Darren Gibson is a zealous advocate and trusted advisor to private businesses and public sector employers. Darren vigorously defends his clients in restrictive covenant and trade secret litigation, discrimination and retaliation claims, and class and collective actions, among others. Darren loves the courtroom, is not afraid to take cases to trial, and regularly handles temporary injunction hearings and appeals. In addition, he conducts workplace investigations across the country, with deep experience investigating allegations against senior executives and leaders.
Darren has a particular focus representing higher education, healthcare, and financial institutions, and he serves as co-chair of Littler’s Higher Education Industry Group. Darren’s higher education experience includes representing universities and related individuals in employment and Title IX litigation and conducting investigations into sexual harassment and sexual misconduct under Title IX.
Darren is board certified in labor and employment law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Prior to his return to private practice, Darren worked at the Attorney General of Texas, where he defended state agencies and universities in employment litigation and class actions. Before coming to Texas, Darren was a senior associate in New York City, where his practice focused on securities litigation, internal investigations, and business disputes in the accounting and financial services industries.
Selected Matters
- First chair federal jury trial victory on behalf of higher education institution defending against discrimination and retaliation claims related to termination of police officer
- Obtained arbitration award in favor of hospital and individual defendant in case brought by pharmacist under Texas healthcare whistleblower law
- Secured dismissal of individual defendant and award of sanctions against plaintiff’s counsel in defamation suit pursuant to the Texas anti-SLAPP statute
- Successfully defended large online retailer in wage and hour collective action brought by delivery drivers of delivery contractor, including resolution of claims in contractor’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy
- Obtained dismissal at the pleading stage of disability discrimination and section 1983 claims by dental student against dental school and dean, with the Fifth Circuit affirming on appeal
Highlight
Speaking Engagements
Live Event
Protecting the Attorney-Client Privilege for In-House Counsel
A New Era of Employment Risk: Student Athletes as Employees and Adverse Actions Under Muldrow
The Expanded Scope of Actionable Adverse Employment Actions Under Title VII
Higher Education Legal Update
Conducting Lawful Investigations in the New Workplace
Littler Austin’s 2023 Holiday Season Lunch and Learn
Multistate Remote Work: Managing Risk in the New Reality
Conducting Lawful Investigations in the Evolving Workplace
Webinar
Unintended Consequences: Managing Legal Risks Related to Faculty DE&I Programs
Live Event
Conducting Lawful Investigations in the Evolving Workplace
Out of State Employment: The Wandering Employee
Best Practices for Compliance with Vaccine Mandates
When Employees are Bad Actors: Risks and New Solutions
Resilience & Renewal in the Workplace: A Roadmap for Your Tomorrow
Webinar
The Revolving Door of Returning to Work in Texas
Webinar
Live Event
Employment Law Update
A New Era in Title IX Compliance: Process, Fairness and New Regulations Take Center Stage
Texas Anti-SLAPP in Employment Cases: Plaintiffs’ Phantom Menace
From Cross Examination to Safe Harbors: A New Day In Title IX Compliance Is At Your Doorstep
Hospitality in the #MeToo Era: Shifting From Risk To Opportunity For A Better Work Environment
Step into the Littler Lab: Conducting Lawful Investigations in the Wake of #MeToo
Texas anti-SLAPP in Employment Cases: Defendants’ Superpower
A New Era in Title IX Enforcement: Understanding the Latest Changes
Texas anti-SLAPP in Employment Cases: Defendants’ Superpower
Live Event
Title IX Case Update
Conducting Efficient, Effective, and Lawful Workplace Investigations
Underneath the Microscope: Sex Discrimination and Gender on Campus
You’re Not Doing Anyone Any Favors: Bias, Credibility and Other Investigation Challenges and Pitfalls
Conducting Efficient, Effective, and Lawful Workplace Investigations
Conducting Efficient, Effective, and Lawful Workplace Investigations
Live Event