Shirley Lerner

For over three decades, Shirley Lerner has represented employers in a wide variety of employment claims in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. She has successfully defended her clients against claims of wrongful termination, unfair competition, discrimination, harassment, contractor misclassification and wage and hour violations. Shirley represents a diverse range of companies – from local sole proprietorships to large multinational corporations. She has developed an in-depth knowledge of the legal and employment challenges facing manufacturing, financial services, professional services, staffing, nonprofit and sales organizations.

Shirley’s clients rely on her to understand their business needs and provide sound advice to manage risk and ensure legal compliance, with a focus in the following areas:

• Hiring, performance management, and terminations, including reductions-in-force
• Responding to harassment and discrimination, including training and investigation
• Employment and executive agreements, including noncompetition and confidential information protections
• Formulating and implementing policies and compensation plans
• Leaves of absence issues - including paid sick and safe leave
• Compliance with accommodation laws, including disability and religious accommodation
• Classification of workers, including independent contractors, and exempt and nonexempt employees

In addition, Shirley has played a key role in bringing the firm’s Women’s Leadership Initiative to Minneapolis. Shirley is also a frequent speaker on a variety of labor and employment law topics at continuing education and management events.