Employment Contracts

Since 2005, Chris Houk has been a dedicated advocate for the rights of Arizona’s workers, managers, and employers. From representing clients in small-town discrimination cases to arguing before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Chris has tirelessly worked to ensure that everyone is treated with the fairness, dignity, and respect they deserve. Chris’s extensive experience includes serving in the Civil Rights Division of the Arizona Attorney General’s Office and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. These roles have given him a deep understanding of the laws and regulations that govern employment in Arizona. In addition to his legal practice, Chris is an adjunct professor at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. He also serves as an officer of the National Employment Lawyers Association, Co-Chair of the American Bar Association’s Labor & Employment Section, and is a Fellow with the American Bar Foundation. Outside of work, Chris is actively involved in the Arizona and Metro Phoenix communities, where he and his wife are raising their three children.

Mr. Melehy began his legal career in 1987 as a judicial law clerk to Maryland Court of Appeals Judge William H. Adkins II, followed by eight years as an Assistant Attorney General with the Maryland Attorney General’s Office. During that time, he developed significant courtroom experience and became a seasoned trial lawyer. Since 1997, Mr. Melehy has focused on advocating for employees in disputes involving wage violations, discrimination, and other workplace injustices, representing clients across both the private sector and federal government. He has secured numerous favorable verdicts, judgments, and settlements, many of which have resulted in lasting changes to employment law. Mr. Melehy holds an AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell — the highest available — reflecting his legal ability and ethical standards. He is admitted to practice in Maryland and the District of Columbia and has served in leadership roles with several employment rights and civil justice organizations, including MWELA and the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs. If you're facing an issue with your employer and need strong legal representation, contact Melehy & Associates LLC today at 301-587-6364 or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation.

Ross I. Molho is a knowledgeable attorney who concentrates his practice in the areas of employment and labor law for employers and employees, business law, commercial litigation, and representation for non-profits. Understanding the potential cost of legal services, Attorney Molho works diligently to solve his client's legal matters in an efficient manner. In 2021, Ross established Molho and Associates, LLC. Located in Wheaton, IL, Attorney Molho and his team represent individuals, families, and businesses throughout the Greater Chicago area. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced Wheaton labor law attorney, call 630-517-2622.

I live in a great community in New Jersey, where I am actively involved in my community. My wife and I met in high school, went to college together, have been married for over 25 years, and plan to grow old together. We have three beautiful daughters who, as I accept, run my life! I have held several local positions in my town, always staying involved to help others, such as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary club, I have spent time as a baseball, softball, basketball and soccer coach, a member of the YMCA Board and Soccer Club Board. I live and practice law by the theory that if you do right by people, you will do well. This means I take the time to explain to my clients the details of their case, how it is progressing, and the options they may be able to explore. My integrity, high standards, morals, and honesty have made me a caring and skilled attorney who has earned respect from my colleagues as well as my adversaries. I am here to help you. I will offer an honest and fair evaluation of your case up front and discuss whether I believe your case is worth pursuing or if there is an alternate course of action that may provide you with better closure. In trying to produce the best outcome for your situation, I treat you like I would treat my own family. To me, you are more than a client.

