Ms. Bender’s practice in labor and employment law includes representation of private and public employers in federal and state litigation and administrative proceedings, including defense of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour, and family and medical leave claims. She also frequently defends clients in garnishment actions and unemployment benefits proceedings. In addition, Ms. Bender regularly advises clients on day-to-day personnel issues and prepares and reviews employee handbooks, employment contracts, restrictive covenants, and severance agreements. She frequently presents on employment law issues to human resources organizations.
Ms Bender’s practice also includes Title IX (sex and gender identity discrimination, including sexual harassment and assault), Title VI (race, color, national origin discrimination including disparate impact claims and affirmative action policies), Title VII (employment discrimination and Equal Pay Act claims by teachers and faculty) and ADA (disability discrimination including website accessibility claims), IDEA and special education, free speech, student discipline, FERPA, and related privacy claims.
Ms. Bender also represents clients in emerging data and cyber liability issues, including advising on and assisting clients with the investigation of data breaches and related notification and compliance obligations.
Ms. Bender represents clients in various industries including healthcare, construction, food and beverage, manufacturing, distribution, accounting, service, hospitality, education, transportation, logistics, non-profit, and insurance, as well as numerous local government bodies. She has been selected as a Georgia Super Lawyers “Rising Star” as published by Law & Politics and Atlanta Magazine.