The global law firm Jones Day announces that Elizabeth McRee has been appointed Co-Practice Leader of its Labor & Employment Practice. Based in the Firm's Chicago Office, she joins Matt Lampe, who is based in the Firm's New York Office, in co-leading the Practice. Ms. McRee succeeds Michael Gray, who co-led the Practice with Mr. Lampe, and who becomes Co-Client Affairs Partner for the Firm.
Ms. McRee has more than 15 years of experience representing corporate clients in class action and complex employment litigation in state and federal courts across the country. Key recent victories include the successful defense of a major corporation in nationwide litigation claiming that the company was liable as a joint employer for alleged employment law violations of its franchises. On behalf of the same client, she subsequently won the denial of class certification and the grant of summary judgment in a case in the Northern District of California, a decision recently affirmed by the Ninth Circuit, and she went on to co-lead one of the largest trials under the California Private Attorneys General Act, prevailing on every claim.
"Liz leads teams in solving our clients' high-stakes labor and employment challenges," said Matt Lampe, Co-Leader of the Firm's Labor & Employment Practice. "She is highly regarded by our clients for her creative and efficient approach to client services and admired throughout the Firm for her commitment to teamwork and collaboration. I am excited to work closely with Liz as we continue to grow our practice in the U.S. and around the globe."
In addition to representing employers in litigation, Ms. McRee advises corporate clients on a variety of labor and employment issues, including investigations, counseling and discipline, wage and hour compliance, and covenants not to compete. She also has substantial experience advising clients on independent contractor classification issues and joint employment risk mitigation.
"I am honored to be appointed Co-Practice Leader and look forward to working with Matt and building on the strong foundation he and Michael have created," said Ms. McRee. "We have a deep and talented team across the Firm, and are well positioned to help our clients navigate the increasingly complex labor and employment issues facing their global workforces. I look forward to continuing to serve our clients' most pressing labor and employment needs in this leadership position."
Ms. McRee serves on the Firm's Advisory and Diversity committees, and co-chairs the Diversity Committee in the Chicago Office. A graduate of the University of Chicago Law School, Ms. McRee is a frequent speaker on class action and employment law topics. She is a former vice chair and chair of The Chicago Bar Association Labor & Employment Committee. Ms. McRee has been recognized for her work and recommended in The Legal 500. She is also active in the Chicago community and serves on the executive committee of the board of directors of Family Focus, a nonprofit that promotes the well-being of children.