Deena R. Merlen is a Partner at the firm. She serves clients at both our New York and Stamford offices and heads the Connecticut practice. Her practice areas include intellectual property, employment and labor law, media and entertainment, general business law, commercial transactions and dispute resolution. In her employment practice, Ms. Merlen is a trusted “go to” problem solver and counsel to individuals, established name brand companies and startups alike. She has extensive experience representing clients in matters including general counseling, discrimination actions, mediations and dispute resolution, investigations by federal or state agencies, as well as wage and hour claims and other labor law matters. She also advises on and regularly negotiates employment and separation agreements, independent contractor arrangements and other services-related arrangements. Ms. Merlen also counsels clients on employment and business matters in response to a crisis or other unexpected business impact, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting business closures, including continuity plans, employee furloughs, reductions in force and other critical measures. In her intellectual property practice, Ms. Merlen helps her clients with the development, acquisition and protection of their valuable brands and other vital intellectual property assets. She manages and grows trademark portfolios in the U.S. and internationally; negotiates licensing, assignment, distribution and branding agreements; prosecutes trademark and copyright registrations; enforces intellectual property rights; and provides strategic counsel to safeguard brand platforms and expand the value of her clients’ intellectual property assets. Ms. Merlen’s media practice encompasses the development and protection of creative works in the fields of music, film, television, theatre, publishing, literary arts, performing arts, design and technology. She ran her own business in the entertainment industry for over a decade and brings that business experience and acumen to her legal practice. In addition, Ms. Merlen provides general business counsel and represents clients in company and transactional matters such as partnerships, joint ventures, licensing arrangements, the purchase or sale of businesses, and a wide range of other corporate matters, including company formation, capitalization and governance, compliance and contracts. Representative clients include technology companies, schools and other academic institutions, personal care and beauty companies, fashion and design companies, media, arts and entertainment companies, wholesalers, retailers and more. Prior to her work with RPJ, Ms. Merlen served as Law Clerk to The Honorable Roger J. Miner of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, after which she joined Debevoise & Plimpton, where she practiced for over five years in the areas of corporate law and intellectual property. Ms. Merlen is admitted to practice in Connecticut and New York.

Deena R. Merlen is a Partner at the firm. She serves clients at both our New York and Stamford offices and heads the Connecticut practice. Her practice areas include intellectual property, employment and labor law, media and entertainment, general business law, commercial transactions and dispute resolution. In her employment practice, Ms. Merlen is a trusted “go to” problem solver and counsel to individuals, established name brand companies and startups alike. She has extensive experience representing clients in matters including general counseling, discrimination actions, mediations and dispute resolution, investigations by federal or state agencies, as well as wage and hour claims and other labor law matters. She also advises on and regularly negotiates employment and separation agreements, independent contractor arrangements and other services-related arrangements. Ms. Merlen also counsels clients on employment and business matters in response to a crisis or other unexpected business impact, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting business closures, including continuity plans, employee furloughs, reductions in force and other critical measures. In her intellectual property practice, Ms. Merlen helps her clients with the development, acquisition and protection of their valuable brands and other vital intellectual property assets. She manages and grows trademark portfolios in the U.S. and internationally; negotiates licensing, assignment, distribution and branding agreements; prosecutes trademark and copyright registrations; enforces intellectual property rights; and provides strategic counsel to safeguard brand platforms and expand the value of her clients’ intellectual property assets. Ms. Merlen’s media practice encompasses the development and protection of creative works in the fields of music, film, television, theatre, publishing, literary arts, performing arts, design and technology. She ran her own business in the entertainment industry for over a decade and brings that business experience and acumen to her legal practice. In addition, Ms. Merlen provides general business counsel and represents clients in company and transactional matters such as partnerships, joint ventures, licensing arrangements, the purchase or sale of businesses, and a wide range of other corporate matters, including company formation, capitalization and governance, compliance and contracts. Representative clients include technology companies, schools and other academic institutions, personal care and beauty companies, fashion and design companies, media, arts and entertainment companies, wholesalers, retailers and more. Prior to her work with RPJ, Ms. Merlen served as Law Clerk to The Honorable Roger J. Miner of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, after which she joined Debevoise & Plimpton, where she practiced for over five years in the areas of corporate law and intellectual property. Ms. Merlen is admitted to practice in Connecticut and New York.

Christopher L. Strohbehn is a shareholder at Mallery s.c. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With over 20 years of legal experience, he remains dedicated to helping clients navigate challenging situations. His calming presence provides much-needed reassurance during times of uncertainty. Christopher has built a diverse litigation, practice, handling personal injury, insurance coverage disputes, civil litigation, and commercial property tax appeals. He enjoys strategizing on complex matters and effectively manages cases that intersect multiple practice areas. His vision, attention to detail, and approachable nature contribute to his success in achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. His practice covers the entire state of Wisconsin, representing a wide range of clients, including individuals, small businesses, and large corporations. Regardless of the client, he brings a sense of resolve and practicality to each case, working diligently to find the best solutions. Christopher has significant experience litigating in appellate courts across Wisconsin, including serving as lead counsel in cases before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. He has also been actively involved in the legal community, serving as President of the Milwaukee Young Lawyer's Association and as a board member of the Wisconsin Association for Justice. In addition to his professional endeavors, Christopher has remained engaged in his community, including serving as an alternate on the City of Milwaukee's Administrative Review and Appeals Board and as President of a downtown Condominium Association. He currently enjoys spending his free time with family, grilling, and attending his daughter's basketball games. Originally from Rock Island, Illinois, he is an enthusiastic supporter of the Cubs, Bears, and his alma mater, the University of Illinois. To schedule a consultation, please visit the website or call 414-271-2424.

