Overview
Abtin’s practice focuses on traditional management-side labor and employment defense, general litigation, and appellate advocacy. In addition to his active litigation practice, Abtin advises clients in compliance matters relating to, among others:
- The Arkansas Civil Rights Act;
- The Arkansas Minimum Wage Act;
- The Arkansas Trade Secrets Act;
- The Fair Labor Standards Act;
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964;
- The Family Medical Leave Act;
- The Americans with Disabilities Act;
- The National Labor Relations Act;
- Regulations enforced by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) with respect to affirmative action obligations of federal contractors;
- Garnishment compliance; and
- Non-competes, non-solicitations, and anti-employee poaching strategies.
Abtin also handles specialty visas reserved for “individuals of extraordinary ability” under the O-1 and EB-1 nonimmigrant and immigrant categories.
Honors & Recognitions
- 20 In Their 20s – 2017, Arkansas Business
- Pro Bono Attorney of the Year – 2017, VOCALS
- Rising Star in Employment Law – 2017, HR Professionals Magazine
- Top Attorney in Employment Law – 2017, Arkansas Life Magazine
Professional & Civic Associations
- Judge William R. Overton American Inn of Court, Executive Board
- Pulaski County Bar Association, Executive Board
- Arkansas Bar Association, District 2 Representative and Former Annual Meeting Co-Chair
- Governor’s Commission on People with Disabilities, Appointed (2013 – 2016)
- Human Resources Management Association, Member (2013 – 2016)
- The Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Secretary, Board of Directors
- VOCALS – Volunteer Organization, Center for Arkansas Legal Services
- UALR Bowen School of Law Alumni Board, Member (2013 – 2017)
News & Analysis
Speaking Engagements & Industry Publications
- Just What the Doctor Ordered: Have you Scheduled your HR “Check-up” for 2015?, HR Professionals Magazine (Feb. 2015)
- The Best Laid Plans of Mice & Men: Employee Wellness Programs Can Often Go Awry, HR Professionals Magazine (June 2014)
- Bringing Home the Bacon: What the Davis-Bacon Act Means for your Business, HR Professionals Magazine (Nov. 2013)
- Proactive Cell Phone Security Policies in the Workplace: Avoid Liability as Hi-Tech Devices HACK the Fourth Amendment, 35 Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 1 (2013) (online)
- Annual Arkansas Case Law Surveys, 2011-2012
Practices
Education
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- J.D., honors, 2013
- UALR Law Review Editor-in-Chief
- Trial Team Member, National Trial Competition
- Vice President, Phi Alpha Delta
- Top Paper Award, Appellate Brief
University of Maine
- B.S., magna cum laude, 2010
- Honor’s College
- VP Student Entertainment, Student Government
- Senior Skull Honor Society
Bar & Court Admissions
- Arkansas, 2013
- U.S. District Courts for the Eastern District of Arkansas
- U.S. District Courts for the Western District of Arkansas