Who is ford harrison

Overview

Ford Harrison LLP is a prominent American law firm specializing exclusively in labor and employment law, representing management interests across diverse industries. Founded in 1978 in Atlanta, Georgia, by attorneys who recognized the growing complexity of workplace regulations, the firm has grown from a regional practice to a national powerhouse with offices in major business centers. The firm's establishment coincided with significant legislative changes including the 1964 Civil Rights Act and 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act, which created increased demand for specialized employment counsel.

Today, Ford Harrison operates as a full-service employment law firm with over 200 attorneys practicing in more than 30 offices across the United States. The firm maintains its headquarters in Atlanta while serving clients nationwide through strategically located offices in cities including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Dallas, and Washington D.C. Ford Harrison has consistently been ranked in Chambers USA for Labor & Employment since 2003, reflecting its reputation for excellence in this specialized legal field.

The firm's practice encompasses all aspects of workplace law, from preventive counseling and compliance to complex litigation and labor negotiations. Ford Harrison attorneys regularly handle matters involving discrimination claims, wage and hour disputes, union relations, workplace safety, and executive compensation. The firm serves clients ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies across more than 40 industry sectors, with particular strength in healthcare, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and technology.

How It Works

Ford Harrison operates through a comprehensive service model designed to address all aspects of employment law from prevention to resolution.

• Preventive Counseling and Compliance: The firm provides proactive guidance to help clients avoid legal disputes, conducting workplace audits, developing employment policies, and offering management training programs. Attorneys review handbooks, conduct wage and hour audits, and provide sexual harassment prevention training to approximately 500 organizations annually. This preventive approach helps clients navigate complex regulations including the Family and Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and various state-specific employment laws.
• Employment Litigation Defense: Ford Harrison represents employers in all types of employment-related lawsuits, handling approximately 1,000 litigation matters each year. The firm's litigators have extensive experience defending claims involving discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage disputes. They maintain a 90%+ success rate in summary judgment motions and have tried over 200 cases to verdict in federal and state courts across the country.
• Labor Relations and Union Matters: The firm provides comprehensive labor law services including union avoidance strategies, collective bargaining negotiations, and unfair labor practice defense. Ford Harrison attorneys have negotiated more than 500 collective bargaining agreements and represent employers in proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board. They also conduct union vulnerability assessments and develop response strategies for organizing campaigns.
• Workplace Investigations and Crisis Management: Ford Harrison conducts impartial investigations into workplace complaints and allegations, handling approximately 300 internal investigations annually. The firm's attorneys are trained in investigation techniques and provide objective assessments of harassment claims, whistleblower complaints, and other sensitive workplace issues. They also develop crisis management plans and provide immediate response services for workplace emergencies.

Ford Harrison employs a team-based approach where attorneys with specific expertise collaborate on complex matters. The firm maintains specialized practice groups focusing on areas such as wage and hour compliance, employee benefits, immigration, and non-compete agreements. This structure allows for efficient service delivery while ensuring clients receive advice from attorneys with deep knowledge in specific legal areas.

Types / Categories / Comparisons

Ford Harrison's services can be compared with other employment law firm models to understand its distinctive approach.

Ford Harrison distinguishes itself through its exclusive focus on employment law combined with national scale. Unlike general practice firms where employment may be one of many departments, Ford Harrison attorneys specialize exclusively in workplace matters, developing deeper expertise. Compared to boutique firms, Ford Harrison offers broader geographic coverage and more comprehensive services while maintaining similar specialization. The firm's model allows for both preventive counseling and aggressive litigation defense, providing clients with consistent representation across all employment law needs.

Real-World Applications / Examples

• Healthcare Industry Compliance: Ford Harrison represents over 150 healthcare providers including hospitals, nursing homes, and medical practices. The firm helped a major hospital system develop COVID-19 vaccination policies affecting 25,000 employees while navigating complex EEOC guidelines and state mandates. They also successfully defended a regional healthcare network against a class action wage and hour lawsuit involving 5,000+ nurses, achieving a favorable settlement that avoided costly litigation.
• Manufacturing Sector Labor Relations: The firm assisted an automotive parts manufacturer with 15 facilities across the Midwest in developing union avoidance strategies during an organizing campaign. Ford Harrison attorneys conducted management training for 200+ supervisors, developed communication materials, and successfully defended against unfair labor practice charges. This resulted in the union withdrawing its petition after failing to gain sufficient employee support.
• Technology Company Executive Transitions: Ford Harrison represented a Silicon Valley tech firm in negotiating separation agreements for C-suite executives during a corporate restructuring. The firm drafted complex agreements addressing stock options, non-compete provisions, and confidentiality requirements while minimizing potential litigation risks. They also conducted an internal investigation into whistleblower allegations, implementing corrective actions that prevented regulatory intervention.

These examples demonstrate Ford Harrison's ability to handle complex employment matters across different industries and scales. The firm's attorneys combine legal expertise with practical business understanding, developing solutions that address both legal requirements and operational realities. Whether dealing with routine compliance matters or high-stakes litigation, Ford Harrison provides tailored approaches that reflect each client's specific needs and circumstances.

Why It Matters

Ford Harrison's specialized focus on employment law addresses critical needs in today's complex regulatory environment. Workplace regulations have expanded dramatically over recent decades, with federal, state, and local laws creating overlapping requirements that challenge even sophisticated employers. The firm's preventive approach helps organizations navigate this complexity, reducing legal risks while promoting fair and compliant workplaces. As employment litigation continues to increase nationally, with EEOC charges exceeding 70,000 annually, expert legal guidance has become essential for business operations.

The firm's impact extends beyond individual client representation to broader industry standards and practices. Ford Harrison attorneys frequently speak at industry conferences, publish articles on emerging issues, and contribute to policy discussions. Their work helps shape best practices in areas such as remote work policies, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and pandemic response strategies. The firm's thought leadership provides valuable guidance to the business community on navigating evolving workplace challenges.

Looking forward, Ford Harrison is positioned to address emerging trends including artificial intelligence in hiring, expanded privacy regulations, and evolving remote work standards. The firm continues to adapt its services to meet changing client needs while maintaining its core commitment to employment law excellence. As workplace regulations become increasingly complex and enforcement more aggressive, specialized firms like Ford Harrison will play an increasingly vital role in helping organizations maintain compliance while protecting their interests in an ever-changing legal landscape.