Shawe & Rosenthal

In the dynamic and often complex world of labor and employment law, employers across Maryland and the nation require sophisticated, proactive, and effective legal counsel to navigate an ever-evolving regulatory landscape. For over 75 years, Shawe & Rosenthal LLP has stood as a beacon of expertise in this highly specialized field, exclusively representing and advising management. Recognized as "Management's Workplace Lawyers," the firm has built a national reputation from its single, strategically located office in Baltimore, Maryland, offering unparalleled depth of experience and personalized client service.

Founded in 1947, Shawe & Rosenthal was one of the first law firms in the country to dedicate its practice solely to labor and employment matters. This pioneering spirit continues to define their approach, blending rigorous litigation defense with proactive preventative measures. Their commitment to staying at the forefront of employment law trends and providing sound, practical advice is highly valued by their diverse clientele, which ranges from Fortune 100 companies to smaller businesses and non-profits across various industries. For Maryland businesses, this means having access to a legal partner that deeply understands the intricate balance between business objectives and legal compliance, offering strategic solutions that minimize risk and promote a productive workplace. Their longevity and consistent top-tier rankings by prestigious legal authorities like Chambers USA and Best Lawyers underscore their sustained excellence and leadership in the field.

Shawe & Rosenthal is prominently located at 1 South St #1800, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA. This address places the firm within Commerce Place, a well-known and highly accessible building in the heart of Baltimore's central business and legal district. This prime location offers exceptional convenience for clients commuting from various parts of Baltimore and throughout Maryland. The area is exceptionally well-served by Baltimore's comprehensive public transportation network, including multiple MTA bus routes, the Light Rail, and MARC Train services, making it easy to reach without a personal vehicle. For those who prefer to drive, numerous commercial parking garages are readily available in the immediate vicinity of One South Street. The firm's strategic location not only facilitates seamless client interactions but also provides immediate access to federal and state courts, administrative agencies, and other crucial business resources, reinforcing their ability to serve clients efficiently and effectively in Maryland's legal landscape.

Shawe & Rosenthal provides a comprehensive suite of legal services tailored exclusively to the needs of employers in labor and employment matters. Their expertise spans both traditional labor law and modern employment issues, combining litigation defense with proactive counseling. Key areas of focus include:

• Employment Discrimination Defense: Defending employers against a wide range of discrimination claims, including those based on race, gender, age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual harassment, and retaliation. They represent clients in administrative investigations conducted by agencies like the EEOC and in lawsuits in federal and state courts, including class actions.
• Labor-Management Relations: Focused on traditional labor law, they successfully represent management nationwide in NLRB elections and proceedings, collective bargaining negotiations, arbitrations, and unfair labor practice charges. They also assist clients in maintaining a union-free workplace and respond to emergency situations like strikes and picketing.
• Wage and Hour Compliance & Litigation: Defending employers in litigation related to overtime, minimum wage, and wage payment claims, including complex class and collective action claims. They also provide preventative advice, conduct wage-hour audits, and represent clients in government investigations.
• Employment Contracts and State Employment Law Claims: Drafting and enforcing employment contracts and severance agreements, as well as defending state law employment claims such as wrongful discharge, fraud, negligent hiring, assault and battery, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. They also litigate covenants not to compete and trade secret protections.
• Advice and Training: A significant portion of their practice is devoted to preventing problems. They review individual employment decisions, advise clients on policies and procedures, conduct internal investigations, and provide management and employee training on various topics, including diversity, harassment, and compliance with new laws like Maryland's FAMLI program.
• Workplace Safety and Health (OSHA): Counseling and defending employers regarding compliance with occupational safety and health regulations.
• Affirmative Action and Government Contractors: Assisting government contractors in complying with affirmative action laws and regulations.
• Workforce Analytics and Compliance: Offering expertise in analyzing workforce data for compliance and strategic decision-making.

Shawe & Rosenthal's consistent leadership in labor and employment law is underscored by several key features and highlights:

• Exclusive Management Representation: Since 1947, the firm has exclusively represented and advised management in employment and labor issues, providing highly specialized and conflict-free counsel.
• National Reputation with a Single Office: Despite serving clients across the United States, they choose to operate from a single Baltimore office. This strategy ensures a cohesive team, consistent quality, and personalized service, allowing attorneys to be deeply familiar with every case they handle from beginning to end.
• Pioneering Firm in the Field: Shawe & Rosenthal was one of the first law firms in the country exclusively dedicated to labor and employment matters, reflecting a long history of expertise and innovation.
• Consistent Top-Tier Rankings: They are repeatedly ranked as a top labor and employment law firm in Maryland by prestigious independent legal directories such as Chambers USA (for 18 consecutive years as of June 2024), Best Lawyers, and U.S. News & World Report's "Best Law Firm" rankings. Many individual partners are also recognized as "Leaders in Maryland."
• Preventive and Litigation Services: The firm emphasizes both robust defense in litigation and proactive measures to prevent workplace problems, including policy development, audits, internal investigations, and comprehensive training programs.
• Deep Bench of Experienced Attorneys: Their stable corps of attorneys, with many years of average experience, provides unparalleled depth of knowledge and continuity in client relationships. Several attorneys are Fellows of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers or other prestigious legal societies.
• Strategic Acquisition by Ogletree Deakins (Effective January 2025): As of January 2, 2025, the entirety of Shawe & Rosenthal's team will join Ogletree Deakins, one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management globally. This integration will significantly enhance their resources and capabilities while maintaining their specialized focus, offering even greater depth to Maryland clients.

As a highly specialized and established law firm exclusively representing management in labor and employment law, Shawe & Rosenthal does not typically offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense. Their value proposition is rooted in their unparalleled expertise, long-standing reputation, and the strategic, results-oriented legal counsel they provide. Clients engaging Shawe & Rosenthal are investing in top-tier legal services designed to protect their business interests and ensure compliance with complex labor and employment laws. For specific inquiries regarding fee structures or to discuss potential legal needs, businesses are encouraged to contact the firm directly to schedule a consultation. They emphasize providing effective, efficient advocacy and sound practical advice tailored to each client's unique situation. Their upcoming integration with Ogletree Deakins will further enhance their resource offerings, which can be seen as a benefit to future clients.

For businesses and organizations in Maryland seeking expert legal counsel in labor and employment law, here is the contact information for Shawe & Rosenthal:

• Address: 1 South St #1800, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
• Phone: (410) 752-1040
• Mobile Phone: +1 410-752-1040

Interested parties are encouraged to reach out during business hours to discuss their legal needs or to arrange a consultation.

For Maryland businesses, regardless of their size or industry, Shawe & Rosenthal is an exceptionally suitable and highly advantageous choice for labor and employment legal matters. Their decision to operate from a single Baltimore office, despite their national client base, means they offer a deeply cohesive and dedicated team readily accessible to local enterprises. Their extensive history since 1947 and consistent top-tier rankings by prestigious legal guides within Maryland underscore their profound understanding of the state's specific employment laws and regulatory environment. This local expertise, combined with their national reputation as "Management's Workplace Lawyers," provides Maryland employers with sophisticated and practical advice to navigate complex issues like employment discrimination, wage and hour claims, and union relations. Furthermore, their upcoming integration with Ogletree Deakins, one of the largest labor and employment law firms, will provide Maryland businesses with access to even broader resources and an expanded network while maintaining the personalized service and specialized focus Shawe & Rosenthal is known for. For proactive counsel, robust defense, and strategic partnership in all aspects of workplace law, Shawe & Rosenthal stands as the premier local choice for Maryland employers.