Top employment law firms from around the world have joined together today to launch an international network sourcing legal advice for international executives and other employees on employment law issues.
The Lawyers International Network for Executives and Employees (LINEE) is the world’s first employment and labor law network dedicated exclusively to the needs and protection of executives and other employees who work in an international environment.
LINEE was launched today by Outten & Golden LLP and Slater & Gordon LLP from the US and UK respectively, with ten firms from ten countries making up the membership. Aside from the US and UK, LINEE has selected firm members in Australia, Ireland, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, and Canada.
In an increasingly globalized business world, a growing number of employees need employment lawyers with expertise at the highest level and with a reputation for getting results. LINEE therefore will provide cross-border legal services for such employees in the main financial centers of the world.
In many cases, expertise in more than one jurisdiction is needed. By developing strong ties between members to build knowledge and expertise on issues arising in other jurisdictions, LINEE lawyers will offer clients a collaborative approach, which is especially useful when jurisdictional issues arise. LINEE also will share “best practices” between members and will build relationships with potential partners in other professional services and in other jurisdictions.
Wayne Outten, co-chair of the network and managing partner of Outten & Golden LLP, commented:
“We created LINEE to provide a network of firms with the expertise to serve the needs of employees, particularly executives, with respect to all matters relating to multinational employment, ranging from employment and separation agreements and international restrictive covenants to arbitration and litigation of claims based on discrimination, retaliation, or breach of contract.”
“We are confident that LINEE will continue to grow as Outten & Golden’s own international practice has”, says partner Wendi S. Lazar, “so that we can enhance our coverage of the world’s major business centers. In time, we expect that LINEE and its member firms will be the first port of call for employees seeking the highest quality legal and professional advice relating to international employment issues and problems.”
Paul Daniels, a Senior Partner in employment law at Slater & Gordon said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for some of the world’s top employment law firms to help each other deal with the growing number of employment issues faced by international executives.
“For the first time, a strong international network will exist to serve the interests of executives and employees, in contrast to the range of networks out there servicing companies.
“Senior executives often face employment issues where the relevant jurisdiction is not immediately clear or involving multi border legal claims. LINEE will provide expertise in establishing which legal system applies, and through collaboration, our members can provide best advice with a true understanding of the international dimension.”