stolkin_ronald_1Ronald J. Stolkin, a nationally recognized labor and employment attorney, has joined Ballard Spahr as of counsel in the Phoenix office, Chair Mark Stewart announced.

Mr. Stolkin focuses on counseling management on personnel practices, employee discipline matters, and labor relations. He has represented clients in a broad range of employment-related issues before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, the Arizona Civil Rights Division, the Department of Education, and other federal and state regulatory agencies.

“We are continuing the strategic expansion in the West of our labor and employment practice that began this summer when we brought Steve Suflas to our Denver office,” said David S. Fryman, leader of Ballard Spahr’s Labor and Employment Group. “With Ron’s addition, we have strong, experienced labor and employment attorneys throughout the western region that are a local resource, bolstered by the strength of our national platform.”

Mr. Stolkin provides preventative counseling and defends employers in litigation alleging employment discrimination, breach of contract, wrongful discharge, and other employment matters. He advises on a variety of employment issues including employment handbooks and personnel policies, substance abuse and testing, wage and hour, sexual harassment, employee disability, and leaves of absence.

“The strategic growth of the Phoenix office is a priority for the firm, and we have assembled an elite group of lawyers to expand our presence in the region,” said John  G. Kerkorian, Managing Partner of Ballard Spahr’s Phoenix office. “Ron brings tremendous depth and skill in employment litigation and counseling, and he is a terrific addition to the team.”

Attorneys in the Phoenix office handle matters in all five of the firm’s departments. Many are known across the country for their work in mergers and acquisitions, First Amendment and media and entertainment law, environmental law, real estate, white collar litigation, government relations, intellectual property, bankruptcy, nonprofit tax, public finance, sports law, labor and employment, and litigation.

At Ballard Spahr, Mr. Stolkin will be a member of Ballard Spahr’s Litigation Department and its Labor and Employment Group, which has nearly 50 attorneys nationwide. The group counsels clients throughout the country on a full range of labor and employment matters, from labor-management relations, wage and hour disputes, discrimination and harassment, affirmative action, diversity, and compliance.

“Ballard Spahr is a great match for me, my values, and my experience,” said Mr. Stolkin. “I am excited to be an integral part of expanding the firm’s labor and employment practice and working with attorneys whom I have known for many years.”