2008-2009)
      • Special Kids & Families – Board of Directors (2010-2014)
      • SRVS, Inc. – Board of Directors, Chairperson (2019-2021), 1st Vice Chairperson (2017-2019)
    • Overview
    • Insights
    • Recognition
    • Education
    • Credentials
    • Memberships and Affiliations

    Related Services

    • Labor and Employment
    • Litigation
    • Employment Litigation
    • Wage and Hour
    • Workplace Compliance and Investigations
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