Overview
Rick represents employers across the country in traditional labor and employment matters, offering strategic counsel on union relations, labor negotiations, and regulatory compliance.
He works closely with management teams to negotiate collective bargaining agreements, advise on grievance and arbitration procedures, and support efforts to maintain union-free workplaces. Rick’s experience spans a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, automotive, transportation, healthcare, food processing, financial services, and warehousing.
Rick provides guidance on all phases of union activity, including initial organizing campaigns, decertification and deauthorization efforts, and post-election matters. He has negotiated agreements with a broad array of unions, including the Teamsters, UAW, UFCW, USW, IBEW, URW, PACE, IAM, ACTWU, ILGWU, UNITEHERE, ILU, and RWDSU. In addition to advising on employee relations strategies and workplace policy development, Rick represents employers in administrative proceedings before federal and state agencies, including the NLRB, EEOC, OSHA, MSHA, and DOL.
Rick’s practice includes representing both private and public sector employers in a variety of complex labor matters. His deep understanding of the regulatory landscape allows him to offer practical, business-minded advice to clients navigating challenging workplace dynamics. In addition to his advocacy work, Rick is a registered mediator and arbitrator and has served as a neutral in labor and employment disputes.
Honors & Recognition
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management, and Litigation - Labor & Employment (2013-2026)
- Chambers USA Guide® (2010-2013, 2015-2025)
- Mid-South Super Lawyers® (2009, 2014-2021)
- Top 100 Labor Attorneys in the United States, Labor Relations Institute, Inc.
-
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence
About Me
Richard has been married to the former Joy Sawyer since 1973. They have four children and three grandchildren.
Credentials
Education
University of Alabama
- J.D., 1978
- MBA, 1978
- Omicron Delta Epsilon (National Economics Honorary)
Auburn University
- B.S., Business Administration / Industrial Relations, with honors, 1973
Media
News
Events
Professional & Civic Associations
Professional
- American Bar Association
- Alabama Bar Association
- Alabama Law Institute
- Georgia Bar Association
- Birmingham Bar Association
- Society for Human Resources Management
- Labor and Employment Relations Association
Services
Admissions
- Alabama, 1978
- Georgia, 1979
- Supreme Court, Alabama
- Supreme Court, Georgia
- Court of Civil Appeals, Alabama
- Court of Criminal Appeals, Alabama
- U.S. District Court - AL - M.D., N.D.
- Registered Mediator
- Registered Arbitrator
"We prepare our clients to be judged by others."
Rick Brown, Labor Lawyer
