ORLANDO – FordHarrison LLP, one of the country’s largest management-side labor and employment law firms, is pleased to announce that Shannon L. Kelly, Mark E. Levitt and Marc A. Sugerman from Allen Norton & Blue, P.A. have joined the firm’s Orlando office as Partner. Also, Howard (Howie) M. Waldman from Allen Norton & Blue, P.A. has joined the Orlando office as Senior Associate.
“We are thrilled to welcome four accomplished and passionate attorneys to the Orlando team,” said Aaron Zandy, Orlando Managing Partner and Regional Managing Partner of FordHarrison’s Florida offices. “All four additions to the Orlando office reflect our core values and come to the firm with impressive backgrounds and a wealth of knowledge in labor and employment law.”
Shannon Kelly regularly provides preventative advice on employment decisions, employee benefits, policy development and revision, internal and agency audits, and harassment and discrimination investigations. When litigation is unavoidable, Shannon draws on her significant experience litigating claims under various federal and state employment laws including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Florida Civil Rights Act, Chapter 760 F.S., the Fair Labor Standards Act, and other state and federal statutes.
Marc Sugerman routinely handles labor arbitrations, collective bargaining negotiations, and impasse proceedings on behalf of his clients. He also represents clients in traditional labor litigation matters before the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission and the National Labor Relations Board. Although traditional labor is Marc's primary focus, he also maintains a robust trial practice, litigating a variety of employment disputes in state and federal court, including civil rights and wage/hour cases. Marc has also appeared on behalf of clients in administrative proceedings such as Department of Labor audits, civil service hearings, and administrative disciplinary hearings, and has appeared before the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
Mark Levitt has more than 40 years of experience navigating traditional labor issues making him the ideal partner for any employer dealing with union campaigns, collective bargaining, grievance proceedings, and unfair labor practice charges before the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission and the National Labor Relations Board. Certified by The Florida Bar as a specialist in Labor and Employment law, Mark is also committed to providing preventive counsel to his clients with a focus on problem solving to minimize risks through effective training, policy development, and issue spotting. When litigation cannot be avoided, he draws on his track record of success in all types of employment litigation at both the state and federal level.
Howie Waldman's legal practice is entirely focused on representing clients in issues related to labor and employment law. Howie has handled a broad range of employment law issues on behalf of clients including claims of discrimination and retaliation, and challenges to employee discipline and discharge. He has appeared on behalf of clients in federal and state court, arbitration forums, and before federal and state administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
“These lawyers bring tremendous experience and depth to our Orlando Office and our firm. Their core values and their approach to practicing law will enable them to integrate easily into our firm,” said Al McKenna, FordHarrison Managing Partner. “They will bring amazing perspective and energy to our Orlando office.”