Clouse Dunn LLP is an employment law and business litigation boutique. Six of the firm's attorneys are Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Clouse Dunn lawyers try cases in state and federal courts in Texas and around the United States. Our lawyers also represent employers in mediations, arbitrations and administrative proceeding before the EEOC, Department of Labor and Texas Workforce Commission. Our trial experience allows us to counsel clients about how to prevent problems and how to minimize litigation risks.
We offer each client experienced, ethical and effective representation, emphasizing all areas of employment litigation, including:
Unfair competition—noncompete agreements and trade secrets
Clouse Dunn employment attorneys draft confidentiality/nondisclosure agreements and covenants not to compete to protect our clients' trade secrets and other intellectual property. We advise companies about how to handle hiring decisions and job changes to avoid claims for misappropriation and tortious interference. When claims arise concerning the improper use or disclosure of confidential information, customer solicitation or violation of a covenant not to compete, Clouse Dunn lawyers can quickly investigate the facts, evaluate options and take the necessary actions. We negotiate solutions that allow our clients to accomplish their business objectives and avoid the courtroom. Some disputes, however, must be litigated. Our attorneys regularly obtain and defend against temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions.
Discrimination and harassment
Today's diverse workplace requires employers to know the evolving laws concerning discrimination and harassment. State and federal laws prohibit discrimination and harassment based on protected classes such as race, sex, religion, disability and age. Case law is continually changing, imposing new obligations on both employers and employees regarding workplace conduct. Clouse Dunn lawyers have litigated cases involving all categories of discrimination and harassment. We also counsel our clients on preventive measures, including policies, training, performance appraisals, discipline and investigations.
Retaliation
Federal and state statutes prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who engage in protected activity to oppose discrimination, harassment or violation of other employment laws regarding overtime, family/medical leave and corporate governance. Clouse Dunn lawyers help employers minimize legal risks. We offer practical advice designed to provide effective solutions that permit our clients to achieve business objectives while reducing the chance of lawsuits.
Employment contracts and related documents
Clouse Dunn attorneys routinely negotiate, draft and revise employment agreements, benefit packages, independent contractor agreements, employee handbooks and separation/severance agreements on behalf of corporate clients. Clouse Dunn attorneys believe that proper contract drafting can help our clients avoid future contract disputes.
Wage and hour/overtime
Clouse Dunn lawyers regularly handle litigation involving wage and hour claims, including overtime and minimum wage class action lawsuits. We represent clients in wage and hour audits conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor and Texas Workforce Commission. We have effectively negotiated resolution of adverse determinations to avoid civil penalties and interest. We work with clients to design payroll procedures that minimize the risk of overtime or minimum wage claims. We have extensive experience representing clients in industries that experience increased regulatory scrutiny, including the restaurant and hospitality, janitorial and retail industries.
Healthcare Groups
Clouse Dunn attorneys draft physician employment agreements, separation agreements, independent contractor agreements, and similar documents needed by healthcare practice groups. Our attorneys regularly defend healthcare groups in disputes with their former employees or business affiliates as well as handle other personnel-related matters.
ERISA/Employee benefits
Clouse Dunn lawyers defend employers against ERISA claims by individuals for denial of benefits, retaliation, and breach of fiduciary duty.
Negligent hiring, retention and supervision
Clouse Dunn lawyers have successfully defended corporations against claims of negligent hiring, retention and supervision of employees. We also counsel clients regarding preventive measures designed to minimize litigation risk, including hiring practices, background checks, workplace investigations, training and employment policies.
Preventive Measures
Clouse Dunn attorneys can conduct prompt and thorough workplace investigations and make sound recommendations for corrective action, dispute resolution and prevention. We also provide on-site training and human resources audits, ensuring our clients stay current with new developments in employment law.
