Lisa Cleary

Lisa Cleary is a senior litigation partner at Patterson Belknap. She served as the firm's Co-Chair and Managing Partner from 2014 - 2022. Ms. Cleary works closely with a broad range of corporations and tax-exempt organization clients on employment issues related to their highest level executives and other key employees. For over 25 years, she has regularly advised boards of directors in connection with the negotiation of executive compensation, performance, transition and employment termination of CEOs. Ms. Cleary has provided this sensitive advice for public companies, private entities and tax-exempt organizations and foundations, all of which operate under the same rules in these circumstances. She has often assisted companies in navigating difficult situations where CEO termination occurs in the midst of critical litigation or other corporate crises. Ms. Cleary also provides advice to in-house counsel, human resources personnel, and line managers on minimizing the legal risks of individual employee terminations beyond executives, and also provides counseling to ensure compliance with applicable laws. In addition, Ms. Cleary provides training on a broad range of employment matters, drafts and vets personnel policies and handbooks, and also provides advice on employer recordkeeping requirements. Ms. Cleary assists clients in employment-related litigation matters before administrative agencies, and state and federal courts. She also counsels clients with respect to employment contracts and regularly defends clients in wrongful discharge cases. Ms. Cleary provides advice to clients regarding employee theft, whistleblower claims and complaints of discrimination and harassment, and regularly conducts internal investigations regarding such matters. She has also worked with local, state and federal prosecutors on behalf of clients regarding a broad range of issues. In addition, Ms. Cleary defends and prosecutes cases involving employment-related restrictive covenants, drafts and negotiates employment contracts and represents employers in connection with claims arising under ERISA. Where consistent with client goals, Ms. Cleary incorporates alternative dispute resolution procedures. Ms. Cleary also chaired the firm’s Pro Bono Committee from 1994 - 2014. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.