Heath Edwards focuses his practice on labor and employment litigation for clients in the healthcare, manufacturing and hospitality industries.
During his career, Heath has successfully obtained summary judgment in a range of matters on behalf of clients in Tennessee, Georgia, California, and Massachusetts. Employers in the healthcare, manufacturing and hospitality industries value his laid back demeanor coupled with his competitive approach to advising on labor and employment law matters. Known for his ability to explain even the most complex legal concepts to non-lawyers, Heath has represented clients in charges and lawsuits brought under a wide range of federal and state labor and employment laws including:
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII)
- Unfair Labor Practices (NLRA)
- Section 301 of the Labor Management Relations Act
- Tennessee Human Rights Act (THRA)
- Tennessee Disability Act and the Tennessee Public Protection Act.
Heath's trial experience includes the defense of clients facing employment law claims in state and federal courts, including participation in all aspects of discovery, preparation of summary judgment and other dispositive motions, and the presentation of oral arguments in court hearings. Heath has also represented clients in multiple Federal Circuit Court appeals from start to finish.
In addition to his litigation experience, Heath has significant experience in labor relations matters. He has participated in collective bargaining negotiations with labor unions and represented employers in arbitration proceedings related to disciplinary actions and contract interpretation under collective bargaining agreements. He has also advised employers during union organizing campaigns and represented employers in Unfair Labor Practice proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board.