Peter Wilms

/My focus

EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION

I represent employers in employment-related litigation in federal and state courts, including the Southern District of New York, Eastern District of New York, and New York State courts. I defend employers facing agency investigations and proceedings, including before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, New York State Division of Human Rights, and New York City Commission on Human Rights, involving claims of discrimination and harassment based on sex, race, age, national origin, and other protected characteristics. My ADA experience includes handling website and brick-and-mortar accessibility lawsuits. My ERISA litigation experience spans multiple jurisdictions, defending clients against excessive fee claims and breach of fiduciary duty claims.

LABOR LAW

A significant focus of my practice involves representing management in labor relations matters involving unions, including issues such as day-to-day labor-management relations advice, collective bargaining agreement administration and disputes, grievance and arbitration proceedings, bargaining issues, and practice before the National Labor Relations Board.

COMPLIANCE AND COUNSELING

I help employers navigate the full range of workplace challenges by translating complex federal, state, and local requirements — such as Title VII, FLSA, FMLA, and state-specific employment laws — into practical guidance that fits their operations. I also conduct internal investigations into allegations of harassment and misconduct, as well as deliver sexual harassment prevention, workplace compliance, and other HR/management trainings.

/Representative experience

• Represent corporations, municipalities, and educational institutions in their dealings with labor unions, including unfair labor practice charges, arbitrations, and contract negotiations.
• Defend businesses in New York State/City Division of Human Rights and National Labor Relations Board proceedings involving claims of discrimination and harassment based on sex, race, age, national origin, and more. 
• Represent clients in ADA website and brick-and-mortar accessibility lawsuits.
• Counsel clients on how to navigate complex federal, state, and local labor and employment laws, including Title VII, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), National Labor and Relations Act (NLRA), and state-specific employment laws.  
• Led internal investigations on behalf of employers into allegations of workplace harassment and misconduct.
• Provide sexual harassment, workplace compliance, and other HR/management trainings.

/Looking ahead

AI use is changing business at a fundamental level, and employers should be prepared for the workplace risks that come with new tools and new ways of working. I help clients take practical, compliance-focused steps to stay ahead by updating policies and training, supporting internal investigations, and identifying potential exposure areas.

/Insights

• “Can You Fire an Employee For Their Political Speech?,” Total Food Service, July 16, 2024 (author)