Labor and Employment Law

As labor and employment law has become more complex, and as regulatory requirements have multiplied, Whiteman Osterman & Hanna has become a leader in providing the full range of services to meet our clients’ needs.

Smiling man in blue shirt and colleagues in hard hats and safety vests shaking hands on a construction site in Albany, NY.

Albany-based law firm meeting around a long table with professionals and laptops.

Overview

Our labor, employment and governmental experience provide a solid foundation for successful litigation and effective counseling and training in preventive strategies for our clients. We now have one of the largest practices representing private and public sector employers in New York State.

Albany, NY law firm meeting around a table with five professionals in a bright office.

Why Choose Us

In the private sector, the Firm represents a variety of firms, ranging from FORTUNE 500 companies to mid-size and small, private and not-for-profit entities. We represent clients in diverse industries including: consumer products, construction, chemical, education, food, health care, transportation, technology, utilities, manufacturing and energy.

In the public sector, we represent a number of public authorities and public benefit corporations as well as counties, towns and villages, and school districts from Rockland County to the Canadian border and from Rochester to the Massachusetts border.

The Firm and its Labor and Employment Law Practice Group take a fundamentally different approach to the attorney-client relationship than that of many lawyers. We believe that being fully-integrated in our client’s daily activities and making ourselves available to answer routine questions for their managers before they take action, are critical to avoiding litigation and other legal problems. Moreover, from an economic perspective, our approach generally results in cost savings for our clients over the long-term because issues can be spotted and addressed before they become legal problems. This approach is highly-valued by our clients.

Two adults in a cafe-like office reviewing documents; woman in dark outfit with a scarf, man in a plaid shirt beside her. Albany, NY area vibe.

Our Experience

Our Firm and our practice group are well-regarded by other lawyers and clients in the field, in part because of our success on behalf of our clients, in unionized and nonunionized environments. We have substantial expertise and experience in the following areas:

  • Employment discrimination
  • Sexual Harassment
  • Disability law, including Americans with Disabilities Act
  • Wrongful termination
  • Disciplinary matters
  • Traditional labor law (public and private sectors)
  • Negotiation and administration of collective bargaining agreements
  • Grievance arbitrations
  • Unfair labor practices and representation proceedings (private sector)
  • Improper practices and representation proceedings (public sector)
  • Constitutional rights
  • Wage and hour, under the Fair Labor Standards Act and New York State law
  • Employee benefits and Family Medical Leave Act issues
  • Drafting and negotiation of employment and severance agreements

Meet Our Attorneys

Oriana L. Kiley

Oriana L. Kiley

Partner
Monica R. Lenahan

Monica R. Lenahan

Partner
Gabriella R. Levine

Gabriella R. Levine

Partner
Kevin P. Quinn

Kevin P. Quinn

Partner
Robert T. Schofield

Robert T. Schofield

Partner
Beth A. Bourassa

Beth A. Bourassa

Senior Counsel
J. Scott Greer

J. Scott Greer

Senior Counsel
Norma G. Meacham

Norma G. Meacham

Senior Counsel
Ellen M. Bach

Ellen M. Bach

Of Counsel
Nathaniel J. Nichols

Nathaniel J. Nichols

Of Counsel
Vitaliy Volpov

Vitaliy Volpov

Of Counsel
Mackenzie E. Clark

Mackenzie E. Clark

Associate
Katherine Wentworth-Ping

Katherine Wentworth-Ping

Associate
Joseph Zeitler

Joseph Zeitler

Associate

Partners

Oriana L. Kiley

Oriana L. Kiley

Partner
Monica R. Lenahan

Monica R. Lenahan

Partner
Gabriella R. Levine

Gabriella R. Levine

Partner
Kevin P. Quinn

Kevin P. Quinn

Partner
Robert T. Schofield

Robert T. Schofield

Partner

Senior Counsel

Beth A. Bourassa

Beth A. Bourassa

Senior Counsel
J. Scott Greer

J. Scott Greer

Senior Counsel
Norma G. Meacham

Norma G. Meacham

Senior Counsel

Of Counsel

Ellen M. Bach

Ellen M. Bach

Of Counsel
Nathaniel J. Nichols

Nathaniel J. Nichols

Of Counsel
Vitaliy Volpov

Vitaliy Volpov

Of Counsel

Associates

Mackenzie E. Clark

Mackenzie E. Clark

Associate
Katherine Wentworth-Ping

Katherine Wentworth-Ping

Associate
Joseph Zeitler

Joseph Zeitler

Associate

Explore Related Areas

Legal matters often involve interconnected issues that span multiple areas of the law. Understanding these relationships is essential to navigating complex challenges and making informed decisions.

Our attorneys work collaboratively across practice areas to provide coordinated guidance that reflects the broader legal and operational landscape. This approach helps ensure consistency, efficiency, and clarity at every stage.

Explore related practice areas to learn how our team delivers comprehensive support designed to adapt to a wide range of needs and circumstances.