News
News 2024
- Lynne Bernabei was a panelist at a continuing legal education (CLE) event, “Adverse Witness Depositions” on August 15, 2024. Lynne discussed how to get hostile witnesses, particularly managers, to admit that discrimination or retaliation motivated the negative employment decisions that they took against an employee, and that the employer’s excuse was fabricated. She explained how these admissions can be very useful in defeating summary judgment and in prevailing at trial.
- We are pleased to announce that Lynne Bernabei and Alan Kabat have been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Lynne has received this recognition since 2006 and is awarded in the fields of Civil Rights Law, Employment Law – Individuals, and Litigation – Labor and Employment. Alan Kabat has been recognized since 2010 and is awarded in the field of Litigation – Labor and Employment.
- Alan Kabat took the lead on drafting a letter [link] that the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) sent to the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Responsibility. The letter addressed proposed DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility) legislation, and explained that DEIA programs are consistent with the Congressional objectives of the federal anti-discrimination and retaliation laws, and ensure that all workers are fully able to participate in the workplace. DEIA programs help level the playing field for everyone in the workplace and remove favoritism from the employment decision-making process, so that these programs are a net positive for both employers and workers.
- Bernabei & Kabat is proud to announce that Lynne Bernabei and Alan Kabat have been named in the 2024 Lawdragon 500 Leading Civil Rights & Plaintiff Employment Lawyers. Read the full article here.
- Lynne Bernabei is an invited speaker at the Annual Convention of the National Employment Lawyers Association on July 27, 2024 in Philadelphia. She is a speaker for the “Ongoing Developments in Private-Sector Whistleblower Litigation” session, and will be speaking on Sarbanes-Oxley whistleblower claims, including the Supreme Court’s recent Murray v. UBS decision.
- Lynne will also be participating in the “DEIA and Employment Law in the Wake of Students for Fair Admissions,” to discuss the impact of the Supreme Court’s university affirmative action decisions on the workplace.
- Lynne Bernabei moderated a webinar for the Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association, “FRE 702 Amendments and Experts in Plaintiffs’ Employment Cases” (Feb. 13, 2024). Lynne, and the other panelists, Judge Paul Grimm (ret.) and Phil Andonian, discussed how the recent amendments to Rule 702, Federal Rules of Evidence, change the legal landscape for using expert witnesses. The presentation and the written materials explained how the amendments to Rule 702 increase the role of the court in evaluating expert witnesses. All three panelists also discussed specific issues relating to mental health experts, economic experts, and vocational rehabilitation experts.
News 2023
- Bloomberg Law’s Daily Labor Report [link] recently quoted Lynne Bernabei. She discussed the sizable gender pay bias jury verdict against Google, won by a female executive. Lynne explained that it can be difficult to prove sex-based wage discrimination claims, unless the plaintiff knows the salary of male comparators. Lynne also discussed how the jury verdict was unusual in not including economic damages, as the jury only awarded emotional distress damages and punitive damages.
- Plaintiff Andre Jackson has brought suit against the District of Columbia and two Metropolitan Police Department (“MPD”) officers for his allegedly unlawful arrest in the spring of 2022. Jackson maintains that he was standing on a sidewalk when MPD Officers Donald Green and Afam Ishakwue (the “Officers”) illegally arrested him based on the erroneous, and possibly pretextual, ground that he had fled from the scene of a purported traffic incident two nights prior. Jackson responded by filing the present action, alleging a host of constitutional and common law claims against the Officers as well as tort claims against the District, directly based on negligent supervision and vicariously under the doctrine of respondeat superior. Jackson V DC
- WUSA-9 recently interviewed Lynne Bernabei and our co-counsel Joe Caleb about proposed D.C. Council legislation that would allow the police to search anyone they think might be on parole or probation, in order to find guns. Lynne and Joe explained that these “jump out” searches will be unconstitutional as they are without probable cause, and would only worsen the relationships between the police and the community. Read the full article here.
- Bernabei & Kabat issued a press release last week calling on the DC City Council to scuttle legislation proposed by Brooke Pinto, Chair of the D.C. Council Committee on the Judiciary, which would subject D.C. residents, especially Black residents, to unconstitutional searches and prosecutions.
- Bernabei & Kabat is proud to announce that Lynne Bernabei & Alan Kabat are included in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® in the areas of employment law – individuals, litigation – labor and employment, and civil rights law.
- Bernabei & Kabat is proud to announce that Lynne Bernabei and Alan Kabat have been named in the 2023 Lawdragon 500 Leading Civil Rights & Plaintiff Employment Lawyers. Read the full article here.
- MPD officers patrol Black neighborhoods and jump out of unmarked cars to surround, stop, and search individuals without basis. It is illegal, it is wrong, and it is making us less safe. For years, DC residents have asked MPD to stop this unconstitutional practice, but jump-outs are still being used to this day.On May 9, attorneys representing a veteran MPD Sergeant who protested discriminatory police tactics, and people who have been subjected to these discriminatory tactics, wrote to Councilmember Brooke Pinto. They asked that she use her position as Chair of the DC Council’s Committee on Judiciary & Public Safety to call a hearing on MPD’s continued use of illegal jump-outs before Chief Contee departs MPD on June 3. Councilmember Pinto has not responded to this request.Join ACLU-DC, DC Justice Lab, and others in voicing your demand for a hearing on jump-outs. With one-click, you can write a letter to Councilmember Pinto and other members of the Committee on Judiciary & Public Safety to ask them for a hearing on jump-outs by June 3.Click on the shortcut to have your voice heard: https://bit.ly/EndJumpOuts
- On July 24, 2023, D.C. Superior Court Judge Maurice Ross cleared the way for District of Columbia MPD Sergeant Charlotte Djossou to go to trial on her whistleblower retaliation claims against the District of Columbia. Sergeant Djossou has alleged that MPD’s highest officers retaliated against her for reporting illegal jump-outs in Black communities, and targeting of young Black men without probable cause. She also reported the downgrading of serious felonies and property crimes to falsify crime statistics in the District and help the senior MPD officers get promotions. The jury will also learn about the retaliation that Sergeant Djossou suffered as a result of her reports, including a forced transfer, denial of promotions to Detective-Sergeant, and downgraded performance evaluations based on fabricated disciplinary documents, all of which created a hostile work environment, and were intended to drive her out of her job.
