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Jennings Strouss Attorneys and Labor and Employment Practice Ranked in Chambers USA 2021
August 11, 2021
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, AZ (August 11, 2021) – Jennings, Strouss & Salmon, P.L.C., a leading Phoenix-based law firm, is pleased to announce that the Firm’s Labor and Employment practice group has been ranked in the 2021 edition of Chambers USA. Attorney John J. Balitis, Chair of the Firm’s Labor and Employment practice group was also ranked as a top Labor and Employment lawyer in Arizona for his seventh consecutive year. In addition, Jennings Strouss attorney Albert “Bert” Acken was ranked in the Arizona practice area of Environmental Law for his eighth consecutive year. Chambers USA ranks the top lawyers and law firms across all the United States of America.
“I am incredibly proud of John, Bert, and our Labor and Employment team for this accomplishment,” states John C. Norling, Managing Partner. “At Jennings Strouss, our clients are our first priority, so we are especially pleased to be ranked in the 2021 Chambers USA Guide as it relies heavily on client feedback and serves as a reflection of their satisfaction.”
Jennings Strouss’ management-oriented Labor and Employment practice provides full-service support to both public and private employers as they navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape. Whether you are looking to improve compliance and reduce risk, or address current claims, our team of experts is here to help. Our attorneys regularly provide advice and other assistance on such issues as: arbitration and mediation; COVID-19 related employment issues; discrimination and wrongful discharge claims; employee compensation programs and benefits plans; employee handbooks and policies; employee investigations; federal and state leave compliance; traditional labor issues; training; and wage and hour litigation.
“It’s an honor to be recognized both individually and as a team by Chambers USA,” states John J. Balitis. “The intense vetting and peer review that is involved in Chambers’ process makes this ranking unique and particularly meaningful.”
Balitis counsels private sector clients as well as government agencies, including the Arizona legislature, on a broad range of employment law and labor relations matters. Over his 30 years of practice, he has represented clients in administrative proceedings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), U.S. Department of Labor, National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Arizona Civil Rights Division, Arizona Industrial Commission, Arizona Department of Occupational Safety and Health, and the Arizona Department of Economic Security. Recognizing that some issues need to be resolved at the legislative level, Balitis has participated in drafting and testifying on Arizona employment-related legislation. In addition to the administrative and transactional aspects of his practice, Balitis litigates employment-related disputes in federal and state courts, where he has both bench and jury trial experience and has appeared and argued before the Arizona Court of Appeals. He has considerable experience prosecuting and defending employment claims in preliminary injunction proceedings and representing union employers in labor arbitrations involving disputes under collective bargaining agreements. Balitis also is experienced in training, investigating, writing, speaking, publishing, and interacting with the media on employment-related topics and developments. He also serves as an arbitrator and mediator for the American Arbitration Association. He participates in proceedings in these capacities in Arizona and other jurisdictions. Balitis was recently elected as a Fellow of The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, listed in AZ Big Media 2021 Top 100 Lawyers, listed in AZ Big Media AzBusiness Leaders for 2021, and a Southwest Super Lawyer in the category of Employment and Labor for 2021. He’s recognized by The Best Lawyers in America© in his practice area.
“I am humbled to be recognized by Chambers USA for another year,” states Bert Acken. “Thank you to my clients and peers for this honor.”
Acken represents clients in public utility commission and other administrative proceedings, compliance and enforcement matters, and environmental, real estate, and tax litigation. He also represents energy, utility, mining, and remediation clients in business transactions. He helps his clients develop and implement creative, effective, and efficient legal solutions to meet their objectives. Acken is an active member of the business community and serves as board counsel for an aggregate mining trade association. He is recognized as a leader in his field by The Best Lawyers in America© in the category of Environmental Law.
Chambers USA is published by London-based Chambers & Partners, which has been publishing legal directories for more than 20 years. Chambers USA bases its selections on interviews with a range of lawyers and their clients around the country. It bases its rankings on qualities including technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other categories most valued by clients.
About Jennings, Strouss & Salmon, PLC
For over 75 years, Jennings Strouss has been dedicated to providing clients with strategic legal guidance to help them seize every opportunity. The firm is well-known for its rich heritage, commitment to community, and long-lasting relationships. We have a deep understanding of business and law. When you work with us, you’ll have a team of legal experts who are dedicated to your vision of success.
Through our offices in Phoenix, Peoria, and Tucson, Arizona, and Washington, D.C., we leverage resources both regionally and nationally to serve our expanding client base. Jennings Strouss is deeply rooted in each of our locations’ legal and business communities, and is especially instrumental in helping shape the dynamic growth of Arizona and many of its institutions. The firm promotes a pragmatic, results-oriented approach, coupled with a healthy, well-managed, and friendly atmosphere of collaboration.
Our primary areas of practice include advertising and media law; agribusiness; automobile dealership law; bankruptcy, restructuring, and creditors’ rights; construction; corporate and securities; eminent domain and condemnation; employee benefits and pensions; energy; estate planning and probate; family law and domestic relations; finance; healthcare; insurance defense; intellectual property; labor and employment; legal ethics; litigation; medical malpractice; mergers and acquisitions; professional liability defense; real estate; surety and fidelity; and tax.
For additional information, please visit www.jsslaw.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.