L. ERIC EBBERT is the owner of the Ebbert Law Firm, which he created in 2020. He is licensed in both Tennessee and Florida. He practices in the areas of Labor & Employment law - Management, business litigation, and health care liability. His emphasis on Labor & Employment law includes counseling and defending employers in state and federal courts and before government agencies under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, National Labor Relations Act, and state employment laws; conducting high-level investigations; management training; and employment contracts. His litigation practice also includes real property, breach of contract, tort liability, products liability, and health care liability, as well as the full spectrum of business-to-business litigation. Eric has tried more than 30 cases, representing regional, national, and multi-national companies, through all stages of litigation and appeals. Eric received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Brigham Young University and his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law. He is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Tennessee, and the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida, and the U.S. Tax Court. He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America® in the field of Litigation/Labor & Employment. Since 2007 Eric has served as a member of the District Investigatory Committee of the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners. He is a member of the Tennessee and Knoxville Bar Associations, a member of SHRM, and a member of the Board of the Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service, Inc. He devotes his personal time to family and church.

Peter A. Romero has practiced exclusively in the area of employment law for 16 years. Mr. Romero regularly represents both employers and employees in workplace litigation, including trial and appellate practice, administrative proceedings before the Department of Labor, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and New York State Division of Human Rights. He is highly experienced in complex litigation, including collective and class action lawsuits.

For over 25 years, Andrea has developed a comprehensive understanding of employment law by representing both employers and employees at various stages of her career, enabling her to navigate the legal landscape from multiple perspectives. Her broad experience defending employers—particularly in her current practice at Moss Byrnes PLLC and prior roles with management has given her deep insight into employer strategies, risk assessment, and decision-making processes in litigation, investigations, and compliance matters. This distinctive background makes her particularly well-suited to represent employees facing workplace legal issues, as she anticipates and counters employer defenses effectively while advocating vigorously for individual rights. Andrea handles all phases of litigation in state and federal courts, as well as proceedings before administrative agencies such as the EEOC, New York State Division of Human Rights, and other bodies. She has defended and prosecuted claims arising under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and equivalent state laws, the New York State Human Rights Law, and wage and hour statutes. Andrea advises clients on compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, best practices for risk minimization, employee discipline, and sensitive terminations. She counsels on a wide range of issues, including employee classifications, overtime, and restrictive covenants. Her practice includes drafting and reviewing employment contracts, severance agreements, offer letters, non-compete and other restrictive covenants, employee handbooks, and personnel policies. Andrea frequently conducts independent workplace investigations into allegations of discrimination, harassment, and misconduct, and provides comprehensive training programs, including management-level and employee anti-harassment seminars. With extensive trial experience, including serving as lead counsel in dozens of federal and state trials and administrative hearings, Andrea incorporates alternative dispute resolution methods where aligned with client objectives to achieve efficient and favorable outcomes. Representative Matters include the following: · Resolved hundreds of employment disputes through arbitration and mediation, encompassing claims of discrimination based on age, race, religion, national origin, disability, and sexual orientation; sexual harassment; hostile work environment; wrongful termination; and retaliation. · Arbitrated and mediated high-stakes disputes concerning non-compete agreements and executive compensation packages. · Successfully resolved an employment dispute centered on a multi-million-dollar intellectual property issue. · Mediated and resolved claims of gender and religious discrimination on behalf of an employee at a nationally recognized marketing firm. · Successfully defended an employer against a multi-million-dollar wage and hour class action. · Secured six-figure settlement for employees who were improperly compensated for their work. · Negotiated numerous severance packages and separation agreements for executives and employees. · Produced workplace handbooks for employers across multiple jurisdictions. Andrea graduated from U-Mass Amherst summa cum laude and the University of Virginia Law School.