Employment Services
Employment issues touch nearly every part of running a business, from the moment you make your first hire to the day an employee walks out the door. A single misstep in how you handle hiring, discipline, termination, or workplace policy can expose your business to costly claims, regardless of how well-intentioned you were. Protecting your business means having employment practices that are not just effective, but legally sound from the start.
I work with employers throughout Clarksville and Middle Tennessee to build employment practices that protect their business while supporting the workplace they want to run. Rather than offering generic HR advice, I take the time to understand your business, your industry, and your specific workforce challenges, then provide practical, tailored guidance,whether you're putting policies in place for the first time or navigating a specific employment issue as it arises.
For Employers: Preventative
The best employment disputes are the ones that never happen. Many employment claims businesses face, wage and hour violations, discrimination complaints, wrongful termination suites, are preventable with the right policies and practices. Investing in compliance upfront isn't just about avoiding lawsuits. It is about creating a workplace of clear expectations and boundaries, where employees are treated with consistently and care, and it's about stopping the trouble before it begins.
New Business Services
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Customized Employment Application
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Employment Practice Manual
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Employee Handbook
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Drafting of Arbitration Agreements
Employee and Management Training
Workplace Harassment training teaches employees, supervisors, and managers how to identify, respond to, and report all forms of workplace harassment and discrimination. Fostering a workplace of acceptance and compliance not only increases employee satisfaction,but it also identifies problem people and a problem culture before a law suit is ever filed.
Ongoing Compliance Services
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Audit of Current Practices
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Customized Employment Application
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Employee Handbook with Policies
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Employment Practice Manual
For Employers: Transactional
Employment issues don't only arise from disputes, they are woven into the everyday transactions of running a business. From the hiring of key employees to protecting you company's internal procedures and formulas proper drafting it a shield for your business activities. Getting these agreements right the first time protects your business long after the ink is dry.
Employment Agreements
A well-drafted employment agreement gives both employers and employees clarity about the terms of the relationship—from compensation and responsibilities to termination and post-employment obligations. We draft and review tailored employment agreements for businesses, executives, and key employees, taking into account the unique demands of the role, the information and relationships at stake, and the risks that may arise when the relationship ends. For employers, we create agreements designed to protect the business and address potential disputes before they arise; for executives and key employees, we help identify risks and negotiate terms that deserve attention before signing.
Independent Contractor Structuring
Misclassifying employees as independent contractors can expose businesses to significant liability, including back taxes, penalties, unpaid wages, and benefits. We help businesses assess worker classifications under the applicable state and federal standards, identify potential exposure, and develop practical solutions when misclassification is found. We also help businesses structure new worker relationships correctly from the start, reducing the risk of costly classification disputes down the road.
Non-Competes, Non-Solicitations, and Restrictive Covenants
Restrictive covenants are only effective when they are carefully drafted and legally defensible. We draft and review non-compete and non-solicitation agreements tailored to protect legitimate business interests while avoiding restrictions courts are unlikely to enforce. When a covenant is violated, we act quickly to pursue appropriate remedies, including injunctive relief, while addressing enforceability from the outset.
For Employers: Litigation
Demand Letter Responses, EEOC Representation and Mediation
When an employment dispute arises, how a business responds can significantly affect the outcome. We help employers respond to demand letters, navigate EEOC charges, and prepare for mediation with a strategic, practical approach. We evaluate the claims, investigate the underlying facts, assess potential exposure, and prepare responses designed to protect the business while positioning you for the best possible resolution.
Demand letters are often the first formal step in an employment dispute, giving an employer an opportunity to understand the allegations, evaluate the risks, and respond before litigation begins. When an employee files a charge with the EEOC, we guide employers through the administrative process, including responding to the charge, gathering and preserving relevant documents, developing the factual record, and presenting the company's position to the agency. If the dispute proceeds to mediation, we help employers prepare for negotiations by assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the case, developing a settlement strategy, and advocating for a resolution that makes business sense.
Throughout the process, we work to give employers a clear understanding of their options and the potential consequences of each path forward. Whether the goal is to resolve a dispute efficiently, defend against unsupported allegations, or prepare for potential litigation, we help businesses make informed decisions while keeping the focus on practical outcomes and protecting the company's interests.
