Practice Areas

Labor and Employment

Labor and Employment

Businesses both large and small call Texas home, and provide jobs to millions of our state’s residents. All employers must abide by strict federal and state laws. The labor and employment practice group at Mitby Pacholder Johnson PLLC can guide you through the complex disputes that arise during the employer-employee relationship. Both state and federal law govern how employers and employees must treat each other, providing protections for both sides. Our experienced Houston civil trial lawyers have represented employers and employees in state and federal courts, at both the trial and appellate levels, as well as in mediations and arbitrations.

Labor and employment law is an extremely complex area of the law, as both federal and state laws are often involved at once, as well as industry specific regulations and internal administrative procedures. Our attorneys are experienced and have a history of success in managing employment law cases.

Employment Law: Representing Employers

Mitby Pacholder Johnson PLLC counsels employers on all aspects of employment law issues. We work with public and private businesses of all sizes to help prevent Houston labor and employment litigation down the road, and we also represent employers if and when legal disputes do arise. Our team frequently trains managers and supervisors on the nuances and regulations of employment law and policy. In addition to on-site training, we also have extensive experience successfully representing companies and organizations in legal employment matters.

If employers and management do not work to prevent employment-related disputes, it is only a matter of time until a dispute will arise. At Mitby Pacholder Johnson PLLC, we work closely with our clients to understand the exact circumstances surrounding each employment dispute, so we can resolve claims seamlessly and successfully. The optimal resolution for our clients isn’t always in court, so we also resolve employment law issues through alternative dispute resolution when its methods best serve our clients. We can help handle employment disputes regarding alleged:

  • Wage violations
  • EEOC violations
  • Wrongful termination
  • Discrimination and harassment
  • Equal Pay Act claims
  • Sexual harassment
  • Hostile work environment
  • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) violations
  • Retaliation
  • Violations of non-compete agreements
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation issues

Texas Labor and Employment Lawyers

Companies large and small hire Mitby Pacholder Johnson PLLC to personally handle their cases.  Our team can handle whatever employment issues you may be facing. If your Texas company is currently facing a lawsuit or a legal complaint from an employee, former employee, or independent contractor, we are here to help. We defend employers against unjust accusations.

Our labor and employment lawyers have significant experience crafting sensible solutions for large and small companies on a range of matters. We develop crucial business documents, and represent individuals and businesses in a wide spectrum of labor and employment litigation. Employment disputes can have a devastating effect on an organization’s reputation. Whether you are interested in preventing disputes or are currently faced with an employment law issue, the lawyers at Mitby Pacholder Johnson PLLC stand ready to go to work for you and protect your business interests.

A ‘go to’ firm for us. They’re smart, strategic, and know how to win the tough cases. We’re incredibly selective when it comes to outside counsel and only use aggressive firms that can take cases to trial and win. MPJ checks those boxes. Bottom line — I’m glad they’re on our side because I wouldn’t want to go up against them.

Head of litigation for publicly traded international chemical manufacturer

Mitby Pacholder Johnson never gives up and never taps out! I’ve collaborated with Tim Johnson and Debbie Pacholder on a myriad of legal challenges, from high-stakes lawsuits to high-pressure, intricate transactions. Many of these were critical, ‘bet-the-company’ situations.  Their strategic approach, foresight and unsurpassed dedication ensured our company always achieved the best results possible, both in and out of the courtroom.  They each impressed me with their acumen and creativity and their ability to work independently on any matter and in a team. Their combined understanding of both the legal and business nuances of every case made them a formidable team. Tim easily transitioned between litigation matters and transactions and never lost sight of the goal.  In any matter Tim and Debbie spearheaded, I never doubted that our company was in the best hands. Simply put, I don’t think you can find a better team than Mitby Pacholder Johnson.

Kerry Hatley
Former CEO, Peak Completion Technologies
Senior VP, GR Energy Services
MMA Referee

Steve Mitby is a tenacious, smart, and talented lawyer who I have absolute confidence in when he is handling a matter. I engaged Steve to handle several matters, including complex intellectual property disputes and significant employment law matters, while I was the general counsel of an NYSE-listed oil and gas service company and I was extremely pleased with his work. I unhesitatingly recommend him because of the type of lawyer he is and the quality of his work.

Mark F. Elvig
Former General Counsel, Core Laboratories

I have served as in-house counsel for over 30 years and have had the pleasure of working with Steve Mitby for several of those years. Steve is a very intelligent and solution-oriented lawyer. Unlike many attorneys, he truly listens and approaches problems collaboratively with his clients. He is keenly aware of costs, maximizing positive outcomes, while minimizing related expenses. He does not engage in unnecessary debate, files only what needs to be filed, and handles his cases with a laser focus. Steve Mitby earned my trust. I will retain him again should the need arise and can absolutely recommend him to anyone else in need of legal services.

E.H. “Bo” Underwood III
Executive Vice President, General Counsel Pharma-Safe Industrial Services
Former General Counsel, Bristow Group Inc.

Challenging a large and powerful company has been one of the most stressful experiences I have ever gone through. But throughout the ongoing 3-year battle, Steve and Debbie are always there to encourage and support me… I am always kept informed every step of the way no matter how big or little the issue is. If I have questions or concerns within minutes of my query Debbie emails or calls with answers. She is an exceptional attorney and a kind and caring person.

Anna Palova

I highly recommend Steve Mitby and his firm in connection with any complex commercial litigation. I know from personal experience with Steve in a recent complex trade secret jury trial that Steve is an outstanding and highly skilled jury trial lawyer. During the trial, Steve showed exceptional ability to communicate effectively with the jury, and enabled our client to achieve a major jury trial verdict.

Dan Webb
Co-Executive Chairman, Winston & Strawn
Former U.S. Attorney, Northern District of Illinois
Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers