Kristin Sostowski

I am a Partner with FBT Gibbons LLP in Newark, NJ, where I am Vice Practice Group Leader of the Labor and Employment Group. I represent employers in high-stakes employment litigation, with a focus on discrimination, harassment, whistleblower, and wage and hour matters, including class and collective actions. I have been recognized by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers®, and New Jersey Super Lawyers (including Top 100 Attorneys and Top 50 Female Attorneys in New Jersey).Known for my strategic approach and attention to detail in handling complex litigation, I regularly defend companies and their senior executives in employment disputes in state and federal courts, as well as before administrative agencies. I have defended employers against complex, high-exposure claims across a range of industries, including technology, higher education, pharmaceuticals, financial services, healthcare, and public and nonprofit entities. My experience also encompasses mediation, arbitration, and government investigations and audits. Drawing from my client secondment experiences, I also provide strategic employment counseling to in-house counsel, human resources professionals, and executives, advising on a wide range of employment issues including:Hiring practices, performance management, and terminationsEmployment agreementsEmployee handbooks and policiesEmployee leaves and accommodationsCompensation issuesWage and hour and worker classification issuesWorkforce restructuring and reductions in forceRestrictive covenantsEmployment issues arising from corporate transactionsI also conduct internal investigations of alleged employee misconduct. I have handled numerous investigations, both privileged and non-privileged, of allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and violations of employer codes of conduct.A longtime champion for women’s advancement in the legal profession, I served as President of NAWL from 2019-2020 and on NAWL’s board for a decade. Founded in 1899, NAWL is the nation’s oldest professional organization devoted to the interests and progress of women lawyers and women’s legal rights. During my term as President, NAWL undertook a multi-year, strategic planning process, reinvigorated the association’s focus on advocacy and public policy issues, and revitalized the Women Lawyers Journal, in publication since 1911. I currently represent NAWL as the organization's liaison to the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession. I am also a longtime Trustee of the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association.