Brian Cunningham concentrates his practice primarily on representing employers in employment law disputes.
Brian Cunningham concentrates his practice primarily on representing employers in employment law disputes. He represents clients in matters involving federal and state employment discrimination laws, harassment, wage and hour, and FMLA. He has defended clients in a range of industries in EEOC charges and in litigation in state and federal courts. Brian's practice also encompasses the drafting of employee handbooks, employer policies, and employment agreements. In addition to his employment law focus, Brian advises employers on their business immigration needs, such as handling non-immigrant petitions and applications for adjustment of status.
Prior to joining FordHarrison as an associate, Brian served as a law clerk and summer associate in the firm's Minneapolis office. He also worked in the University of St. Thomas Legal Services Clinic, where he successfully represented a client in a U.S. Asylum appeal before the Bloomington Immigration Court. During law school, Brian served as president for the University of St. Thomas Chapter of the Black Law Students Association. While pursuing his bachelor's degree, Brian completed coursework taught in the Spanish language at IES Abroad and the Universitat Complutense de Madrid.
Recent Experience
- Successfully defended manufacturer against an appeal of the denial of unemployment benefits at the Minnesota Court of Appeals.
- Secured favorable settlement for employer in case alleging Title VII and ADA claims in federal district court.
- Obtained "no cause" findings in numerous charges of discrimination before the EEOC.
- Advised Fortune 500 employer on its plans to assess employee misclassification risks.
- Drafted brief vindicating an airline employer's decision to terminate employee for theft.