Joseph C. O'Keefe is a partner in the Labor & Employment Law Department and Co-Head of the Restrictive Covenants, Trade Secrets & Unfair Competition Group.
Joe is an experienced trial lawyer who, for more than 30 years, has litigated employment disputes of all types on behalf of employers, before federal and state courts, arbitral tribunals (e.g. FINRA and AAA), and state and federal administrative agencies throughout the U.S. Joe has litigated employment-related lawsuits alleging breach of non-compete agreements, theft of trade secrets, discrimination, sexual harassment, whistleblowing, wage and hour violations, Title IX violations, breach of contract, defamation, fraud and other business related torts. Joe’s practice includes representing clients in complex class and collective litigation, including alleged violation of state and federal pay equity laws, violations of wage and hour laws and discrimination claims. Joe's experience includes appellate work in both federal and state courts.
In addition to his extensive litigation practice, Joe regularly advises employers, writes and speaks on a wide range of employment related issues. He counsels clients concerning pay equity, use of Artificial Intelligence in the workplace, management of personnel problems, ADA/FMLA compliance, reductions in force, investigation of employee complaints, state and federal leave laws, wage and hour issues, employment policies and contracts.
Joe represents employers in a variety of industries including financial services, higher education (colleges and universities), pharmaceuticals/medical devices, health care, technology, communications, fashion, consumer products, publishing, media and real estate. He frequently writes articles concerning developments in the law and speaks at seminars concerning legal developments in the labor and employment law field.
With Honors
Member, George Washington Journal of International Law
New Jersey State Bar Association
Essex County Bar Association
American Bar Association
New Jersey Super Lawyers 2015-2017
New York Legal Aid Society Pro Bono Publico Award 2007
New York Legal Aid Society Pro Bono Award 2006
Benchmark Labor & Employment Stars 2019-2021
The Legal 500 United States: Litigation: Trade Secrets 2021
The Legal 500 United States: Labor & Employment: Disputes (including Collective Actions): Defense 2019-2021
Best Lawyers in America 2023-2024
Defense verdict in an eight-week New Jersey Superior Court jury trial concerning alleged discrimination on the basis of age, disability and religion