Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has added William J. Anthony as a shareholder in its New York City office. A seasoned litigator, Anthony has extensive experience defending clients in a range of employment disputes and class actions, including wage and hour matters. Anthony’s arrival follows three recent lateral additions to the firm, including Paula Anthony (New Haven), Eric Field (Washington, D.C.) and Allison Wallin (Los Angeles). Prior to joining Littler, he was a partner at Blank Rome LLP.
Anthony provides clients with strategic, business-focused advice on compliance with employment statutes and regulations. Having litigated cases in more than twenty states, including taking matters to trial in six states, he represents employers in complex class and collective actions, as well as single and multiplaintiff litigation. His over thirty years of employment law experience provides clients with valuable insight and vision in dealing with complex matters.
“Will has secured positive outcomes for clients navigating issues across the spectrum of labor and employment matters, and we’re thrilled to add his impressive trial experience to our team,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president. “With wage and hour enforcement poised to heat up this year, and novel issues stemming from the prevalence of remote work, employers need a strong defender and counselor. Will is well-equipped to provide guidance on complying with the various, changing laws in this area and serves as a zealous advocate for clients when litigation arises.”
Anthony has handled a wide range of federal and state law wage and hour claims, including those related to independent contractor misclassification, unpaid overtime, off-the-clock work, and calculation of the “regular rate” of pay. He has defended matters arising under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and various discrimination statutes. In addition to his wage and hour practice, Anthony has defended employers in matters involving claims of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and breach of contract. He also provides employment law training to clients on such topics as wage and hour compliance, discrimination and harassment prevention, and leadership and management skills.
“New York has seen several wage and hour legislative measures impacting employers, including pay transparency laws and expanded employee rights for freelancers,” said Jeanine Conley Daves, Littler’s New York City office managing shareholder. “Will is deeply familiar with these laws and has over three decades of experience that will be a valuable resource for our clients operating in the Tri-State region.”
“Littler has a robust team of wage and hour attorneys not only throughout the state of New York, but across the country, and I’m thrilled to be joining the ranks of this talented group,” Anthony said. “In addition to the depth and breadth of the firm’s experience and vast knowledge of workplace law, Littler’s innovative approach to creating tech-based compliance solutions and using data analytics in wage and hour defense will greatly benefit my clients. I am also very impressed with Littler’s leadership team and Erin’s vision for the future.”
Anthony received his J.D. from Boston University School of Law and his B.A. from Hamilton College. He is a frequent speaker and writer on employment law issues, and is a member of the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut Bar Associations.