- On June 8, Lynne Bernabei gave a presentation to the National Employment Lawyers Association’s Whistleblower Committee – attorneys who represent whistleblowers from across the country. Lynne spoke about the Securities and Exchange Commission’s recent enforcement of the SEC rule that prohibits employers from preventing their employees from providing information to the SEC. Lynne also spoke about the recent proliferation of federal and state laws that prohibit non-disclosure agreements in both employment agreements and in settlement or severance agreements.
- A group of civil rights advocates, the lawyers for Sergeant Charlotte Djossou, the lawyers for individuals who have brought cases alleging constitutional harm for illegal jump-outs, yesterday sent a letter calling on Council member Brooke Pinto, Chair of the D.C. Council Committee on the Judiciary, to hold a public hearing examining the continuing problem of jump-outs, discriminatory targeting of Black neighborhoods, and other police abuses of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Read the full article here.
- On May 1, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review an appeal brought by an employee who alleged that his employer retaliated against him for reporting securities law violations. The case, Murray v. UBS Securities, is expected to be argued in the fall of 2023. Lynne Bernabei and Alan Kabat contributed to the amicus brief in support of Senators Grassley and Wyden, in support of the employee. As Law 360 reported, the case turns on whether the employee has to show that the employer had “retaliatory intent” in terminating the employee.
- On May 3, 2023, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed a new law that bans non-compete agreements for low-wage workers who leave one job for another. Lynne Bernabei testified to the Maryland Senate Finance Committee earlier this year, to support the legislation. Lynne explained how non-compete agreements harm low-wage workers, by making it harder for them to find new employment, and by discouraging them from complaining about discrimination or retaliation in the workplace since they would be subject to non-compete if they are fired or forced to resign.
- Lynne Bernabei will be testifying to the Maryland General Assembly on March 2, 2003, in support of legislation that would increase the wage threshold for non-compete agreements for low-wage workers. This legislation is necessary because while Maryland already bans non-competes for some low-wage workers, the upcoming increase in the minimum wage requires re-setting the wage threshold for this ban.Lynne’s testimony, on behalf of the Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association, will emphasize that non-compete agreements are particularly harmful to low-wage workers, who may find it difficult if not impossible to get a new job in their area. Also, non-competes discourage employees from complaining about workplace discrimination or harassment, as employees fear they will lose their job if they complain, and they won’t be able to find a new job due to the non-compete.
- Lynne Bernabei and Alan Kabat helped draft an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in Murray v. UBS. The amicus brief http://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/22/22-660/255093/20230217165455613_22-660%20Amicus%20Brief.pdf, on behalf of two members of Congress and a non-profit organization, addresses the burdens of proof for securities fraud whistleblowers and their employers when bringing retaliation claims under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.The amicus brief addresses the circuit split on the burdens of proof for these retaliation claims, since one court required the plaintiff to prove that the employer had “retaliatory intent” to terminate the employee, while other courts and the Department of Labor do not require proof of actual discriminatory or retaliatory intent for a SOX whistleblower claim. The amicus brief requests that the Supreme Court resolve this dispute by relying on the statutory text and the purpose of SOX as a remedial statute.
- Lynne Bernabei will testify on February 16, 2023, in the Federal Trade Commission’s Public Forum, https://kvgo.com/ftc/public-forum-february-16-2023, on behalf of the National Employment Lawyers Association, in support of the FTC’s proposed rule banning non-compete agreements as unenforceable. She will testify about how the ban would benefit workers nationwide, and will level the playing field between employees and employers.
- New Investigative Reporting Details DC Police Department’s Systemic Refusal to Investigate Whistleblower’s Reports of Illegal Jump Out Tactics
- Tune in to WUSA-9 on Sunday night, February 5, 2023, after the conclusion of the Grammy awards. They will be airing the story of Sergeant Djossou, one of our clients, who has whistleblower claims against the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. In the wake of the recent tragedy in Memphis, the story will highlight Sergeant Djossou’s reports of the use of similar illegal jump out tactics by the MPD and the Department’s systematic refusal to investigate these allegations. A roundtable discussion will accompany this story on WUSA’s morning show coverage on February 6, 2023. https://lnkd.in/eC39wBKX
News 2022
- Join Bernabei & Kabat Partner Devin Wrigley for a free webinar on January 10, 2023. Learn how to effectively manage the pretrial process in the final stretch before trial. In addition to practice tips from plaintiff’s and defense counsel, D.C. Superior Court Judges Gregory E. Mize, Anthony C. Epstein, and Alfred S. Irving will offer advice on briefing motions in limine, proposing non-standard jury instructions, and navigating voir dire. Register here:
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/bit.ly/finishline-mwela__;!!GFN0sa3rsbfR8OLyAw!cBEpYju-lp9NKpHw7yH2qUEf8tvyODglK9V7XsG0pdO971awuQ-cOtpHG_jyJQQtokxK7-UjhEZK_shke8te-Wx3PA$ - On October 25, 2022, Bernabei & Kabat attorney Kristen Sinisi will participate in a panel discussion on whistleblower, trade secret protection, and employee data misuse cases. The panel will explore the extent to which an employee’s accessing of confidential workplace data remains actionable under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986, following the Supreme Court’s decision in Van Buren v. United States, as well as the practical implications of that decision. https://dcbar.inreachce.com/Details/Information/9344c1ed-3a54-4539-9f9a-0f286a2a8ead
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- We are happy to announce that Lynne Bernabei has been selected to the Washingtonian Top Lawyers Hall of Fame for 2022. This means that she has been featured on Washingtonian’s Top Lawyers list at least 10 times out of the past 15 years, earning a place among a most elite group of peers and is celebrated as “the best of the best”.
- New Partner Announcement
- Bernabei & Kabat is proud to announce that Lynne Bernabei, Alan Kabat have been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® list for 2023. We are especially excited to announce that Alan Kabat has been recognized as “Litigation – Labor and Employment Lawyer of the Year” for Washington, D.C. by Best Lawyers in America® for 2023. Congratulations to Lynne, Alan, and Pete on this prestigious award.
