A seasoned labor and employment attorney, Darrell Gay serves as a trusted advisor to profit, non-profit and governmental management teams. Over the years, he has combined his legal know-how and experience in government and politics to develop a highly effective approach to resolving workplace issues and helping clients proactively address workplace concerns.

He assists clients in maintaining compliance with labor and employment laws and the utilization of best management practices to avoid operational challenges. In an era shaped by dramatic changes during the pandemic, ever evolving use of technology, remote work, and workplaces complicated by evolving laws, conflicting federal and state standards and employee anxieties stemming from developing political and social expectations, Darrell helps employers navigate evolving legal and operational requirements.

Darrell has developed and delivered customized training programs for management teams on topics such as Enhancing Employee Performance, Conducting Internal Investigations, Navigating Leave Laws, and Sexual Harassment Prevention. His work also includes helping clients design and maintain personnel policies that meet statutory obligations and reflect sound management practices.

On behalf of management, Darrell handles employee-related issues, discrimination  matters, traditional labor and management relations, diversity concerns, workplace training, privacy, restrictive covenants, wage and hour, and international employment concerns. He is frequently called upon to conduct high-profile and sensitive internal investigations.

Darrell’s extensive experience in traditional labor matters include managing unionized and pre-union environments, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, handling NLRB matters (including unfair labor practice charges and representation petitions), negotiation and management of neutrality agreements and elections, and arbitrations. In addition, he serves as chief negotiator during collective bargaining sessions and has negotiated several agreements spanning a host of industries. Darrell also counsels clients on issues involving protected concerted activity.

He has led several internal investigations involving senior executives, including C-suite level matters, often retained by the Board of Directors of the entity. Darrell’s prior service in city, state and federal government—and as a New York State Commissioner—enhances his ability to guide clients through complex regulatory and investigatory matters.

Beyond traditional labor and employment matters, Darrell has handled and managed significant cases involving single and multiple plaintiffs, single and multiple defendants, cases with allegations of serious continuing violations, and high-profile media cases. He has experience before administrative agencies and in federal and state courts.  He also has handled investigations conducted by the New York State Attorney General’s Office.