From wage and hour claims to discrimination, disability accommodation, and trade secret disputes to collective bargaining negotiations and grievance arbitrations, attorney Heath Edwards covers virtually every type of labor and employment-related issue.
Employers in health care, manufacturing, hospitality, and other industries seek out Heath for his practical and cost-efficient solutions to their complex matters.
During his career, Heath has successfully obtained summary judgment in an array of matters on behalf of clients in Alabama, California, Colorado, Georgia, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Utah. Employers value his laid-back demeanor, coupled with his competitive approach to advising on labor and employment law matters. With the ability to explain even the most complex legal concepts to non-lawyers, Heath has represented clients in whistleblower actions, noncompete litigation, and charges and lawsuits brought under a wide range of federal and state labor and employment laws, including:
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)
- Section 301 of the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947
- Tennessee Disability Act and the Tennessee Public Protection Act
- Tennessee Human Rights Act (THRA)
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII)
Heath’s trial experience includes the defense of clients facing employment law claims in state and federal courts, including participation in all aspects of discovery, preparation of summary judgment and other dispositive motions, and the presentation of oral arguments in court hearings. Heath has also represented clients in multiple U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals cases, from start to finish. In addition, he has defended employers in administrative proceedings before the EEOC, the U.S. Department of Labor, and corresponding state agencies.
In addition to his litigation experience, Heath has significant experience in labor relations matters. He has participated in collective bargaining negotiations with labor unions and represented employers in arbitration proceedings related to disciplinary actions and contract interpretation under collective bargaining agreements. He has also advised employers during union organizing campaigns and represented employers in unfair labor practice proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board.
A trusted advisor, Heath provides legal advice and counsel to employers regarding their obligations under applicable federal and state employment laws (e.g., ADA, ADEA, FLSA, Title VII, etc.), reviews and drafts employment policies and handbooks, prepares employment agreements, and conducts due diligence related to labor and employment matters arising from various mergers, acquisitions, and sales of businesses. Additionally, Heath conducts trainings and makes presentations to employers’ management teams, executives, and human resources personnel on various matters relating to the interplay between federal and state labor and employment laws and the workplace. Before joining Epstein Becker Green, Heath was a partner in a national management-side labor and employment law firm.
