Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of a new member, Abad Lopez, to its Labor & Employment Practice Group in the firm’s Chicago office. Prior to joining Dykema, Lopez practiced at Seyfarth Shaw LLP in Chicago.

Lopez focuses his practice on representing management in litigation in federal and state courts and other tribunals throughout the United States. He has represented employers, including multiple Fortune 50 companies, in a wide array of matters, including litigation of wrongful discharge claims, various tort based common law claims, harassment claims, and discrimination and retaliation claims brought pursuant to Title VII, the FMLA, the ADA, the ADEA and various other state and local statutes. Lopez also focuses on defense of complex wage and hour claims, including collective actions under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and class actions under the law of many different states.

His jury trial experience also includes the defense of federal civil rights violations and state law retaliation claims. He has defended claims involving the alleged misclassification of independent contractors, exempt status classification, reimbursement of business expenses, failure to provide benefits contributions, detention of tips and gratuities, Sunday and holiday premium pay, missed meal breaks, and off-the-clock work.

Lopez also advises employers on compliance measures, including reviewing employment policies, counseling on disciplinary actions and investigations, negotiating severance and release agreements, and conduction employment practices training and reviews.

“We are extremely fortunate to add someone with Abad’s capabilities to our Chicago office,” said Mike Borders, Vice Chairman of Dykema and Office Managing Member of the firm’s Chicago office. “He bolsters our national Labor and Employment practice and his extensive litigation and employment counselling experience will be of great benefit to our clients.” 

Lopez received his J.D. and B.A. from the University of Illinois.

About Dykema

Dykema serves business entities worldwide on a wide range of complex legal issues. Dykema lawyers and other professionals in 15 U.S. offices work in close partnership with clients – from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies – to deliver outstanding results, unparalleled service and exceptional value in every engagement. To learn more, visit www.dykema.com and follow Dykema on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Dykema.