Biography
Laura E. Prather is a principal and office litigation manager of the Tampa, Florida, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. She represents management in all facets of employment law with an emphasis on complex litigation cases and class actions.
Laura defends employers in individual and multi-plaintiff actions related to employment discrimination and harassment, wage and hour compliance, non-compete issues, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and whistleblower actions before federal and state courts, various government agencies, and arbitrators.
Laura regularly provides day-to-day advice, counseling, and training on labor and employment law compliance, including the development of employee policies and handbooks. She represents clients in a wide range of industries including financial services, healthcare and hospitality. Laura is Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Labor and Employment Law.
Recent Litigation Experience
- Obtained summary judgment for medical technology company in FMLA interference and retaliation matter
- Defeated class certification motion seeking to certify class of restaurant servers alleging failure to receive minimum wage under Florida law
- Represented restaurant in statewide class action brought by bartenders claiming improper tip deductions for uniforms and walkouts under the Fair Labor Standards Act
- Obtained dismissal of collective action claiming improper deductions and failure to pay minimum wage in a clause construction award in arbitration
- Represented large hospital in various claims by employees of discrimination based on gender, race, age, and disability
Honors and Recognitions
- The Best Lawyers in America©, "Employment Law - Management," "Labor Law - Management," and "Litigation - Labor and Employment" (2015-present)
- Florida Trend, "Legal Elite" Labor & Employment
- Legal 500 USA, "Recommended Attorney" (2016)
- Legal Leaders and Martindale-Hubbell®, Women Leaders in the Law (2015)
- Martindale-Hubbell®, "AV Preeminent® - Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence" (2004-present)
- Florida Super Lawyers®, "Super Lawyers" (2014-present)
Professional Associations and Activities
- American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Section
- Federal Bar Association, Board of Directors (2008-2011)
- Florida State Bar Association, Labor and Employment Section
- Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers
- Hillsborough County Bar Association, Labor and Employment Section, Co-Chair (2007-2009)
Pro Bono and Community Involvement
- Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg, Finance Council
- Florida Autism Center for Excellence, Former Board of Directors
- Hillsborough County Teen Court Judge, Former
- Tampa Connection, Board of Directors (1997-1999)
Published Works
- "Employee Privacy Laws: Florida," Practical Law (A Thomson Reuters Legal Solution) March 2015
Speeches
- “To Pay or Not to Pay - Compensation for Interns, Apprentices, and Volunteers,” CareerSource Pinellas Business Seminar Series, May 2014
- “Employment Law Update,” Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, September 2012
