Labor Law - Management Litigation - Labor and Employment
Jeffrey A. Lehrer
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2020 Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
Jeffrey Lehrer is a partner in the law firm of Ford & Harrison LLP, which is one of the largest labor and employment law firms in the United States. He has been practicing labor and employment law exclusively since 1999 and has represented a diverse group of employers throughout the southeast. He works closely with clients to comply with constantly changing laws and shield their businesses from frivolous employment claims. The most common employment issues Jeffrey defends are discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, breach of contract, and wage and hour and employee leave of absence related claims.
Jeff also protects clients' and their businesses from the theft of customers and confidential, proprietary, and trade secret information. He has extensive experience drafting, litigating, and advising clients about the use of non-compete, non-solicitation, confidentiality and trade secret agreements.
He has successfully represented employers in cases in state and federal courts throughout the southeast. He regularly represents employers before administrative agencies such as Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, state agencies, and the Department of Labor. Jeff has defended several cases filed with the American Arbitration Association.
Jeff grew up in the restaurant business. His father owned a McDonald's franchise for over 25 years, with as many as six stores, and Jeffrey worked closely with his father in this business prior to law school. Jeff regularly represents employers in the restaurant industry and has a unique understanding of the legal pressures and concerns facing this industry. He also has extensive experience in the healthcare industry, representing numerous hospitals, physicians, and long-term care facilities. Jeff recently defended multiple hospitals in a case alleging anti-trust violations.
Jeff also serves as a public official in the capacity of a Fire Department Commissioner.
Representative Experience
- 2019 defense jury verdict for client in a federal court case alleging discrimination, harassment and retaliation.
- Successfully defended an appeal to the United States Supreme Court on behalf of a long-term care facility.
- Obtained a victory for a large multi-state hospital group on a highly contested executive age discrimination claim before the federal district court and United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
- Obtained a defense jury verdict for a large food distributor in an age discrimination and breach of contract case in U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina.
- Obtained a defense jury verdict for a Fortune 500 employer in a race discrimination, retaliation, and breach of contract case in U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina.
- Obtained a defense jury verdict for a Fortune 500 employer in a disability discrimination and failure to accommodate case in U.S. District Court for the District of North Carolina.
- Successfully argued the reported case of Yashenko v. Harrah's NC Casino Co., LLC, 446 F.3d 541 (4th Cir. 2006), before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. This case established a significant defense for employers under the FMLA.
- Won a $260,000 judgment for a client (one of the largest commercial printing groups in the United States) in a case it filed against its former management officials for their misconduct in leaving the client, soliciting the client’s customers, and starting a competitive business. Jeffrey won this verdict despite the fact that there were no employment agreements restricting post-employment competition.
- Successfully argued an issue of first impression to the South Carolina Supreme Court relating to the South Carolina Payment of Wages Act resulting in a significant reduction in an underlying trial verdict. Mathis v. Brown & Brown, 698 S.E.2d 773 (S.C. 2010).
- Defeated class certification in South Carolina federal court on a race discrimination lawsuit involving three named plaintiffs and over 100 proposed class members in multiple states, which led to a favorable settlement.
- Won summary judgment for a Fortune 500 employer in four separate cases alleging discrimination by the same management official.
- Received summary judgment in state court on a wrongful termination lawsuit for one of the largest hospital groups in the United States.
Overview
- The University of South Carolina, Juris Doctor, graduated 1999
- The University of South Carolina, Juris Doctor, graduated 1999
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Labor Law - Management
- Litigation - Labor and Employment
Additional Areas of Practice:
- Employment Law - Management
Special Focus:
- Antitrust
- COVID-19
- Management
News & Media
Insights
Q&A
I practice employment law on the side of the employer. I grew up in the restaurant industry and had the opportunity to take over a multi-location franchise. I decided that my drive was law and litigation instead. However, I have a passion for helping employers comply with what can be very challenging regulations and laws impacting their business.
I get calls every day from employers asking if they can take a specific action without violating the law. Many times we can get them to the same outcome by just adding a few protections along the way. It is important for employers to partner with a lawyer to provide extra defenses in the event the action is challenged one day in court. The cost for a 15 minute call is insignificant compared to the cost to defend a case through trial. I love helping employers protect themselves from expensive litigation.
I was the only defense lawyer in a federal court jury trial in November of 2019. The plaintiff claimed that the employer terminated her employment in retaliation for filing a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Her separation from employment occurred within 90 days of her filing the charge. There were 14 witnesses who testified at trial. It was challenging to prepare all aspects of the trial as the only lawyer on the case. However, it was very rewarding, especially when the jury returned the full defense verdict. I was able to get an excellent result for the employer without having them pay for multiple attorneys to work on the case.
Many times employers want to take shortcuts that create unnecessary risks. It can be difficult to balance the operational needs with adequate legal protections. I enjoy helping employers strike the correct balance, understanding that the health and finances of the business are a primary factor in any decision.
I have had several great mentors in my legal career. I had great college professors encourage me to attend law school. Working with my father's business helped me appreciate what it takes to run a successful business. I had the pleasure of participating in jury trials with some excellent trial attorneys early in my career. I try to help employers avoid a trial if at all possible, but I also really enjoy going to trial when all other reasonable options have been exhausted.
My passion is my family. I married my high school sweetheart and we have two wonderful daughters. I love spending time with them. I am a golfer and have been as low as a 6 handicap. I am a Commissioner at my local Fire Department. I have served as a director on several boards, including the Chapman Cultural Center, Glenn Springs Academy and the Spartanburg Boys' Home.
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