Laura Rubenstein, Principal
Labor And Employment Law
| Email: | lrubenstein@offitkurman.com |
| Office Phone: | 410.209.6433 |
| Fax: | 410.209.6435 |
| Mailing Address: | 300 E. Lombard Street Suite 2010 Baltimore, MD 21202 |
| Download vCard: | vCard |
Practice Areas
Practice Focus
Laura Rubenstein’s practice as an employment lawyer concentrates in general civil litigation and employment litigation, representing corporate clients and nonprofit agencies in a wide range of matters. These matters include the defense of state and federal discrimination claims, workplace and sexual harassment charges, ADA and ADEA claims, wage and hour issues, FMLA disputes, employment contracts, restrictive covenant agreements, general contract claims, employment-related and other business tort claims.
Mrs. Rubenstein also provides ongoing employment advice and training seminars to companies to implement and develop effective employment policies and procedures. She represents clients before numerous local, state, and federal administrative agencies and courts across the nation which enforce employment laws, as well as in arbitrations and other alternative dispute resolution proceedings. Mrs. Rubenstein also regularly advises clients on the design, implementation and regular reviews of employee handbooks, policies, and procedures.
Mrs. Rubenstein represents several government contractors in employment matters. She has successfully handled Department of Labor, OFCCP, and other federal agency investigations and subsequent charges related to I-9s, Affirmative Action Plans, and FLSA wage and hour issues under the Service Contract Act, Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act, and AbilityOne (NISH). Mrs. Rubenstein also investigates, responds, and successfully mediates discrimination claims filed by employees of government contractors in her work as a certified mediator.
Education
- J.D., University of Baltimore School of Law
- B.A., University of Maryland
Bar and Court Admissions
- U.S. Supreme Court
- Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
- U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
- U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
- All courts in Maryland and the District of Columbia
Activities
Mrs. Rubenstein is an active board member of the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Baltimore. She also serves as a member of Chimes' Human Rights Advisory Standing Committee where she advises the agency on legal and ethical issues surrounding care for individuals with disabilities. Mrs. Rubenstein is a former board member of the Jewish Big Brother Big Sister League in Baltimore; the past president of the Maryland Chapter of the Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA) and a former board member of the Chesapeake Human Resources Association (CHRA).
Points of Distinction
- Baltimore SmartCEO 2011 Legal Elite (November 2011 edition) – Mrs. Rubenstein was named as one of the "go-to attorneys" for labor and employment advice based on a poll of the readers.
- Baltimore SmartCEO 2010 Legal Elite (November 2010 edition) – Mrs. Rubenstein was named as one of the “go-to attorneys" for labor and employment advice based on a poll of the readers.
- Washington SmartCEO 2010 Legal Elite (December 2010 edition) – Mrs. Rubenstein was named as one of the “go-to attorneys" for labor and employment advice based on a poll of the readers.
- Baltimore SmartCEO 2009 Legal Elite (November 2009 edition) – Mrs. Rubenstein was identified as a "go-to attorney" on employment law matters by the readers of the magazine.
- Ms. Rubenstein has received the highest professional (AV) rating from her peers, as recorded by Martindale-Hubbell.
Publications/Speeches
As a labor and employment lawyer, Mrs. Rubenstein has authored several articles on labor and employment matters and has lectured on a number of related topics. This includes topics such as interviewing and hiring, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Maryland wage and hour laws, employment discrimination, discipline and discharge and workplace harassment investigations. Mrs. Rubenstein lectures regularly on various employment law topics for Maryland Works, an organization that advocates and promotes employment and economic opportunities for individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment, and The Beacon Institute, the education arm of Lifespan, a regional association serving those who own and run facilities for seniors. Mrs. Rubenstein provides a Q&A blog for Offit Kurman and gives seminars and in-house trainings for executives and management.
Events
Articles
- "Do I Owe My Employees Accrued Vacation Pay When They Leave?"
- What is an “EEO-1 Report” and does it apply to my company?
- My company usually hires fall interns who work without compensation. Does the law still allow this?
- I regularly notice certain employees carrying prayer mats or wearing religious clothing to work, should I inquire if they need a religious accommodation?
- My company has no security policy, but with the recent occurrences of workplace violence, shouldn’t we do something?
- As a new CEO, I have very little formal human resources education, so how do I ensure my HR department is in compliance with current laws?
- Is it true that the use of one racist, sexist or anti-religious statement in the workplace can constitute a hostile work environment?
- Do I owe “resignation” pay if my employee gave notice and I no longer want him to work?
- What should I know about the new Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9?
- Can I ask my employees to waive coverage under the company’s workers’ compensation policy if they become injured on the job?
- What options do employers have if they can’t accommodate an employee’s request for intermittent leave under the FMLA?