- Congratulations to Lynne Bernabei who was inducted into the Law Dragon Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes past members of the Lawdragon 500 and other outstanding lawyers who have made remarkable contributions as leaders, litigators, dealmakers, power brokers, judges and innovators. You can read more about Lynne’s journey here:
HALL OF FAME LAWYER LIMELIGHT: LYNNE BERNABEI - SUPER LAWYERS HAS RECOGNIZED BERNABEI & KABAT, PLLC ATTORNEYS LYNNE BERNABEI, ALAN R. KABAT
- Lynne Bernabei recently did a CLE presentation as part of a panel, on “Litigation Strategies for Neutralizing Anger in Settlement Negotiations and Jury Trials: Preserving Defenses.” Lynne discussed the strategic considerations in preparing your client for mediation and trial, and in dealing with hostile opposing counsel and their clients. You can read the article by clicking on the link below.
Litigation Strategies for Neutralizing Anger
News 2021
- Lynne Bernabei was interviewed by Spanish News channel RT America regarding the workers who were killed in the tornadoes hitting the Midwest when at least one employer (Amazon) would not let them go home from work. It deals with the lack of legal protection for workers on the federal level, and the state level, from being fired when threatened with deadly environmental hazards. You can watch the interview by clicking on the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mxQBzM-DBo&t=1s - Bernabei & Kabat, PLLC, together with Caleb Andonian, PLLC, is proud to represent Wilnisha Sutton, a survivor and leader in the anti-trafficking movement. Today, Ms. Sutton filed a lawsuit which seeks to hold Fair Girls, Inc. and its former Executive Director accountable for their systemic race discrimination and retaliation
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/survivor-of-sex-trafficking-files-lawsuit-against-fair-girls-and-its-former-executive-director-for-systemic-race-discrimination-in-employment-301444421.html?tc=eml_cleartime - Bernabei & Kabat is proud to announce that Lynne Bernabei, Alan Kabat were named in the 2021 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Employment & Civil Rights Lawyers. https://www.lawdragon.com/guides/2021-09-22-the-2021-lawdragon-500-leading-plaintiff-employment-civil-rights-lawyers
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Lynne Bernabei was quoted in the Washington Post article titled: #MeToo raised awareness about sexual misconduct. Has it curbed bad behavior?Click here to read the full article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/andrew-cuomo-me-too/2021/08/13/1ae95048-fbed-11eb-8a67-f14cd1d28e47_story.htmlhttps://www.lawdragon.com/guides/2021-09
- Lynne Bernabei will be presenting on August 10 at a Strafford CLE panel on “Cross-examining Plaintiffs in Employment Harassment and Discrimination Cases.” She will discuss strategies in preparing both the plaintiff and the plaintiff’s witnesses for deposition and trial testimony. Her colleagues on the panel will discuss this from the employer’s perspective, so this panel provides an unique opportunity to learn strategies from both sides in employment litigation.
- Lynne Bernabei presented at Midyear Meeting of the American Bar Association, Section of Labor & Employment Law, International Labor and Employment Law Committee, on May 6, 2021. Her panel, with attorneys from the United Kingdom, discussed “The Future of Work Post-COVID-19″“There has been lots of discussion about what the world of work is going to look like post-Covid. One thing seems fairly certain: increased flexibility around when and how we do our work is likely as is the inevitability of at least some element of remote working for most organizations. Panelists will consider what this might look like, what employers and employees are going to have to consider with this new ‘normal,’ what the labor and employment implications are and indeed what when employees end up working remotely in another jurisdiction.”Lynne’s paper, co-authored with Alan Kabat, reviewed the patchwork of federal and state laws that may help protect employees from getting COVID-19 in the workplace, and discussed the need for legislation or regulations to provide stronger protections. The paper also discusses the preemption by federal laws of state laws, and the preemption by state laws of local laws, which can undermine efforts by lower level governments to provide greater protections than those at the state or federal level.
- Law360 published Alan Kabat’s Until last week, employee-side lawyers in Washington, D.C., were potentially open to attack when they represented both a party and a friendly witness in the same proceeding.
- Law360 published Alan Kabat’s commentary on the D.C. Court of Appeals decision in Jacobson Holman PLLC v. Gentner, court decision decided on February 4, 2021. Alan discusses how the decision squarely rejects the attempts by law firms to impose financial penalties on departing partners who leave for other law firms. Those penalties violate Rule 5.6 of the Rules of Professional Conduct, since they interfere with the attorney-client relationship, and prevent clients from being able to choose their lawyer. Alan also explains how law firms will need to review and amend their partnership agreements to remove these unethical financial penalties.
- Bernabei & Kabat, PLLC is honored to be named in the latest edition of Best Lawyers in America for 2021 for their work in employment law. Bernabei & Kabat, PLLC is nationally ranked in 1 practice area and regionally ranked in 2 practice areas. The U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process.
News 2020
- Lynne Bernabei is presenting at the Brooklyn Bar Association’s CLE session, “Whistleblower and First Amendment Protections for Career Civil Servants, Inspector Generals, Policy Makers and U.S. Attorney Generals who have been fired or demoted by the Trump Administration” (Oct. 27, 2020). Lynne’s talk focuses on the laws that are intended to protect federal appointees and employees, and the shortcomings in those protections.
- Lynne Bernabei, Alan Kabat were selected to the 2020 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Employment Lawyers guide. The editorial team selected the 500 honorees through submissions, journalistic research and editorial vetting from a board of our peers. We are very proud to be included in this important guide to the lawyers who help workers protect their rights – which has never been more important than in these times.
- The New Yorker, in a feature article how the Department of Labor is improperly favoring corporations over workers during the coronavirus pandemic, discussed one of our Firm’s clients who was fired when she insisted on workplace safeguards before returning to the office.
- WUSA-9, the NBC affiliate in Washington, D.C. aired a story on Sergeant Charlotte Djossou, one of our clients, who has whistleblower claims against the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. She explained how she was retaliated against for having protested racist tactics used by the police.
