Joshua specializes in labor employment law and has dedicated his legal career to advancing the interests of working people. He has practiced law for 24 years, and for 23 years has specialized in representing employees and labor unions. Joshua has represented clients in a wide range of judicial and administrative forums, including federal court, state court, private arbitration, and administrative law tribunals.
His work with employees includes representing individuals in litigation and other dispute resolution procedures in matters involving termination of employment, unlawful discrimination and harassment, and wage and hour violations. In addition, Joshua advises employees in non-litigation matters, such as working with current employees as to how to avoid potential terminations and advising clients in contract or severance negotiations.
Joshua has worked with labor unions in all aspects of representation, including organizing drives, grievance representation, contract negotiation, and duty of fair representation matters. Joshua also represents employee benefits funds in litigation and compliance-related matters.
Prior to founding the Law Offices of Joshua Parkhurst, Joshua had extensive experience at some of New York City’s most prestigious labor and employment law firms. From 1998-2006, he worked as an associate at Broach & Stulberg, LLP. From 2006-2013, he worked at Cary Kane LLP where he helped build the firm’s individual employment practice from scratch.
Joshua is a member of the National Employment Lawyers Association, and chair of the Labor Practice Group. He is also a member of the New York County Lawyers Association’s Labor Relations and Employment Law Committee.
Employment Discrimination
Joshua has served as counsel to numerous victims of employment discrimination in a wide variety of industries. Joshua’s clients include workers in the fields of education, public relations, information technology, hospitality, retail, telecommunications, finance, and real estate. Joshua has handled such matters successfully in federal and state courts and arbitral forums.
Contract and Severance Review
Joshua represents employees in transactional matters, including review and negotiation of severance agreements and advising and negotiating terms of employment contracts. Joshua advises employees in various industries in the private sector ranging from entry-level professionals signing their first offer letter to C-Suite Executives negotiating Executive Compensation packages.
Whistleblower
Joshua represents whistleblowers who report fraudulent or unlawful conduct by their employers, including claims brought under the False Claims Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Joshua served as counsel in the first published case to hold that, under the New York False Claims Act, a party may be liable for making a series of false statements to avoid an obligation to file taxes in New York State.
Non-Compete Covenants and Nondisclosure Agreements
Joshua represents employees in litigation concerning covenants not to compete and non-disclosure agreements. Joshua represents individuals against corporations that aggressively seek to limit their former employees’ ability to continue working in their industries. Joshua’s clients have included workers in the financial and information technology fields.
Civil Service/Public Sector
Joshua represents public sector employees of local, state, and federal agencies, including representation at administrative hearings, arbitrations, and court proceedings. Joshua has handled disciplinary matters, challenges to out-of-title work, and disputes over employment eligibility.
Academic/Education Employees
Joshua represents public school teachers and staff in court, administrative, and disciplinary proceedings. Joshua also represents university faculty members before faculty review committees and in court concerning tenure denials, reappointment denials, and disciplinary proceedings involving tenured faculty. Joshua is a referral attorney for the American Association of University Professors.
Labor Law
In addition to representing employees, Joshua represents labor unions in both the public and private sector. His representation has included unions in the fields of transportation, health care, food service, construction trades, and education.
