Brian S. Schaffer - New York, NY

Mr. Schaffer is a former Judicial Clerk in Kings County who began his legal career at one of the largest music publishing companies in the country, drafting contracts for artists and executives. Thereafter, he transitioned to a well-known employment law firm located in New York's financial district. During his tenure there, he litigated against some of the largest companies in the United States, advocating for those who were sexually harassed, discriminated against and wrongfully terminated. He also represented the interests of well-known sports figures, including several PGA golfers.

In recent years, the majority of Mr. Schaffer's caseload has been dedicated to representing clients before the United States District Courts in single-plaintiff, collective and class action lawsuits for failure to pay proper wages, overtime and commissions. Mr. Schaffer also represents individuals in a wide variety of labor and employment related litigation, including claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful discharge, failure to accommodate disabilities, family and medical leave violations, and breach of contract. In addition to employment litigation, Mr. Schaffer also negotiates severance agreements, executive compensation packages and limited liability company agreements.

Mr. Schaffer's handling of many high profile cases has resulted in his frequently being quoted in national publications and appearing on television. Recently, CBS Eye on America sought Mr. Schaffer's opinion for a full segment covering a sexual harassment case filed against the United States Postal Service.

Mr. Schaffer received his undergraduate degree in Philosophy, Politics and Law from Binghamton University and earned his Juris Doctor from New York Law School, where he was on the Dean's List. He is licensed to practice law in New York State and the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Mr. Schaffer is a member of the New York County Lawyers Association and the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) of New York.

Super Lawyers named Mr. Schaffer to its list of Rising Stars as one of the top attorneys in New York for 2012. Less than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in New York were selected to this list.