David E. Schwartz serves as global head of the firm's Labor and Employment Law Group. He advises clients on a full spectrum of employment-related issues.
Schwartz regularly represents clients before state and federal administrative agencies and courts, as well as in arbitration proceedings. His litigation experience includes defense of retaliation, discrimination, wage/hour, breach of contract and fraud claims, including potential class actions. Schwartz also regularly represents clients in cases concerning the enforcement of restrictive covenants and breaches of fiduciary duties.
Lawdragon Honors
| Honor | Year | Practice |
|---|---|---|
| The 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Corporate Employment Lawyers | 2026 | Labor & Employment, esp. Litigation |
| The 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Corporate Employment Lawyers | 2025 | Labor & Employment, esp. Litigation |
| The 2024 Lawdragon 500 Corporate Employment Lawyers | 2024 | Labor & Employment, esp. Litigation |
| Lawdragon Releases Latest Guide to the Leading Corporate Employment Lawyers in America | 2022 | Labor & Employment, esp. Litigation |
| Lawdragon's Leading Corporate Employment Lawyers of America | 2021 | Labor & Employment, esp. Litigation |
Schwartz often advises clients on non-litigation matters, as well as on a variety of ESG- and AI-related issues. In particular, he has worked with clients to:
- conduct internal investigations
- implement non-harassment policies
- create compensation programs
- negotiate employment and separation agreements
- negotiate collective bargaining agreements
- implement reduction-in-force plans
Schwartz also advises clients in connection with business transactions, including restructurings. His work in this area involves, among other things, the development and implementation of strategies to retain key executives and professionals.
Schwartz has represented a wide array of clients, ranging from new ventures to multinational corporations including, among many others, BlackRock, Inc.; BTG Pactual; Christie’s Inc.; Citigroup Inc.; Credit Suisse; C.V. Starr & Co.; DaimlerChrysler AG; Deloitte LLP; Dresdner Bank AG; Duff & Phelps Corp.; DuPont; Fortress Investment Group; Home Box Office, Inc.; Jackson National Life Insurance Company; Kinetic Concepts, Inc.; Mars, Incorporated; Practising Law Institute; Rite Aid Corporation; UGL Limited; Valeant Pharmaceuticals; Van Cleef & Arpels, Inc.; Veritas Capital; and Virgin Mobile USA.
Speaking Engagements
Speaker, “Potential Private Sector Implications of the Supreme Court’s Affirmative Action Ruling,” Skadden webinar, July 20, 2023
Speaker, “AI & the Workforce: IP, Employment and Privacy Considerations,” Skadden webinar, June 1, 2023
Speaker, “Reopening Your Business Post COVID-19: Emerging Legal, Compliance and Risk Issues,” SAI Global webinar, June 23, 2020
Speaker, “COVID-19: Employment and Cybersecurity Considerations,” Skadden webinar, March 17, 2020
Speaker, “Key Trends in Executive Compensation, Employment Law and Compensation Committee Practices,” Skadden webinar, February 5, 2019
Speaker, “Practical Approaches to Equal Pay Audits,” Skadden webinar, December 6, 2018
Speaker, “Equal Pay: Voluntary Disclosure, Activism and Litigation,” Skadden webinar, October 4, 2018
Speaker, “Key Trends in Executive Compensation, Employment Law and Compensation Committee Practices,” Skadden webinar, February 28, 2017