- D.C. police officer sues department claiming retaliation by superiors after complaining officers illegally targeted Black men for arrests.
- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission recently imposed a five-year ban on a senior nuclear executive [Fed Register] at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and a fine of over $600,000 on TVA, as a penalty for having retaliated against two whistleblowers, both of whom were represented by Bernabei & Kabat. It has been nearly twenty years since the NRC last fined TVA for retaliating against whistleblowers. Both the Knoxville News and the Chattanooga Times Free Press reported on this significant decision.
- Law360 published Alan Kabat’s analysis of several recent court decisions that extended the Supreme Court’s Bostock v. Clayton County decision to hold that the Administration could not narrow statutory protections through new regulations that excluded disfavored persons from statutory protections. Bostock, in addition to holding that sexual orientation and gender identity were covered under Title VII (the employment discrimination statute), also made clear that the courts had to look to statutes as they were written. This means that the Administration cannot write regulations in a way that excludes certain categories of people who are protected under the statutes.
- Lynne Bernabei and Alan Kabat were again named to the “Best Lawyers” list for Washington, D.C., placing them among the top 4 percent of attorneys in the D.C. metropolitan area. They were recognized for their extensive experience and high caliber work in employment law. Lynne has been listed since 2006, and Alan since 2010. Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based upon a peer-review survey of top attorneys.
- Lynne Bernabei was honored to join Stephen E. Fox and Ashley Allyn at Strafford’s CLE webinar on Effective Cross-Examination of #plaintiffs in #employment #disccrimination and #harassment cases on August 11, 2020.
- Lynne Bernabei and Alan Kabat submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in the latest challenge to the “Muslim travel ban” executive orders. Their brief argued that the travel ban was based on impermissible stereotypes of Muslims, and that such stereotyping of minorities can and has led to violence against those minorities in the past. Moreover, all Americans, not just the stereotyped minority groups, are ultimately harmed by this stereotyping. The amicus brief was submitted on behalf of the following civil rights organizations: (1) Advocates for Youth; (2) Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice; (3) Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights under Law; (4) Freedom from Religion Foundation; (5) Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund; (6) Mississippi Center for Justice; (7) National Center for Lesbian Rights; and (8) Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs.
- Lynne Bernabei will be presenting on “The Nuts and Bolts of Litigating Sexual Harassment and Assault Cases” on July 10, 2020, at the annual conference of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA). Her panel will explore the nuts and bolts of litigating sexual harassment and sexual assault cases in the #MeToo era. Lynne and the other panelists will discuss arbitration as opposed to going to court; proceeding under a pseudonym; nondisclosure agreements; how to handle sensitive emotional distress issues; how to limit discovery of medical evidence; state laws that provide greater coverage; problems of protecting contractors or undocumented workers; gathering support from victims’ rights and women’s groups; and mediation of sexual harassment cases.
- Law360 quoted Alan Kabat on the Supreme Court’s recent employment discrimination decision, Bostock v. Clayton County, and the broader impact that this will have on other employment cases.
- MedStar employee claims in lawsuit she was fired for tweeting about hospital’s lack of coronavirus safety precautions
Bernabei & Kabat client, Sarah Cusick, filed suit against MedStar Health, Inc. and MedStar’s Washington Hospital Center on Friday, May 15, 2020. Ms. Cusick alleges that the Washington Hospital Center wrongfully terminated her employment because she reported, to management and by posting over social media, the Hospital’s failure to protect patients and staff under federal and District of Columbia COVID-19 protocols. As The Washington Post writes, quoting Lynne Bernabei, “They called her in and said, ‘We want you to remove the posts; this is hurting MedStar’s brand.’” Ms. Cusick was terminated immediately afterward. - The Demise of Non-Disclosure Agreements in the #MeToo Era
In the absence of meaningful federal legislation, states are considering the best way to stop patterns of sexual assault and help victims heal outside the spotlight of a trial. While legislation that prohibits non-disclosure agreements in sexual misconduct settlements may benefit victims who seek to share their stories, others desire confidentiality and closure. Proposed legislation should respect victims’ differing priorities and help them hold wrongdoers accountable, either publicly or privately. - Health Worker Files Suit Against MedStar For Terminating Her Employment For Reporting That It Did Not Adequately Protect Patients And Staff From COVID-19
- Super Lawyers has recognized Bernabei & Kabat, PLLC attorneys Alan R. Kabat
- INJUSTICE & CORRUPTION IN FLORENCE, AZ –Hondo Hunter and Jarris Varnrobinson Vonzombie’s Story
- WUSA Channel 9 recently interviewed DC Police Sergeant Charlotte Djossou, about her whistleblowing reports. In the interview, Sergeant Djossou explained how she had complained that the Metropolitan Police Department was under-reporting crimes, in order to “improve” the crime statistics. These “improvements” were used to promote the captains and commanders. Some felonies were reclassified as simple assaults, meaning that the perpetrator, if convicted, would serve a much shorter sentence before being released. Sergeant Djossou had previously complained about this conduct, both within the Metropolitan Police Department, and to the D.C. Council, and was retaliated against for her reports. Bernabei & Kabat PLLC represents Sergeant Djossou.
- The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission recently issued a preliminary determination that the Tennessee Valley Authority illegally retaliated against two former employees in violation of the whistleblower protections of the NRC regulations. The NRC determined that TVA investigated both employees, placed them on leave, and forced them out “in part, for engaging in protected activities,” which included their multiple reports about significant safety issues at TVA’s nuclear power plants.
The NRC’s finding is consistent with the Department of Labor’s OSHA determination in 2019 that TVA retaliated against one of the employees who had also filed an OSHA complaint. The Chattanooga Times Free Press reported on the retaliation and investigations. Bernabei & Kabat, PLLC represented both employees, and our attorneys have represented a number of other TVA employees over the past several decades. - Lynne Bernabei interviewed re: corporate travel during coronavirus
- Florence officials remain defendants in lawsuit
- US Court of Appeals for 9th Circuit rejected an appeal by several Florence, AZ government officials
- The Knoxville News Sentinel published an article [Department of Labor rules in favor of nuclear whistleblower] about a one of our clients, a nuclear engineer at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) who was fired after she persisted in reporting safety issues at TVA’s nuclear programs. The Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, found in favor of our firm’s client, finding that TVA’s purported justification for firing her was “demonstrably false,” and that she was terminated “because of the information she provided during a chilled work environment investigation.” The Department of Labor found that even TVA had to admit “that it took adverse action against [Ms. Wetzel] because of her participation in [TVA’s] chilled work environment investigation, in which she provided her honest responses to the investigators’ questions.”
