Overview
Jeff represents employers in labor and employment matters including defending against claims of harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination, as well representation in unionization campaigns and charges of unfair labor practices.
Given Jeff’s experience as a labor & employment litigator, he appreciates the unique challenges employers face today and the solutions they need to keep serving their customers, clients, and the public. That’s why Jeff places an emphasis on finding practical solutions to his clients’ needs—whether inside the courtroom, on the phone to answer the latest complex issue, or through providing targeted training and counseling to key employees and managers.
Jeff has a particular interest in how technology impacts the increasingly expansive regulatory framework employers must navigate in the work-from-home era, including the challenges of a decentralized and dispersed workforce. He uses his experience representing management before administrative labor boards and state and federal courts to advise his clients on the most effective solutions to tackle both their familiar and not-so-straightforward legal questions.
Prior to joining Constangy, Jeff clerked for the Honorable Allen C. Winsor, who now serves on the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Florida, and worked as an associate for a labor & employment boutique firm based in Florida.
Professional & Civic Associations
- American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section
Press Room
About Me
Originally from Greenville, South Carolina, Jeff now calls Austin, Texas home. Outside the office, you could find him attending an Austin FC home game, visiting a local winery or brewery, or enjoying the outdoors with his wife Valerie.
Representative Matters
Representative Matters
- Represented public state college in Florida in disability discrimination claim based on failure to hire. Obtained dismissal of plaintiff’s claims with prejudice pursuant to Eleventh Amendment Immunity defense. USDC, Northern District of Florida.
- Co-counsel representing public state college in unfair labor practice charge against union. Following a hearing and extensive briefing on protected-activity and free-speech issues, obtained recommended order finding union violated Florida’s Public Employees Relations Act by coercing and interfering with management.
- Co-counsel in labor arbitration for just cause termination involving school district in North Florida. Following a three-day hearing, obtained favorable arbitration award affirming termination.
- Co-counsel in administrative hearing for just cause termination involving school district in North Florida. Following a hearing, obtained favorable recommended order affirming termination and rejecting grievant’s discrimination claims.
News & Analysis
Speaking Engagements & Industry Publications
- “The Work-From-Home Revolution and Employers’ Ability to Control Employee Use of Digital Communications to Discuss Terms and Conditions of Employment,” The Check Off, The Florida Bar Labor and Employment Section, Vol. LX, No. 2, January 2021
Blogs, Videos & Podcasts
Blog Posts
- “Life is made up of constant calls to action, and we seldom have time for more than hastily contrived answers.”Learned Hand
Practices
Practice Emphasis
- Union Avoidance Counseling and Campaigns
- Defense of NLRB and EEOC Charges
- Defense of Grievances in Arbitrations
- Sexual Harassment Investigations and Defense
- Defense of Discrimination and Retaliation Claims
- Wage & Hour Advising and Litigation
- Employee Contract Negotiations and Litigation
Industries
Education
Florida State University
- J.D., cum laude, 2017
- Notes & Comments Editor
- Florida State University Law Review
- Dean’s List
Clemson University
- B.A., Political Science, cum laude, 2012
- Dean’s List
Bar & Court Admissions
- Florida, 2017
- Texas, 2021
- All Florida State Courts
- All Texas State CourtsFederal District Court for the Northern District of Florida
- Federal District Court for the Middle District of Florida