Overview

Ben Pope represents employers in a broad range of employment matters arising under state and federal laws. His practice primarily focuses on issues involving:

  • The Fair Labor Standards Act
  • The Sarbanes-Oxley Act
  • The Dodd-Frank Act
  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act
  • The Age Discrimination in Employment Act
  • The Family and Medical Leave Act
  • The Occupational Safety and Health Act
  • Contingent workers and independent contractors
  • Other state and federal laws governing employment relationships

For nearly twenty years, Ben has successfully defended lawsuits alleging single plaintiff and class claims, including alleged class-wide wage hour violations, systemic discrimination, and retaliation for purported violations of securities laws. He has obtained defense verdicts in jury trials in both federal and state courts. Ben has also represented clients before various federal and state agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. He has defended clients against claims involving:

  • Whistleblower allegations
  • Wage and hour and overtime violations
  • Wrongful termination
  • Discrimination
  • Harassment
  • Equal pay
  • Unfair competition
  • Theft of trade secrets
  • Intentional infliction of emotional distress
  • Invasion of privacy
  • Breach of contract
  • Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO)

In law school, Ben served as an editor on the Georgia Journal of International and Comparative Law. He also was a member of the Moot Court Board and was named Best Oralist and received awards for Best Brief and Best Team at the 2002 Intrastate Competition.

Professional & Community Affiliations

Member

Decatur Business Association

Member

Labor and Employment Section

American Bar Association

Member

Employment Section

Atlanta Bar Association

Member

Buckhead Professional Group

Recognition

Named, Rising Star

Labor and Employment Litigation

Super Lawyers

2011, 2013 - 2017

News, Analysis & Press

How to Spot a Whistleblower and Prevent Retaliation: 10 Tips

Corporate Counsel Magazine

February 13, 2018

The Next Wage and Hour Battle: The Classification of Underwriters and the Continuing Controversy Over the Administrative/Production Dichotomy

White Paper

2010

Independent Contractor or Employee-The Risks of Misclassification

CM Resources

2008

Books & Book Chapters

  • Whistleblowing & Retaliation, Contributing author, 2016

Speaking Engagements

Employment Law 101

IAML Conference, Atlanta, GA

April 22, 2022

Fielding Whistleblower Complaints: How to Investigate, Avoid Retaliation, and Ensure Your Company Doesn’t Drop the Ball

Littler Webinar

December 4, 2018

Compliance Strategies for Common Targets of Wage-Hour Litigation

Client Presentation

March 8, 2018

Oiling the Squeakiest Wheel: How to Handle a Whistleblower and Prevent Retaliation

October 25, 2017

The Employee from Hell: Investigating, Managing, and Responding to the Squeakiest Wheel

Coca-Cola, Tampa, FL

February 4, 2015

The 2014 Atlanta Employer Conference

Atlanta, GA

October 9, 2014

Whistleblowing and Retaliation: Hot Topics and Practice Pointers

The 2014 Atlanta Employer Conference

Littler Mendelson, Atlanta, GA

October 9, 2014

The Use of Experts in Wage and Hour Cases

Bridgeport Continuing Education, Miami, FL

March 28, 2014

Who’s that Knocking on the Door? Preparing for and Responding to DOL Investigations

The 2013 Atlanta Employer Conference

Littler Mendelson, Atlanta, GA

August 15, 2013

Whistleblowing and Retaliation: The Wave of the Present

State Bar of Georgia

February 10, 2012

Nuts and Bolts of Employment Law

State Bar of Georgia

February 2010

Sex Offenders, Terrorists & Video Resumes: How Far Can You Go To Get Information On Applicants & Employees?

Lorman Education Services, Atlanta, GA

February 2009

Employment Laws & Torts: Breach of Contract, Discrimination Laws, Georgia Torts

Lorman Education Services, Atlanta, GA

February 2009

What Are the Employer's Minimum Wage & Overtime Obligations?

Lorman Education Services, Atlanta, GA

August 2008

Independent Contractor or Employee? The Risks of Misclassification

2008

Education

  • J.D., University of Georgia, 2003cum laude
  • B.A., University of Georgia, 2000summa cum laude

Bar Admission

Georgia

Courts

  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Georgia
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Georgia
  • Georgia Supreme Court
  • Georgia Court of Appeals
  • Georgia Superior Courts