News 2019
- Bernabei & Kabat submits amicus brief in Travel Ban appeal
- Bernabei & Kabat participates in University of Texas lawsuit
- Lynne Bernabei quoted in the November edition of Washingtonian Magazine.
- Bernabei & Kabat partners Lynne Bernabei, Alan Kabat were published in American Law Institute, THE PRACTICAL LAWYER, “Navigating the Nuances of Sarbanes-Oxley and Dodd-Frank Whistleblower Claims” (October 2019). This article discusses both the Sarbanes-Oxley and Dodd-Frank whistleblower provisions and examines their key points, meaningful differences, and critical unresolved issues in need of further development. Click here for an excerpt of the article.
- Lynne Bernabei and Alan Kabat were again named to the “Best Lawyers” list for Washington, D.C., placing them among the top 4 percent of attorneys in the D.C. metropolitan area. They were recognized for their extensive experience and high caliber work in employment law. Lynne has been listed since 2006, and Alan since 2010. Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based upon a peer-review survey of top attorneys.
- Attorney Lynne Bernabei will speak on sexual assault in the me too era at the First Annual Tort Law on October 5, 2019 at the Tort Museum in Winsted, Connecticut.
- Department of Labor Finds that TVA Continues to Retaliate Against Whistleblowers Who Report Important Nuclear Safety Issues
- CLE Webinar on Cross-Examining the Plaintiff in Employment Cases
- Attorney Bernabei presentation at National Employment Lawyers Association
- Bernabei attorneys contribute to ABA book
- Lynne Bernabei presented at the recent annual conference of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA), for the panel, “Making Arbitration Work for Plaintiffs’ Employment Lawyers.“
- New Partner Announcement
- Bernabei & Kabat Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers
- Lynne Bernabei is a panelist at the ABA International Labor and Employment Law Committee Midwinter Meeting in Buenos Aires. Her topic is The Age Conflict: Aging Workforces, Increased Retirement Ages Versus the Rising Numbers of the Young Unemployed. The aging workforce, Millennial job hopping, and an increasing number of young unemployed present challenges for employers around the globe. In the U.S. alone, ten thousand Baby Boomers turn 65 every day, and this is a trend that will continue until 2030. Many organizations are shifting their attitudes toward older workers as a result, but how are these changes impacting the workplace? This panel will examine the trends in various countries and varying experiences, together with underlying contributing factors, and steps that employers are considering and taking to meet these challenges, as well as what these developments mean for workers.
- Bernabei & Kabat client, Dr. Ruth Etzel, an international expert on preventing environmental hazards that harm children, is named as one of three women whistleblowers at the Environmental Protection Agency who have been silenced for their advocacy for environmental protections
News 2018
- American University Student Newspaper Demands Increased Opportunities for Women and Women of Color in Tenure Process
- American University Staff Editorial Asks School to Honor Commitment to “Inclusive Excellence”
- Lynne Bernabei Quoted in Washington Business Journal regarding Isabella Sexual Harassment Suits
- 100+ Attorneys Issue Statement to Senate Opposing Supreme Court Nominee Based on Civil Rights Record
- Alan Kabat Contributes to Law360 with Article Discussing the Hatch Act
- American University Announces the Departure of Provost Scott Bass
- American University Professor Awarded Over $1.3 Million in Discrimination Verdict
- A Missed Opportunity For Whistleblower Protections In UK
- Bernabei & Kabat Attorneys Attend ABA International Labor & Employment Law Conference
- Bernabei & Kabat Files Amicus Brief with the Supreme Court in the Travel Ban Case
- Bernabei & Kabat Partner Lynne Bernabei Quoted in March 2018 Washington Lawyer
- Bernabei & Kabat’s Michael Ellement Writes Article Discussing Rollback of Employee Protections at NLRB
- Changes At NLRB Risk Retaliation For Posting PDF
- CNN’s Jake Tapper Interviews Dr. Ruth Etzel
- Columbia Journalism Review Publishes Article about Sexual Harassment in Photojournalism Industry
- Democrats Call for Explanation from EPA Regarding Official’s Abrupt Administrative Leave
- Diverse Publishes Article about AU Professor’s Appeal of Tenure Denial
- EPA Sidelines Health Official Studying Effects of Lead on Children
- Former Employee Sues United Therapeutics and Jenesis Rothblatt for Sexual Harassment
- Latina Communications Professor Continues Appeal of Tenure Denial at American University
- Lynne Bernabei & Alan Kabat Named 2018 Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers
- Lynne Bernabei & Alan Kabat Recognized in “The Best Lawyers in America”
- Lynne Bernabei & Alan Kabat Recognized in Lawdragon’s 2018 Top 500 Plaintiff Employment Lawyers
- Lynne Bernabei: UK’s Staley Penalty Falls Short for Whistleblower Protections
- Lynne Bernabei Contribute to ABA’s International Labor and Employment Law Newsletter
- Lynne Bernabei Write Article on Impact of European Laws on US Gender Pay Data
- Lynne Bernabei Featured on CBS Series Whistleblower
- Michael Ellement Sworn in to District of Columbia Bar
- Sixth Circuit Reverses Grant of Summary Judgement in Trans Bias Case
- Student Newspaper Details Six Accounts of Tenure Denial at American University
- Supreme Court Issues Long-Awaited Decision in Travel Ban Case
- Supreme Court Oral Argument in Travel Ban Cases
- The Eagle Publishes Article about Successful Jury Verdict in Age Discrimination Case
- U.S. Court of Appeals Upholds Injunction Against Trump Administration Travel Ban
News 2017
- “Inside Higher Ed” Publishes Article about Carolyn Brown’s Tenure Denial
- Alan Kabat Co-Writes an Op-Ed for the Huffington Post
- American University’s “The Eagle” Writes Article about Bernabei & Kabat Client, Carolyn Brown
- Bernabei & Kabat Named in U.S. News Best Law Firms for Washington, D.C.
