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    Russell F. Van Sickle

    Counsel

    Pensacola/Destin
    850-469-3315
    russell.vansickle@phelps.com
    Areas Of Focus
    LitigationLabor and Employment

    Russell Van Sickle partners with public and private employers and senior management to keep workplaces running smoothly. Deep experience managing labor relations and strong employer relationships make Russell clients’ first call with employment issues. He resolves complex disputes and designs safeguards to maintain compliance with quickly changing regulations.

    Government bodies and contractors rely on Russell’s guidance to navigate the added visibility that comes with operating in the public eye. He works closely with local councils and boards to keep administrations on top of public records laws and local statutes. And he helps federal contractors navigate layers of local, state and national laws to avoid agency scrutiny.

    Companies based in Florida and with offices in multiple states benefit from Russell’s extensive experience. Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by The Florida Bar since the certification was first available in 2001, he provides proactive advice, pre-suit problem solving and trial strategies for issues involving:

    • Employment handbooks and policies
    • Harassment, discrimination and retaliation claims
    • Independent contractors and employee classification
    • Labor union and management relations
    • Restrictive covenant and trade secret challenges
    • Wage and hour laws

    Russell has established himself as clients’ go-to to solve the full range of workplace issues. Long-term partnerships with employers give him a deep understanding of their goals, and clients often call on him to resolve commercial lawsuits on a variety of issues. He also speaks to companies and leading human resources and business groups on the latest in employment law.

    Companies based in Florida and with offices in multiple states benefit from Russell’s extensive experience. Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by The Florida Bar since the certification was first available in 2001, he provides proactive advice, pre-suit problem solving and trial strategies for issues involving:

    • Employment handbooks and policies
    • Harassment, discrimination and retaliation claims
    • Independent contractors and employee classification
    • Labor union and management relations
    • Restrictive covenant and trade secret challenges
    • Wage and hour laws

    Russell has established himself as clients’ go-to to solve the full range of workplace issues. Long-term partnerships with employers give him a deep understanding of their goals, and clients often call on him to resolve commercial lawsuits on a variety of issues. He also speaks to companies and leading human resources and business groups on the latest in employment law.

    Insights

    • May 1, 2025

      It’s Official! Phelps and Beggs & Lane Have Combined…

    Recognition

    • Board Certified, Labor and Employment Law – The Florida Bar
    • Distinguished Peer-Rated Attorney, Martindale-Hubbell
    • Employment Law - Management (2022-2025), Energy Regulatory Law (2021-2025) Labor Law - Management (2022-2025), Litigation - Labor & Employment (2025-2025), The Best Lawyers in America
    • Board Certified, Labor and Employment Law – The Florida Bar
    • Distinguished Peer-Rated Attorney, Martindale-Hubbell
    • Employment Law - Management (2022-2025), Energy Regulatory Law (2021-2025) Labor Law - Management (2022-2025), Litigation - Labor & Employment (2025-2025), The Best Lawyers in America

    Education

    • Florida State University College of Law, J.D., with honors, 1992
    • Florida State University, B.S., Finance, summa cum laude, 1989
    • Florida State University College of Law, J.D., with honors, 1992
    • Florida State University, B.S., Finance, summa cum laude, 1989

    Credentials

    • Florida
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
    • Florida
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida

    Memberships and Affiliations

    Professional

    • The Florida Bar
    • Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association
    • Academy of Florida Management Attorneys

    Civic

    • The YMCA of Northwest Florida – Board Member

    Professional

    • The Florida Bar
    • Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association
    • Academy of Florida Management Attorneys

    Civic

    • The YMCA of Northwest Florida – Board Member
    • Overview
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    • Credentials
    • Memberships and Affiliations

    Related Services

    • Litigation
    • Labor and Employment
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