Laura E. Prather

Laura E. Prather is Office Managing Principal and Office Litigation Manager of the Tampa, Florida, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. She represents management in all facets of employment law with an emphasis on complex litigation cases and class actions.

Ms. Prather defends employers in individual and multi-plaintiff actions related to employment discrimination and harassment, wage and hour compliance, non-compete issues, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and whistleblower actions before federal and state courts, various government agencies, and arbitrators.

Ms. Prather regularly provides day-to-day advice, counseling, and training on labor and employment law compliance, including the development of employee policies and handbooks. She represents clients in a wide range of industries including financial services, healthcare and hospitality. Ms. Prather is Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Labor and Employment Law.

Recent Litigation Experience

•Defeated class certification motion seeking to certify class of restaurant servers alleging failure to receive minimum wage under Florida law
•Represented restaurant in statewide class action brought by bartenders claiming improper tip deductions for uniforms and walkouts under the Fair Labor Standards Act
•Obtained dismissal of collective action claiming improper deductions and failure to pay minimum wage in a clause construction award in arbitration
•Represented large hospital in various claims by employees of discrimination based on gender, race, age, and disability

Pro Bono and Community Involvement

•Florida Autism Center for Excellence, Board of Directors
•Hillsborough County Teen Court Judge, Former
•Tampa Connection, Board of Directors (1997-1999)

Honors and Recognitions

•Florida Trend, Legal Elite Labor & Employment
•Legal Leaders and Martindale-Hubbell, Women Leaders in the Law (2015)

Published Works

• Employee Privacy Laws: Florida, Practical Law (A Thomson Reuters Legal Solution) March 2015

Speeches and Presentations

•“To Pay or Not to Pay - Compensation for Interns, Apprentices, and Volunteers,” CareerSource Pinellas Business Seminar Series, May 2014
•“Employment Law Update,” Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, September 2012

Laura E. Prather In the News

The Best Lawyers in America 2020 Honors Jackson Lewis Attorneys

August 15, 2019 • Jackson Lewis

Jackson Lewis Attorneys Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2019

August 15, 2018 • Jackson Lewis

Best Lawyers in America Honors Jackson Lewis Attorneys in Its 2018 Edition

August 15, 2017 • Jackson Lewis