- Bernabei Speaks at 2017 MWELA Conference
- D.C. Superior Court Issues Positive Opinion in Bernabei & Kabat Case Involving American University
- Fourth Circuit Affirms Denial of Arbitration after Employer Misleads Plaintiffs
- Lynne Bernabei & Alan Kabat Quoted in Article for POPSUGAR News
- Lynne Bernabei Provide Expert Analysis for Law360
- Lynne Bernabei Provide Expert Analysis on Weinstein Suppression Efforts
- Lynne Bernabei & Michael Ellement Contribute to Law360 Regarding Weinstein Scandal
- Lynne Bernabei and Alan Kabat Author Amicus Brief Challenging Trump’s Travel Ban
- Lynne Bernabei and Alan Kabat Contribute to Amicus Brief Against Trump Administration’s Travel Ban
- Lynne Bernabei Present at 2017 NELA Convention
- Lynne Bernabei Comments on Sexual Harassment in Congress for the Washington Post
- Lynne Bernabei Named in Super Lawyers “The Top 50: 2017 Women Washington, D.C.”
- Lynne Bernabei Presents at the Fifth Transatlantic Conference
- Lynne Bernabei Provides Opinion on President Trump’s Decision to Dismiss Acting Attorney General Sally Yates
- Lynne Bernabei Quoted by Washington Post on House Sexual Harassment
- Lynne Bernabei to Speak at Sexual Harassment Q&A for Journalists in August 2017
- Partner Lynne Bernabei Presents on Expert Witness Depositions at CLE Session
- Partner Lynne Bernabei Signs Lawyers’ Committee Statement Urging Senate to Carefully Examine Judge Neil Gorsuch’s Record on Civil Rights Matters
- Positive Ruling in Employment Discrimination Case Against American University
News 2016
- Bernabei & Kabat Named in the 2017 Edition of “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News and Best Lawyers
- Alan Kabat Publish Opinion Piece in the National Law Journal
- Lynne Bernabei and Alan Kabat Selected for SuperLawyers 2016 Washington, D.C. Edition
- Lynne Bernabei and Alan Kabat Write “The Never Ending War on Federal Whistleblowers” for the Government Executive
- Lynne Bernabei Appears on Federal News Radio to Discuss Recent Whistleblower Legislation
- Lynne Bernabei Authors Opinion Piece for The Harvard Law Record entitled “Fannie Mae, Failed Bailouts, and Whistleblowing”
- Lynne Bernabei Comments on Gretchen Carlson Sexual Harassment Complaint
- Lynne Bernabei Discusses War between Congress and the Merit Systems Protection Board
- Lynne Bernabei included in the 23rd Edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” in the Practice Area of Employment Law – Individuals
- Lynne Bernabei Listed Among 2016 “Women in the Law”
- Lynne Bernabei Listed in 2016 “Best Lawyers in America!”
- Lynne Bernabei Quoted by Fortune on Gretchen Carlson Lawsuit
- Lynne Bernabei Signs Letter to President Obama Encouraging SCOTUS Nomination
- Lynne Bernabei Speaks at 2016 NELA Spring Conference
- Partner Lynne Bernabei Speaks with Tom Temin of Federal Drive about Federal Employment Law
- Treasury Department Announces Removal of Bernabei & Kabat Client from Sanctions Blacklist
News 2015
- “Federal Drive” Dissects Problems with Inspector Generals
- American University’s Age Discrimination Problem
- B&W Partners Named 2015 Super Lawyers
- Bernabei & Kabat, PLLC Listed as Top Small Law Firm for Employment in Washington, D.C.
- Bernabei & Kabat, PLLC Wins Harassment and Discrimination Case Against ATF
- Corporate Crime Reporter Discusses Senators’ Letter to DOD Secretary
- Dave Wachtel and Karen Tanenbaum Write for Wolters Kluwer Employment Law Daily on “Obergefell v. Hodges and the Future of LGBT Rights in the Workplace”
- Federal Judge Says Whistleblower Police Officers’ Suit Can Advance
- Lauren Mendonsa Quoted in Employment Law Daily 2015 Supreme Court Preview
- Lawdragon Highlights Lynne Bernabei
- Law Firms Penalizing Departing Partners? – That Goes Straight to the Penalty Box!
