Mallory represents management in a wide variety of labor and employment issues, including single-plaintiff and class and collective action litigation under federal and state laws. Mallory also represents employers in pre-litigation matters before administrative agencies, conducts internal investigations for clients relating to employee complaints of discrimination, harassment, bullying, and other workplace misconduct, and provides advice and counsel to employers regarding handbooks, employment agreements, separation agreements, and personnel practices and policies. She is a dedicated management attorney who works collaboratively and creatively with clients to deliver effective and practical solutions in all areas of employment matters.
Employment Litigation
As an employment attorney, Mallory has successfully litigated both federal and state claims, obtaining dismissals, summary judgments, and a trial verdict. She has handled lawsuits involving the following:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (Title VII)
- Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA)
- Missouri Whistleblower’s Protection Act (WPA)
- Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA)
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- 42 U.S.C § 1981 (Section 1981)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
- Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA)
- Overtime and other wage violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and similar state laws
- Various state law claims, including wrongful discharge in violation of public policy, workers’ compensation retaliation, breach of contract, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Agency Complaints, Charges and Investigations
Mallory’s practice includes representing clients before various administrative agencies. She has prepared responses to charges of discrimination filed with the EEOC, MCHR, IDHR and numerous other state and local agencies, as well as represented employers in agency investigations and successfully mediated and negotiated settlement of charges of discrimination. Mallory also has experience conducting workplace investigations and works collaboratively with clients to investigate and resolve complaints and allegations raised by employees prior to any formal administrative or judicial action.
Employment Counseling
Mallory regularly counsels clients regarding compliance with employment-related laws and regulations, litigation avoidance and employment best practices. She works closely with clients to draft and revise multi-state employee handbooks and policies, ensuring compliance with applicable laws. Mallory has also prepared hundreds of separation agreements in compliance with various federal and state laws, including separation agreement templates for nationwide employers. Additionally, she frequently drafts and revises other employment-related documents, such as employment agreements, wage deduction authorizations, retention agreements, offer letters, and independent contractor agreements, to satisfy both the employer’s business needs and the law.
Industries
Mallory partners with her clients to determine the best way to meet their goals, whether by assisting in the implementation of employment policies, negotiating early case resolutions, or aggressively and cost-effectively defending against claims brought in state or federal court. In doing so, she has extensive experience representing employers with national, regional, and local operations and in a variety of industries, including:
- Banking and Finance
- Construction
- Food Manufacturing
- Food Service
- Healthcare
- Higher Education
- Hospitality
- Manufacturing
- Mining
- Nonprofit
- Real Estate and Facility Management
- Retail
- Restaurants
- Technology
- Telecommunications
- Transportation and Logistics
