Thomas Payne

Thomas Payne supports employers in their traditional labor relations initiatives and in addressing the daily employment-related challenges they face managing even the most extensive workforces. Thomas’s tenacity, responsiveness and understanding of labor and employment law support him in serving as an important member of the team.

Thomas counsels clients in virtually all areas of the employment relationship, with a primary focus on traditional labor relations issues.He assists in the defense of employers faced with unfair labor practices before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), as well as advises on union representation elections, collective bargaining and contract enforcement. In addition, Thomas is skilled in assisting with labor arbitration proceedings, where he has helped clients to achieve desired outcomes in both employee discipline and contract interpretation cases.

In the area of employment litigation, Thomas has defended clients in discrimination, harassment, retaliation, non-competition litigation and wrongful discharge claims in both state and federal courts. Notably, he has helped secure preferred settlement results for clients in both employment and general litigation disputes.

In addition to dispute resolution, Thomas helps clients stay up to date on the ever-changing area of human resource law and practice. He is skilled in advising on independent contractor classification, state and federal wage laws, union avoidance strategies, and employee handbook drafting and review, to name a few.

Prior to joining the firm full-time, Thomas served as a summer associate in the Indianapolis office. While earning his undergraduate degree, he interned for U.S. Sen. Richard G. Lugar of Indiana.