David Rosenthal is the practice group leader of the Labor & Employment practice group. He primarily represents employers in state and federal litigation, in court and before administrative agencies in the full range of employment disputes. David also counsels employers on compliance with state and federal regulations that govern their relationships with their employees.
Protecting employers from the misuse of their confidential information and trade secrets by former employees is one of the primary focuses of my litigation practice. I focus on responding quickly and successfully to such threats by obtaining injunctions to prevent the misappropriation of valuable information and unfair competition. In some cases, I have been called upon to represent talented individuals in lift out situations, allowing them to compete fairly using their personal skills and know-how in more suitable employment settings.
Employment discrimination litigation, defending wage and hour class action matters and contesting whistleblower claims—all on behalf of employers—comprise the balance of my litigation practice. A persuasive advocate for my clients, I have a long track record of success in defeating such claims, by trying cases to judgment or achieving resolutions on very favorable terms.
Dispute avoidance is also a large part of my practice. Assisting clients with legally compliant policies and procedures, providing practical advice before the dispute escalates, and using practiced, successful mediation techniques have contributed to many advantageous resolutions of potentially damaging disputes.
I view my job as being a problem solver. I make my clients’ jobs easier by helping them with what are often emotionally charged, and legally complex, decisions about employees and resolving them practically and efficiently. Many clients have told me they want an employment lawyer who tells them what they can do, not what they can’t do. I try to be that person.
The myriad employment laws and regulations are a mine field for employers. Increased employee mobility will require employers to be especially diligent in protecting their intellectual capital from misuse by departing employees. As the law provides greater protections for whistleblowers, employers will require experienced advice on compliance programs and HR practices to protect against retaliation claims.
The Boston Globe | March 13, 2020
This column features Boston Labor and Employment partner David Rosenthal discussing advice for clients who have questions about implementing work-from-home policies as part of social distancing strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Boston Globe | February 26, 2020
This article on local businesses’ preparation for a possible coronavirus pandemic reaching the U.S. quotes Labor and Employment practice group leader David Rosenthal, who encourages employers to be flexible with their workforces and demonstrate to employees that they are prepared.
Bloomberg Radio | January 31, 2020
Boston Labor and Employment partner David Rosenthal joined Baystate Business to discuss coronavirus, the flu, and the importance of employers having written communicable illness policies.
HR Executive.com | May 15, 2018
Boston partner and labor and employment practice group leader David Rosenthal is quoted in this story on the possibility of states passing tougher laws against workplace sexual harassment as a result of the #MeToo movement.
Georgetown University Law Center, J.D.
Trinity College, B.A., cum laude (Phi Beta Kappa)
Massachusetts
New York
David was selected, through a peer-review survey, for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021 in the fields of Employment Law—Management and Litigation—Labor and Employment. David has been listed in Best Lawyers since 2010.
David has also been recognized for exceptional standing in the legal community in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2018 for Labor & Employment (Massachusetts). Recognized in Chambers in previous years, it was noted that he is “the full package: sensible, pragmatic, effective in court, with good judgment and good people skills.”
David has been recognized for many years as a “New England Super Lawyer” in Labor & Employment based on a peer-review survey by Boston Magazine. He has also been recommended in The Legal 500 United States 2017 editorial for Intellectual property - Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters).
David received an AV® Preeminent Rating in Labor & Employment Law, the highest rating by Martindale-Hubbell.
David is a member of the Massachusetts and Boston Bar Associations. He is a frequent lecturer on employment law issues to industry and trade groups. He has also been a guest commentator on New England Cable News programs.