Kevin McLaughlin is President and Chief Executive Officer of the firm and represents clients in employment and labor matters. In his role as CEO, he oversees the daily affairs of all of the firm’s offices, leading strategic, financial and operational issues. His priorities in firm leadership include guiding long-term strategic growth initiatives, promoting diversity of leadership, and enhancing the firm’s service to clients and community.

In his legal practice, Kevin handles a range of employment issues including traditional labor matters, working with employers to navigate lawsuits, investigations and human resources issues. He has defended employers and management in employment discrimination lawsuits, wage and hour class action lawsuits, ERISA litigation and demands for arbitration, as well as lawsuits concerning non-competition and confidentiality agreements. His practice has included work with clients in the construction, financial services, retail and manufacturing industries, among others. He is a certified mediator trained in alternative methods of resolving disputes, potentially allowing parties to reach a compromise before going to trial.

With extensive experience in traditional labor law, Kevin also is experienced in providing counsel to management with respect to union relations, labor arbitrations and collective bargaining agreements. He advises on compliance with employment laws such as Title VII, ERISA, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family & Medical Leave Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and wage and hour laws, as well as their state law counterparts, and assists in conducting internal investigations of employee complaints of harassment.

Professional Affiliations

• American Bar Association
• The Missouri Bar
• Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis

Community/Civic Activities

• Missouri State High School Football Official, 1995-2015
• St. Peter Catholic Church, volunteer coach, 2003-2015

Honors & Awards

• The Best Lawyers in America, Labor Law – Management, Employment Law – Management, 2013-2023; St. Louis area Employment Law – Management Lawyer of the Year, 2023
• Chambers USA, Labor & Employment, 2013-2022; Leader in the Field, 2013
• Benchmark Litigation, Labor & Employment Star, 2018-2022

Representative Matters

• Represented a large retail establishment in a Missouri Human Rights Act lawsuit, obtaining dismissal of the lawsuit and of the appeal.
• Represented a national retailer in a nationwide class action wage and hour lawsuit.
• Obtained summary judgment for a construction company in a race discrimination claim in the city of St. Louis.
• Defeated class certification in WARN Act class action litigation, on behalf of a large retailer.

News

Seminars & Speaking Engagements

Publications

Blog Posts