Long Island, New York. Nixon Peabody is proud to announce the appointment of Tara Daub as leader of the firm’s Labor & Employment practice. At a time when the coronavirus pandemic has drastically shifted the workplace and employment landscape, Tara takes the helm of the nationally recognized group, which has particular strengths in OSHA compliance, workforce structuring, traditional labor relations, workplace policies, procedure and training, wage-and-hour compliance, and labor and employment litigation.
Partner Benjamin Kim will also become the Deputy Practice Group Leader for Labor & Employment.
“Our Labor & Employment practice has been at the forefront of the constantly changing employment landscape, advising businesses in all corners of the U.S. economy,” said Stephen Zubiago, CEO and managing partner of Nixon Peabody. “This practice area is deeply rooted in trusted client relationships. Under Tara’s and Ben’s leadership, our firm will continue nurturing those relationships while helping clients navigate their current and post-pandemic workforce challenges.”
Tara is a partner in the firm’s Long Island and New York offices. During her 19 years with the firm, her litigation practice has focused on representing employers in federal and state trial and appellate courts, and before various administrative agencies. Tara also represents employers in traditional labor law matters including labor union bargaining, disputes, and representation proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board. She also provides employers with strategic compliance counseling. In addition to many national and international companies, she represents nonprofit employers including hospitals, institutions of higher education, and private schools.
Over the past year, Tara has helped numerous clients develop strategies and solutions for managing through the complex and rapidly evolving workforce issues they have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The novel coronavirus has made the past year a remarkable and busy time for our clients and attorneys,” said Tara. “As the vaccine is being rolled out, we are seeing significant implications for the workplace. It’s an honor to lead our group and continue providing excellent service to our clients as we guide them through the pandemic.”
Ben, based in Nixon Peabody’s Los Angeles office, already leads the practice’s Occupational Safety & Health (OSHA) team in addition to his new role as Deputy Practice Group Leader.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has put workplace safety and health on the forefront of employers’ minds as they grapple with constantly evolving public health guidance,” said Ben. “Some of these employers have faced additional OSHA-related challenges, and our team continues to be on the frontlines, advising our clients and defending them in related legal matters.”
In addition to his OSHA practice, Ben represents and defends clients in employment-related litigation, including cases alleging wage-and-hour violations, discrimination, wrongful termination, workplace harassment, disability accommodation, and retaliation. Ben has defended employers in class actions, representative actions, and lawsuits filed by single and multiple plaintiffs in both California state and federal courts. He has also represented employers in investigations and other actions by government agencies.
“Many of our clients are facing issues impacting their businesses in this unpredictable time, and I cannot imagine a more perfect duo to lead our clients and our group,” said Scott O’Connell, chair of the firm’s Litigation Department, which oversees the Labor & Employment group.
Tara and Ben succeed Labor & Employment Practice Group Leader David Rosenthal and Deputy Practice Group Leader Brian Alcala, respectively. David and Brian will assist Tara and Ben as they transition into their new leadership roles.