Overview

Craig R. Benson has been representing private and public sector employers nationwide in all types of employment litigation for more than 35 years. His wealth of practical experience, coupled with his insight and legal creativity, results in the vigorous and meticulous representation of management's interests. From the courtroom to the boardroom to the negotiating table, Craig brings the same pragmatic bottom-line approach and has built his reputation on both his 24/7 accessibility and his ability to think out of the box.

Craig's practice areas include:

  • Employment discrimination law and litigation
  • Complex litigation and class actions
  • Labor relations
  • Collective bargaining
  • Arbitration
  • Wage and hour compliance

He defends clients in related claims before state and federal courts and administrative agencies. Craig also acts as chief negotiator in collective bargaining and provides strategic labor and employment planning in connection with mergers, acquisitions, consolidations, sub-contracting and reductions-in-force.

Additionally, he counsels unionized private and public sector employers on contract compliance. He educates and advises human resource professionals about:

  • Policies and procedures
  • Hiring
  • Firing
  • Promotions
  • Compensation
  • Leave
  • Accommodations

Craig's clients include many large and small retailers, as well as several construction companies.

Craig also is a member of the firm's Board of Directors and a founding member of the National Shareholder Recruiting Committee.

Previously, Craig worked as the managing partner of the New York office of another firm. In law school, he was managing editor of the Albany Law Review.

Professional & Community Affiliations

Member

American Bar Association

Member

New York State Bar Association

Recognition

Named, The Best Lawyers in America®

2014-2024

Named, Super Lawyer

New York

Super Lawyers

Speaking Engagements

Alternatives to Reductions in Force: Getting it Right in Recessionary Times

May 13, 2009

Swine Flu: Preparing the Workplace for a Pandemic

May 6, 2009

Employment Arbitration Agreements and Their Alternatives - The Ever-Changing Legal Landscape

October 16, 2007

Education

  • J.D., Albany Law School, 1986
  • B.A., University of Vermontcum laude

Bar Admission

New York