- LettertoNRC12-7-07
- Lynne Bernabei and Alan Kabat Listed in Best Lawyers® in Washington, D.C. for 2016
- Lynne Bernabei Comments on High Profile Venture Capital Firm Lawsuit
- Lynne Bernabei Comments on VA Secretary’s Expanded Authority
- Lynne Bernabei Discusses Department of Justice Misconduct with Federal News Radio
- Lynne Bernabei Leads Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Presentation
- Lynne Bernabei On Panel Discussing Electronic Discovery Issues
- Lynne Bernabei to Speak at Panel on Noncompetition Agreements Hosted by MWELA
- Partner Lynne Bernabei Presents at Annual Conference of the American Bar Association
- Senate Judiciary Committee Questions ATF about Harassment of B&W Client and Numerous Other Whistleblowers
- Senators Demand Action from DOD on Reprisal against Financial Official
- Trial Report: Dave Wachtel and Karen Tanenbaum Win Promotion for Nuclear Engineer
News 2014
- B&W Discuss Facebook, Twitter in Bloomberg BNA Article
- B&W Joins SEC Petition For Stronger Whistleblower Protection
- California Court of Appeals Upholds Denial Against Fannie Mae
- CBS Meets with Whistleblowers to Discuss Retaliation
- Cell Phone Privacy Concerns for Employees
- Civil Rights Advocates Call on Department of Justice to Avoid Another Ferguson and Investigate Pinal County, AZ
- Congressional Employees Lack Sexual Harassment Protections
- Cops Fired as Part of Political Retaliation
- Federal News Radio, Lynne Bernabei, Talk Whistleblowers in the Intelligence Agency
- High-Ranking Whistleblower Discussed on Federal News Radio
- Lynne Bernabei, Federal News Radio, Examine Sensitive Federal Security Clearances
- Lynne Bernabei Part of Upcoming EEOC Panel
- Lynne Bernabei Presents at American Law Institute
- Lynne Bernabei to Discuss Whistleblower Law at D.C. Bar Conference
- NBC Runs Features on Whistleblower Client, Joe Zorek
- New Tang Dynasty Airs Story on Phoenix Satellite Harassment
- NY Mayor Approves Legislation Inspired by B&W Client
- Partners Included in Washingtonian’s List of Best Lawyers
- PRESS RELEASE: B&W Client Files Whistleblower Suit Against Arizona Town
- Sexual Orientation Discrimination CLE Seminar Presented by B&W
- Title VII Argued Before Supreme Court
- TV Network Reports on Harassment Claims Against Phoenix
- Unpaid Interns Now Protected from Sexual Harassment in NY
- US Justice Department Asked to Investigate Florence Police Department
- Washington Post Quotes Lynne Bernabei Regarding Government Whistleblowers
- Wharton Article Tackles Problems Facing Interns
- Whistleblower Protection Extended to Contractors
News 2013
- ABA Publishes Bernabei & Kabat Article on Expert Witnesses
- American University Professor Alleges Age Discrimination
- Article Calls for Congress to Act on Sexual Assault in the Military
- Articles Discussing Client Sexual Harassment Case Censored
- B&W Client Writes About “Free-Speech-Affirming Settlement” in Tikkun Magazine
- Bernabei & Kabat, PLLC Partners Named to Best Lawyers in America
- Bernabei & Kabat Named Super Lawyers for 2013
- Court Holds for Government Security Clearance Secrecy
- Employees Allege Multiple Violations Against Large Television Corporation
- Federal News Radio Discusses Contractor Practices With Lynne Bernabei After Navy Yard Shooting
- Federal News Radio Hosts Lynne Bernabei to Discuss New Security Clearance Guidelines
- Federal News Radio Hosts Lynne Bernabei to Discuss New Security Clearance Guidelines(2)
- Former American University Professor Encounters Age Discrimination in Bid for Tenure
- Former CVS Pharmacist Alleges Wrongful Termination
- Lynne Bernabei Addresses Legislation Regarding Sexual Assault Victims in the Military
- Lynne Bernabei Attends 50th Anniversary Celebration Hosted by President Obama
- Lynne Bernabei on TV News Panel to Discuss George Zimmerman, Civil Rights Violation
- Lynne Bernabei Speaks at ABA Forum
- New York State Senate Introduces Legislation to Provide Employment Protection for Interns:
- Phoenix New Times Runs Three-Part Series on Whistleblower Police Officers
- Popular Georgetown Assistant Professor of Middle East Politics Denied Tenure
- Representing National Security Whistleblowers
- Vindication for Johns Hopkins Client
- Washington Post Reports on Johns Hopkins, Cancer Research Whistleblower
- Whistleblower Client Featured in LA Times
News 2012
- B&W Charitable Client, KindHearts, Settles with Government
- B&W Partners Named Top Attorneys in D.C. Area by Super Lawyers
- Client Injured During Protest at Capitol Reaches Settlement
- Court Denies Georgetown’s Motion to Dismiss Age Discrimination Case
- Ex-CVS Pharmacist Alleges Risks to Patients
- Firm Client Interviewed on Democracy Now
- Inside Higher Ed Discusses Several Firm Cases Against DePaul
- Lynne Bernabei and Alan Kabat Touch on Social Media’s Role in Employment Law
- Lynne Bernabei Discusses Whistleblower Protection Act Amendments with Federal News Radio
- Lynne Bernabei Interviewed on Federal News Radio About Judicial Review Case
- Lynne Bernabei Part of March 28th Arabesque Lecture Series at ADC
- Lynne Bernabei Presents to D.C. Bar on Parents in the Workplace
- Lynne Bernabei Quoted on Federal Employee Security Clearance Ruling
- Partners Listed as Top Rated Lawyers
- Whistleblower Client Profiled in LA Monitor
News 2011
- Al Haramain Appealing Terrorist Designation by U.S. Government
- B&W Represented A Whistleblower at the Byron Nuclear Power Plant
- B&W Represented Whistleblowers at the Los Alamos Nuclear Lab
- CBS Investigates Watts Bar Nuclear Power Plant
- Employment Case Against Fannie Mae
- Fannie Mae Conservator Wants In On Wrongful Termination Suit
- Favorable Ruling in Fannie Mae Whistleblower Case
- Firm Client Discusses Inherent Discrimination In Law School Faculty Hiring
- Firm Highlighted in “Super Lawyers” Magazine
- Former Attorney General Passed Up For Interviews, Alleges Age Discrimination
- Glenn Walp Publishes Book on Whistleblower Experience
- Lynne Bernabei, Ann Harris Discuss Nuclear Plant Problem On The Progressive Radio Network
- Lynne Bernabei Interviewed for “Equality Matters” on White House Protests
- Lynne Bernabei Named to the 2011 Edition of Super Lawyers for Washington, D.C.
