F. Damon Kitchen

Damon is a partner who represents employers in complex labor and employment matters, with a focus on defending claims of discrimination, wage and hour violations, and constitutional and civil rights issues for public sector clients.

He advises private and public employers on preventative strategies, policy development, and legal risk management, working closely with leadership teams to navigate sensitive workplace challenges and strengthen compliance.

He has extensive experience defending employers in litigation involving discrimination, harassment, retaliatory discharge, equal pay, defamation, invasion of privacy, and breach of contract claims. Damon also counsels clients on collective bargaining negotiations, grievance arbitrations, and union-related matters, and has served as chief negotiator in collective bargaining. His work includes guiding clients through EEO compliance and conducting employment law training and policy analysis tailored to organizational needs.

Honors & Recognition

• The Best Lawyers in America^®, "Lawyer of the Year" for Labor Law – Management (2020, 2026); Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, and Litigation - Labor and Employment (2006-2022, 2024-2026)
• Chambers USA Guide (2006-2025)
• Florida Super Lawyers (2007-2016, 2018-2024)

• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent^®  

About Me

Damon is married with two grown sons. He enjoys family time, reading, fishing, and is a big NASCAR fan, especially of Hendrick Motorsports’ 24 Team. His first job after college was as a grill cook in Winston-Salem, N.C. He values the advice “You can always try harder.” Asked what he’d be if he weren’t a lawyer, he jokes: “Unemployed.”

Representative Matters

• Successfully defended cases in all areas of labor and employment law, including, but not limited to: claims of unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliatory discharge, equal pay violations, wage and hour violations, employment-related freedom of speech, due process and equal protection claims arising under both the federal and state constitutions
• Successfully defended cases involving claims of defamation, invasion of privacy, negligent hiring, retention and supervision, intentional infliction of emotional distress, fraud, and breach of contract
• Experience in representing clients in traditional labor law matters, such as defending unfair labor practice charges, grievance arbitrations, opposing union organizing campaigns and serving as chief negotiator in collective bargaining negotiations
• Assists employers in problem prevention and legal analysis of complex employment issues
• Frequent lecturer and presenter for human resource directors, managers and small business owners regarding labor and employment law issues

Education

Mercer University School of Law

• J.D., 1990

Wake Forest University

• B.S., History, 1985

News

Events

Legal Analysis

Constangy Streaming

Civic

• Northeast Florida League of Cities
• North Florida Manufacturers Association
• Journey Church of Jacksonville Florida

Professional

• American Bar Association, Labor & Employment Section
• The Florida Bar, Executive Council of the Labor and Employment Law Section (1996-2001, 2008-present)
  • Chair of Council of Sections (2011-2012)
  • Chair-Elect of Council of Sections (2010-2011)
• Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by The Florida Bar (2001)
• State Bar of Georgia, Labor and Employment Law Section