Faegre Drinker Continues Labor & Employment Practice Growth, Adding Partner Thomas Johnson in Philadelphia
Faegre Drinker announced today that Thomas Johnson II has joined the firm in Philadelphia as a partner in the labor and employment practice. Johnson was previously a partner at Dechert LLP.
Johnson’s addition follows the arrival of labor and employment partner Erika Collins, who joined the firm’s New York office in March. He is the 10th partner to join Faegre Drinker in 2021.
In his practice, Johnson partners with employers to ensure their executive leadership teams and broader workforce are firing on all cylinders. He delivers mission-critical compliance counsel to help companies effectively address day-to-day management issues, including internal investigations and employee discipline and dismissal. Clients also value Johnson for his business-minded approach to long-range objectives, frequently tapping him for advice on hiring and other workplace best practices as well as training for employees at all levels.
“Tom stays a step ahead of the challenges our clients face, helping them mitigate impacts to their workforce and business operations by drawing on decades of experience counseling and defending employers in all types of litigation,” said Cheryl Orr, leader of Faegre Drinker’s international labor and employment practice. “His arrival bolsters our labor and employment practice capabilities as we continue to grow strategically to meet our clients’ evolving needs.”
In addition to his shrewd advisory capabilities, Johnson is a seasoned litigator. He brings to bear more than two decades of experience defending employers in state and federal courts. And he is particularly skilled in navigating claims of discrimination, wage-and-hour violations and breach of contract. Johnson also helps employers favorably resolve noncompete and trade secret disputes.
For his entire career, Johnson has also advised banks, trust companies, nonprofit organizations and individuals in connection with trusts, estates, guardianships and related fiduciary matters. He has regularly represented parties in fiduciary litigation in the Orphans’ Court Division of the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas including disputes over trust and estate administration, accountings, will contests, and guardianships.
“Tom is a very talented and well-respected attorney whose versatile background adds strength to our employment counseling and litigation capabilities on the ground in Philadelphia and across the country,” said Dan Aiken, leader of Faegre Drinker’s Philadelphia office. “His client-focused mentality and collaborative approach make him an excellent cultural fit with our dynamic office of more than 140 attorneys. I’m excited to welcome Tom to Faegre Drinker.”
Johnson earned his bachelor’s degree from Davidson College, a master’s degree in philosophy from Georgetown University, and his Juris Doctor, Order of the Coif, from Vanderbilt University Law School, where he served as articles editor of Vanderbilt Law Review.
With more than 120 attorneys, Faegre Drinker’s international labor and employment practice provides sophisticated guidance to employers, anticipating challenges and mitigating risks and claims. Highly collaborative and with deep experience in counseling, litigation, investigations, corporate transactions and labor management relations, the firm provides practical guidance and effective representation to employers across industries and borders.