William J. Leahy assists employers with all issues that arise out of the employer-employee relationship, including those involving discrimination and harassment. He has successfully handled employment-related disputes through trial and appeal, including extensive litigation in federal and state courts with claims arising under:
- Title VII
- The Americans with Disabilities Act
- The Family and Medical Leave Act
- The Uniform Trade Secrets Act
- The New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act
In Will’s trial practice he has obtained successful results for his clients, including:
- A defense verdict in a jury trial involving claims for defamation and retaliation under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination
- An award for the employer in an arbitration of a senior executive’s claim for whistleblower retaliation
- A defense verdict in a jury trial involving claims for retaliation under the Family and Medical Leave Act and Pennsylvania common law
- A defense verdict in a jury trial involving a claim for discrimination under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act
- A defense verdict in a jury trial involving retaliation claim under the Fair Labor Standards Act
Will also represents companies, often in the insurance, pharmaceutical, medical device, staffing, and professional services industries, in matters relating to the protection of trade secrets and confidential information and the enforcement of covenants not to compete. Will’s unfair competition practice includes strategic advice to employers as well as litigation prosecuting and defending against restrictive covenant and trade secrets matters.
In addition to litigation, Will devotes a substantial portion of his practice to advising employers on day-to-day compliance with federal, state and local laws, as well as protection of confidential information. This includes:
- Drafting and reviewing policies
- Preparing executive employment agreements
- Guiding employers through reductions in force
- Providing advice on harassment, accommodation, and employee leave issues
He frequently presents seminars on these and other topics.
Office managing shareholder of Littler's Philadelphia office, Will previously served on the firm's Associates Committee and is a member of the firm's Unfair Competition and Trade Secrets Practice Group.
Will began his career as a law clerk for the Honorable Robert F. Kelly of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.