Charlene A. Barker Gedeus

Charlene Gedeus represents private and public employers in labor and employment-related disputes in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies, as well as in the arbitral forum. Experienced in both single-plaintiff matters and class actions, her practice includes defending claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, unlawful harassment and hostile work environment claims.

Charlene counsels employers from industries as diverse as retail, food service, education and manufacturing. As a complement to her litigation practice, Charlene also provides extensive pre-litigation day-to-day advice and tailored counseling to employers with the objective of preventing and managing litigation risks.

She counsels management and Human Resources personnel on a myriad of employment-related issues, including performance management/discipline, workplace accommodations, FMLA compliance, terminations and employment best practices. Charlene also assists employers in developing and implementing employment policies and programs in accordance with state and federal employment laws.

Charlene prides herself on being responsive and providing candid counseling with plain English advice that clients are able to put into practice with ease. Understanding that litigation is inherently tense, she takes great care to keep her clients well-informed to limit surprises. Her main goal is to collaborate with clients to learn their business, understand their goals and craft practical solutions.

Education:

• New York Law School, J.D., 2010, magna cum laude; Alfred L. Rose Award for Excellence
• John Jay College of Criminal Justice, M.P.A., 2005
• John Jay College of Criminal Justice, B.A., 2004

Affiliations:

• American Bar Association, Member
• National African American Insurance Association, Member
• National Employment Law Council (2017 Fellow)
• Defense Research Institute, Member (2015-2016)
• New York Civil Liberties Union, Board Member (2012 – 2014)