Joseph C. O'Keefe is a partner in the Labor & Employment Law Department.
For more than 25 years, Joe has litigated employment disputes of all types, on behalf of employers, before federal and state courts, arbitral tribunals (e.g. FINRA and AAA), and state and federal administrative agencies. Joe has litigated employment-related lawsuits alleging discrimination and sexual harassment, whistleblowing, non-competition/trade secret matters, compensation disputes, breach of contract, defamation, fraud and other business related torts. Joe’s practice includes representing clients nationwide in complex class and collective litigation, including state and federal wage and hour and discrimination claims. He has tried numerous cases before arbitrators, judges and juries. Joe's experience includes appellate work in both federal and state courts.
In addition to his extensive litigation practice, Joe regularly advises employers on a wide range of employment related issues. He counsels clients concerning management of personnel problems, reductions in force, investigation of employee complaints, state and federal leave laws, wage and hour issues, pay equity, employment policies and contracts. Joe also conducts internal investigations, on behalf of employers, into allegations of discrimination and harassment.
While Joe’s practice focuses on the financial services industry, he represents employers in a variety of industries including pharmaceuticals, health care, technology, communications, fashion, consumer products, higher education, publishing and media. He frequently writes articles concerning developments in the law and speaks at seminars concerning legal developments in the labor and employment law field.