The DLA Piper LLP (US) employment team provides the full range of services to a diverse range of major clients, including Best Buy, Dyson, and Levi Strauss. The practice is chaired by Dallas managing partner Marc Katz leads the practice from Dallas. Katz has huge experience of dispute and pre-dispute resolution and is the key point of contact for significant clients based in the region, such as the Dallas Cowboys and Six Flags, Inc. Also in Dallas, of counsel Todd Mobley has a track record of work on collective and class action disputes. The firm’s Palo Alto office advises a range of Silicon Valley companies, including work for their offices abroad – for example, Ute Krudewagen is providing ongoing advice for Zendesk on both US and global employment issues in its over twenty international locations. In New York, Brian Kaplan is seasoned in representing both employers and executives in significant litigation.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'DLA has broad reach and experts in seemingly all markets - and the global team is adept at working with US clients.’

  • 'DLA Piper's global employment group is my go-to group for responsive, practical employment law advice.'

  • ‘Most companies need a single solution across dozens of country laws and DLA can get that single solution in a way that harmonizes different options and requirements efficiently. It is impressive tactically and strategically.’

  • ‘DLA's specialisation in employment law in the context of M&A is unique and unlike any other firm's practices. They are exceptionally efficient and have taken the time to get to know us as clients and incorporate that into their advice and work for us. ’

  • 'DLA's international employment practice is stellar, ultra-responsive, and I can count on receiving very thorough, practical guidance. Their GENIE site is a fantastic resource.'

  • ‘Ute Krudewagen is fantastic for all things US and international employment law. Knowledgeable, responsive, efficient, practical - she is a real gem.'

  • ‘Ute Krudewagen is superlative. Expansive knowledge and she manages a tight team.'

  • ‘Ute Krudewagen is as good as it gets in the employment law space. She's the perfect mix of legal brilliance and business smarts. I count on her often. ’

Key clients

  • Best Buy
  • Spencer Stuart
  • Dyson, Inc.
  • Levi Strauss & Co.
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
  • Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.
  • Patagonia
  • Redfish Labs [dba Torch]
  • Peregrine Sports LLC dba Portland Timbers

Work highlights

  • Advising The Dallas Cowboys General Counsel and owner Jerry Jones on all of the organization’s day-to-day employment needs, including advising on employee separations.
  • Representing Paradox, a conversational recruiting and employment practices software developer, as lead US employment counsel.
  • Serving as international employment counsel to leading San Francisco-based software company Block, Inc. (formerly known as Square), advising on the client’s strategic global workforce projects, international expansion plans and global acquisitions.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Marc Katz