Overview
Darrick is a partner and co-chair of the Trade Secrets & Unfair Competition Practice Group, focusing on workplace investigations and employment litigation defense.
He represents employers in investigations of discrimination and harassment allegations, systemic EEOC claims, collective actions under the Fair Labor Standards Act, and lawsuits involving trade secrets, non-competition, and non-solicitation agreements. Darrick counsels clients on preventing litigation through effective policies and compliance strategies, with an approach that emphasizes practical, cost-conscious solutions tailored to each client’s business goals.
He regularly advises employers on defending EEOC charges, wage and hour claims, and disputes under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Darrick has experience managing complex investigations into allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, as well as guiding companies through high-stakes litigation involving restrictive covenants and confidentiality agreements. He partners with clients in the sports, construction, entertainment, healthcare, restaurant, hospitality, retail and other industries to navigate evolving employment law challenges while protecting their interests and workforce integrity.
Darrick’s litigation experience includes defending class and collective actions, handling systemic EEOC lawsuits, and representing clients in state and federal courts throughout Georgia and the country. He also conducts training and policy analysis to help employers mitigate risk and promote compliance. Darrick is an active speaker and presenter on topics such as workplace investigations, noncompete agreements, and litigation prevention. He is deeply engaged in the legal community through leadership roles with bar associations and civic organizations, reflecting his commitment to advancing the profession and supporting local communities.
Honors & Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Litigation - Labor and Employment (2025-2026)
- Top 40 Litigation Lawyer Under 40 in the State of Georgia, American Society of Legal Advocates (2013 and 2014)
- Lawyers of Color’s Second Annual Hot List (2014)
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Stakeholder 100 Inaugural Class (2007)
About Me
Darrick enjoys cooking soulful southern food (such as award winning sweet potato pie), weightlifting, playing basketball, following the NBA, and spending time and taking vacations with his family and friends.
Experience
Representative Matters
- Defense of a linen laundry company in a lawsuit filed by the former CEO seeking bonus payments pursuant to the terms of the CEO’s employment agreement.
- Defense of a national retail company in a putative class action filed by the EEOC alleging racial discrimination in hiring decision and alleged related retaliation.
- Defense of a national staffing company in a lawsuit filed by another staffing company alleging breaches of restrictive covenants in the employment agreement of one of the client’s recent new hires who previously worked for the plaintiff staffing company.
- Representation of an international company in connection with an employee’s claims of sexual harassment and retaliation and other violations of the company’s policies.
- Representation of an international company in connection with the investigation of employees’ claims of violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and alleged related retaliation.
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Counseled a large corporation in connection with preparing agreements containing restrictive covenants for high-level employees.
Credentials
Education
Harvard University
- J.D., 2003
University of South Carolina
- B.S., magna cum laude, 1997
Media
News
Events
Legal Analysis
Constangy Streaming
Alexandra "Sasha" Thaler, Partner - Boston, MADarrick L. McDuffie, Partner - Atlanta, GARayner Mangum, Senior Counsel - Denver, CO
Professional & Civic Associations
Civic
- Gate City Foundation
- Board Member (2008, 2012, 2013)
- Chair (2016)
Professional
- American Bar Association
- American Bar Foundation
- National Bar Association - Host Committee Member for the 2014 Annual Convention & Exhibits
- Atlanta Bar Association - Board Member (2015 – 2016)
- Gate City Bar Association
- Board Member (2007, 2009, 2011, 2014, 2016)
- President (2015)
- Vice-Chair, Justice Benham Law Camp (2007-present)
- Co-Founder and Co-Chair, Youth and the Law Summit (2008-Present)
Services
Industries
Admissions
- Georgia, 2003
- Georgia Court of Appeals
- Georgia State and Superior Courts
- Georgia Supreme Court
- U.S. District Court - GA - M.D, N.D., SD.
"To love something is either to commit the best of yourself to its advancement, or to be propelled by it to your greatest heights, but, preferably, both."
Darrick McDuffie
