Frank E. Melton has spent his entire career practicing in the area of labor and employment law.  He litigates employment cases on behalf of employers in state and federal courts and in administrative and arbitration forums.  As examples, Frank has frequently litigated claims involving:

• Discrimination, retaliation and harassment, including sexual harassment
• Wrongful discharge
• Trade secret misappropriation, unfair competition and violation of restrictive covenants by former employees
• Wage and hour issues, including class actions
• Disputes involving shareholder employees of closely-held businesses
• Traditional labor arbitrations over violations of collective bargaining agreements

In addition, Frank provides day-to-day and proactive advice to employers to help them avoid employment litigation and comply with the ever-changing employment laws and landscape.  Examples include:

• Advice on discipline, termination and investigation of employees
• Drafting and updating employee handbooks, personnel policies, agreements protecting confidential information, offer letters and other employment-related documents
• Drafting executive employment agreements and separation agreements
• Advice on wage and hour compliance and proper classification of independent contractors and employees
• Advice on leave of absence, employee privacy, drug testing, social media, workforce reduction, and other issues commonly facing employers
• Negotiation of collective bargaining agreements

Frank represents employers in a wide variety of industries and sizes, including many prominent non-profits.  Whether representing employers in employment litigation or in providing advice, Frank applies sound judgment, tenacity, integrity, practicality, and intent listening in focusing on meeting his clients’ business objectives in a cost-effective manner.

After law school, Frank was a law clerk to Hon. David V. Kenyon, U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.  He also previously served as a legislative assistant for John C. Danforth, U.S. Senator from Missouri.

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS

• Member, Board of Directors, Bet Tzedek Legal Services, 1993-present
• Labor and Employment Counsel, Bet Tzedek Legal Services, 1994-present
• Member, ProVisors, 2002-present
• Member, Sinai Temple
  • Labor and Employment Counsel, 1986-present
  • Member, Board of Directors, 1987-2000
  • Member, Executive Committee, 1991-1999
• Member, Labor and Employment Section - Los Angeles County Bar Association
• Member, Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA)
• Fellow,  Jewish Community Leaders Program, Wexner Heritage Foundation, 1997-1999

RECOGNITION

• Named, Super Lawyer in Labor and Employment, Law & Politics, 2007-2012
• Named, Who’s Who in LA Law, Los Angeles Business Journal, 2009