Jeffrey R. Vlasek

Partner

Cleveland
T +1.216.861.7421
F +1.216.696.0740

Overview

Jeff Vlasek has practiced labor and employment law for nearly 15 years, and his experience draws from virtually every aspect of the field. He has represented clients in class and collective actions, as well as single-plaintiff discrimination litigation. Jeff also handles restrictive covenant litigation, including both enforcing and defending non-compete and non-solicitation agreements. In addition, Jeff has a background in labor law, including collective bargaining negotiations and appearing on behalf of management in arbitration proceedings. 

Jeff connects with clients using a hands-on approach to personally understand the details and operations of their businesses and provide effective representation throughout any issues. He frequently works with executives, human resources personnel and all facets of management, and has been a repeat speaker at CLE seminars on labor law updates for the past several years.

Select Experience

  • Regularly represents clients in class and collective actions for alleged wage and hour violations involving more than 500 opt-in plaintiffs.
  • Drafted and secured summary judgment in a myriad of single-plaintiff discrimination lawsuits.
  • Successfully represented management clients at labor arbitrations regarding employee discharge.
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Experience

  • Regularly represents clients in class and collective actions for alleged wage and hour violations involving more than 500 opt-in plaintiffs.
  • Drafted and secured summary judgment in a myriad of single-plaintiff discrimination lawsuits.
  • Successfully represented management clients at labor arbitrations regarding employee discharge.
  • Routinely manages and conducts discovery in class action litigation, including damages analysis and litigation strategy.
  • Enforced and defended non-compete and non-solicitation agreements, including arguing and receiving grants of preliminary injunctions against violators.
  • Regularly investigates, drafts position statements for, argues and receives dismissal entries on behalf of clients for EEOC and related state commission charges.
  • Represented clients at proceedings before administrative law judges, including unfair labor practice charges and allegations of disability discrimination.
  • Advises clients on day-to-day employee issues, including discipline, leave, workplace harassment and discrimination, and terminations.

Recognitions and Memberships

Recognitions

  • The Legal 500 United States (2016)
    • Recommended in Labor and Employment: Labor and employment disputes (including collective actions) - defense
  • Ohio Super Lawyers "Rising Star" (2014 to 2020)
  • Speaker at NLRB Developments Seminar (2019 to 2021)

Memberships

  • American Bar Association
  • Ohio State Bar Association

Community

  • NewBridge Cleveland Center for Arts and Technology: Board of Directors

Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, 2009
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit, 2014
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 2014
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Indiana, 2014
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio, 2010
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, 2008
  • U.S. District Court, District of Colorado, 2015
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, 2017
  • U.S. District Court, District of New Mexico
  • Ohio, 2007

Education

  • J.D., The University of Iowa College of Law, 2007, with distinction
  • M.A., Cleveland State University, 2004, English, passed thesis exam with honors
  • B.A., Miami University, 2002, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa

Blog

In The Blogs

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Employment Class Action Blog
Coinbase Inc. v. Bielski – Supreme Court Holds Oral Argument on the Issue of Whether an Interlocutory Appeal of the Denial of a Motion To Compel Arbitration Stays the Case
March 24, 2023
The Coinbase case involves a joint petition for writ of certiorari that could have a major impact on motions to compel arbitration under the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA). Coinbase, Inc. v. Bielski, Case No. 22-105 (oral argument Mar. 21...
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Employment Class Action Blog
Supreme Court Adopts Strict Construction of Salaried Test, Even for Highly Paid Exempt Employees
By Gregory V. Mersol
February 22, 2023
One relatively common misapprehension by employers is that generous wages or popular methods of payment will satisfy the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). On February 22, 2023, the Supreme Court reiterated the need not simply for “fair”...
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Employment Class Action Blog
Illinois Supreme Court: Sections 15(b) and 15(d) BIPA Claims Accrue with Each Scan or Transmission
February 17, 2023
Today the Illinois Supreme Court issued a decision in Cothron v. White Castle System, Inc. 2023 IL 128004, in which the court held that the statute of limitations accrues with each scan or transmission of biometric identifiers or biometric...
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Employment Class Action Blog
Illinois Supreme Court: 5-Year Statute of Limitations for BIPA Claims
February 2, 2023
Earlier today, the Illinois Supreme Court issued a decision in Tims v. Black Horse Carriers, Inc., 2023 IL 127801, in which the court held that a five-year statute of limitations applies to all claims arising under the Illinois Biometric...
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Employment Class Action Blog
A Recent DoorDash Opinion Addresses Several Pivotal Arbitration Issues
By John B. Lewis
January 23, 2023
Two DoorDash delivery drivers filed a class action against the company and two of its employees alleging violations of federal and state wage and hour laws. After removal of the case to the Southern District of New York, the defendants...
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