David Hackett

David L. Hackett focuses his practice on representing and counseling employers concerning the full spectrum of labor and employment-related issues. David has represented employers before federal and state courts, arbitration hearings and administrative agencies.

He has defended claims of unlawful discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, wage and hour violations, wrongful discharge, unfair labor practices, unemployment compensation, breach of contract, and whistleblower complaints, as well as non-compete, non-solicitation, and trade secret litigation.

He has also assisted employers in opposing unionization efforts and collective bargaining negotiations. In addition to providing daily counsel to employers, David drafts personnel policies, severance agreements, affirmative action policies, employment agreements, covenants not to compete, and trade secret agreements.

David also assists clients when seeking to interact with government entities and elected officials on the local, state, or federal level. David previously served as a legislative assistant to U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon and later served as co-chair of his campaign from 2003-2006. While attending law school, David served as a law clerk for the Hon. Frank T. Hazel in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.

While attending Duke University, he was a student manager for Coach Michael Krzyzewski’s Duke Men’s Basketball team. During David’s service, the team made Final Four appearances and won the 1991 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship.

EXPERIENCE :

• Served on outside counsel team for Commonwealth of Pennsylvania labor negotiations and interest arbitrations with unionized employees.
• Defended a three-week jury trial on a disability discrimination claim in New Jersey state court for an assisted living facility that resulted in a defense verdict.
• Defended an unemployment compensation claim brought by 114 employees of a Pennsylvania health care services provider that was denied by Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court.
• Assisted two local counties and a private employer in opposing unionization campaigns in which the employees rejected union representation.
• Advised a national defense contractor with respect to a U.S. Department of Defense criminal investigation.
• Defended PLRB charges of unlawful termination that were denied by hearing examiners.

EDUCATION :

• Villanova University School of Law, J.D., 1997
• Duke University, B.A., 1991

BAR ADMISSIONS : Pennsylvania

CLERKSHIPS :

• Honorable Frank T. Hazel, Court of Common Pleas – Delaware County