Kenneth Yerkes

Ken Yerkes, Chairman of the Labor & Employment Department, has spent over 25 years successfully fighting for his clients' business objectives at the bargaining table; in federal and state court matters; in arbitrations; and on the ground, in plants across the country, through proactive training, counseling, and union-avoidance campaigns. Ken's ability to transform complex matters into workable strategies has earned him his clients' trust and also acclaim as one of the country’s recognized leaders in labor and employment law. It is no surprise, then, that Ken is a Fellow in both The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers and the Litigation Counsel of America, and has received the highest rating in every edition of Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business. Ken has been interviewed and quoted in numerous publications, including the Wall Street Journal; Inside Counsel Magazine; and Law 360. Because of his desire to always remain a full-service resource for his clients, Ken has designed his practice to be well-balanced between litigation, counseling, and traditional labor matters. With respect to collective bargaining, Ken's experience runs the gamut from first contract negotiations to pattern bargaining, mid-term contract modifications, decision bargaining, effects bargaining, and plant closing agreements. He has bargained with and run union-avoidance campaigns against virtually every union in the country, and regularly trains employers on the best practices for remaining union free. At the same time, Ken has been an active litigator and trial attorney. Ken's numerous reported decisions over his two decades of practice demonstrate his effective collaboration with clients in planning and executing litigation strategies. On those rare occasions when summary judgment or an acceptable settlement are not forthcoming, Ken is willing and able to take cases to trial. He has done so successfully in multiple jurisdictions. Specialties: Union Negotiation, Employment Litigation, Collective Bargaining, Arbitration and Grievances, Employment Advice and Counseling, NRLB, Non-competes and Trade Secrets, Management Training, Discipline and Discharge, Discrimination Defense, EEO Compliance, Union Free Training, Wage and Hour, Class and Collective Actions, Downsizing and WARN Act