Richard D. Bennett
Partner
Rick Bennett helps clients resolve complex commercial and employment disputes in state and federal courts. He brings years of experience and a knowledge informed by active engagement in the industries in which he serves. His primary areas of practice include employment and labor relations, human resources counseling, construction disputes, mechanic’s liens, contract disputes and business litigation.
His employment practice includes representing employers in all matters affecting their workforce in court and before various state and federal agencies. He defends employers against harassment, discrimination, and wage and hour claims and helps companies enforce employment agreements and manage union relations.
Experience
- Successfully argued on behalf of employer in the first FMLA case heard by the U.S. Supreme Court where the Supreme Court agreed with the employer’s argument that the DOL regulation’s penalty provision was invalid.
- Obtained favorable resolution for employer against claims it violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VII.
- Significantly lowered claim amount from seven to five figures in defense of subcontractor accused of faulty work and defective design by owner.
- Reduced class size and potential back pay exposure for employer in collective action case alleging misclassification of employees as independent contractors and failure to pay proper overtime and compensation under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
- Achieved summary judgment for product manufacturer against claims involving breach of contract, misrepresentation and breach of warranty.