- Lynne Bernabei Quoted on Herman Cain Harassment Controversy
- Lynne Bernabei Responds to Comment by Sean Hannity on Unemployment Discrimination Bill
- More Tenure Troubles at DePaul
- Ninth Circuit Decision Is Partial Victory For Oregon Non-Profit Group And Its Supporters
- Our Firm Represents DePaul University Female Professors
- Partners Author Piece On SEC’s Dodd-Frank Regulations For The National Law Journal
- Racial and Sexual Harassment Employment Law
- Washingtonian Again Recognizes Lynne Bernabei Among the Top Employment and Civil Rights Lawyers
- Watts Bar’s Culture of “Intimidation” Highlighted
News 2010
- 2010 Lawdragon Top 3000
- Al Haramain and Lawyers Win Summary Judgment on Claims of Warrantless Wiretapping
- Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant (Alabama)
- Court Ruling on Wiretap Is a Challenge for Obama
- Fannie Mae Critic Sues Over Firing
- Federal Aid Program Failing Homeowners
- Fired Worker’s Suit Raises Questions on Nuclear Plant’s Safety
- How Safe Is Security At The Byron Nuclear Power Plant
- Lynne and Alan Listed in 2011 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America
- Lynne Bernabei and Alan Kabat Have Been Listed in the 2011 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America®
- Lynne Listed as One of The Top 50 Women Attorneys
- Mary Moran v. NFL Players Association Lawsuit
- Moran v. NFL Players Association
- Mortgage Madness
- Motion Granted to Strike Defendants’ Expert Witness
- Protest of Termination of Rabbi Miller
- Security Violations at Peach Bottom
- Suit Against UNICCO Services Company
News 2009
- 2009 Best Lawyers in Washingtonian
- 87OrderandOpinion-Aug18-09.pdf
- Amicus Brief
- B&W Represents Faculty Members at DePaul University (Chicago)
- Changing Currents in Employment Law
- Column in The National Law Journal
- Ethical Obligations
- KindHearts for Charitable Humanitarian Development
- Lynne Bernabei Comments on Nomination of Eric Holder
- Lynne Included in 2010 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America
- Top 50 Women Attorneys
- WashingtonPost-Oct-16-09.pdf
News 2008
- Alan Kabat’s Commentary Published in The National Law Journal
- Al Haramain Islamic Foundation, Inc.
- B&W Defend Peach Bottom Nuclear Power Plant Whistleblower
- B&W Represents Dr. M Hahn
- Bernabei has been recognized as one of the Top Washington D.C. Lawyers by Super Lawyers
- Congress Limps Toward Product Safety Reform
- Court Blocks Government From Designating Charity As “Terrorist”
- Dems’ Love for Us is on the Down-low
- DNC Discrimination Lawsuit
- DNC Lawsuit Ensnares Lesbian Activist, Donor
- DNC Seeks to Halt Leaks Stemming from Lawsuit Gay
- Do the Wrong Thing
- Executive Resigns in Storm Over Sleeping Guards
- Favorable Result in High Profile Sexual Orientation and Defamation Case
- Lynne Bernabei has been Appointed to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer’s Audit Committee
- Lynne Selected in the 2009 Edition The Best Lawyers in America
- Philip Agee
- State Secrets: A Government Misstep in a Wiretapping Case
- TVA Activist Jumps Back into Fray
- TVA to Supply Own Nuke Security
- TVA Whistle-blowers Contacted by Feds
- Washington, D. C. Super Lawyers 2007 & 2008
News 2007
- B&W Represents Client Against Ballard Spahr
- Bernabei, Lynne. “New Age Cross-Examination” Edited and Introduced by Larry King.
- Bernabei & Kabat, PLLC, Welcomes New Member to Firm.
- CBS Evening News to Run Story Featuring Peach Bottom Whistleblower
- Donald Hitchcock, Client of Bernabei & Kabat, PLLC
- Expert Witnesses in Plaintiff’s Employment Cases
- Feared Employment-Law Plaintiffs’ Attorneys
- Garcetti: Nine Months Later, How Have the Federal Courts Analyzed ‘Duty Speech’ by Government Employees with First Amendment Claims?
- Lynne Bernabei & Alan Kabat Represent a Partner at the Ballard Spahr Law Firm
- Lynne Bernabei Appears on NBC News
- Lynne Bernabei has been recognized as one of Top Washington D.C. Lawyers 2007
- Lynne Bernabei Quoted in the LegalTimes.com
- Lynne Bernabei Quoted in the National Law Journal
- Lynne Bernabei Speaks at Congressional Staff Briefing
- Lynne in CCH Labor Law Reports
- Lynne Selected as One of the 500 Leading Plaintiff Lawyers In America
- Mediation Ordered in Gay Man’s Lawsuit Against DNC
- NBC Questions Sexual Harassment Expert Lynne Bernabei
- New Attorney Joins Bernabei & Kabat, PLLC
- New York Times Interviews Client of B&W
- Nuclear Plant Whistle-Blower Retains Bernabei & Kabat, PLLC
- Our View on Nuclear Security: Asleep on the Job
- Peach Bottom Whistleblower Profiled in Patriot News
- Policy & Practice Magazine Publishes David Wachtel’s Article
- Professor Norman Finkelstein and DePaul End Tenure Dispute
- Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
- Scuffle at Ballard Spahr
- Seven Questions for Sarbanes-Oxley Whistleblowers to Ask
- The Firm Represented Professor Norman Finkelstein
News 2006
- Alan Kabat Named Partner
- B&W Awarded Presidential Citation
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- Intentional Discrimination & Retaliation Case
- Kolbe Assailed in Foley Scandal
- Lynne Bernabei Featured on Lawyers and Business Executives in the News
- Lynne Bernabei is Listed in the Twelfth (2006) and Thirteenth (2007) Editions of The Best Lawyers in America
- Lynne Bernabei Participated in a “Meet America’s Best Lawyers” Broadcast
- Lynne Bernabei Selected as One of The Leading Lawyers in America
- Lynne Speaks at D.C. Bar Conference
- Major Victory for Los Alamos Whistleblowers
- Sarbanes-Oxley Act
- SOX Whistle-Blowers Find Little Relief in Federal Court, Say Practitioners. by Linda Friedman Aug. 15, 2006
- The ACLU’s Man From the FBI
- Whistle-blowers Tell of Cost of Conscience
Older News
- “Court Adopts Strict Test for Harassment Liability,” Legal Times, July 12, 1999
- “How (Not) To Litigate A Sexual Harassment Class Action,” 19 Labor Lawyer 129 (Fall 2003).
- Harassment in the Workplace
- Protect Clients’ Private Health Records
- Proving Damages in Litigating Employment Cases
- Remedies in Employment Litigation
- Retaliation in the Workplace
- Stock Options and Employment Discrimination Law
- The Status of Private Practice Physicians Under Employment Discrimination and Labor Laws
- Whistleblower Litigation: Limitations on the Employment-at-Will Doctrine