Phillips Lytle LLP Partner James D. Donathen Presents at American Arbitration Association Program “Perfecting Your Labor Advocacy”

PHILLIPS LYTLE LLP PARTNER JAMES D. DONATHEN PRESENTS AT AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION PROGRAM “PERFECTING YOUR LABOR ADVOCACY”

Buffalo, N.Y. – Phillips Lytle LLP Partner James D. Donathen presented at the American Arbitration Association (AAA) program titled “Perfecting Your Labor Advocacy.” The event took place on Thursday, November 2 at the AAA office located at 250 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo.

The program introduced participants to the skills required to present a case to an arbitrator. It was designed for labor and management representatives including union representatives, human resources professionals, attorneys, shop stewards, business agents, and individuals who assist advocates in the preparation and presentation of evidence for labor arbitration cases. With the use of lectures, facilitated discussions, and practical exercises the program examined how to:

• Develop a theory of the case
• Prepare an opening statement
• Present evidence in an arbitration setting
• Prepare and work with witnesses
• Choose between oral and written closing arguments

Participants role-played aspects of the case preparation process – where the task was to make an award and justify the decision.

Mr. Donathen has practiced in the area of workplace law and litigation for more than 30 years. Mr. Donathen handles federal and state discrimination lawsuits and agency charges under Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA and the N.Y. Human Rights Law, and investigates and litigates employee disloyalty matters, including covenants not to compete, trade secrets, confidential information and theft of product.