Katherine Ondeck Kent

Associate

Washington, D.C.
T +1.202.861.1518
F +1.202.861.1783

Overview

Katherine Ondeck Kent represents employers on a broad range of labor and employment matters, including labor disputes, collective bargaining negotiations, employee relations, and employment counseling and litigation. She provides pragmatic, strategic advice that advances clients’ legal and business objectives.

Katherine represents employers in a wide array of industries, including hospitality, retail, media and healthcare. She routinely advises clients on effective labor management relations and state and federal employment-related laws. An experienced litigator and advisor, Katherine works with employers to develop and implement practical strategies to prevent, litigate and resolve employment- and labor-related issues.

Select Experience

  • Represented the University of Maryland, College Park in case before the State Higher Education Labor Relations Board regarding issues relating to the duty to bargain. After a multiday hearing and briefing, the Board ruled in our client’s favor and dismissed the unfair labor practice charge. SHELRB ULP 2021-01: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees v. University of Maryland College Park.
  • Negotiated a collective bargaining agreement on behalf of a global hospitality company that met both its economic and operational needs.
  • Successfully defended an international hotel chain against discrimination claims brought by former employee.
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Experience

  • Represented the University of Maryland, College Park in case before the State Higher Education Labor Relations Board regarding issues relating to the duty to bargain. After a multiday hearing and briefing, the Board ruled in our client’s favor and dismissed the unfair labor practice charge. SHELRB ULP 2021-01: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees v. University of Maryland College Park.
  • Negotiated a collective bargaining agreement on behalf of a global hospitality company that met both its economic and operational needs.
  • Successfully defended an international hotel chain against discrimination claims brought by former employee.
  • Defended a government contractor against claims of discrimination and retaliation under Title VII, the ADEA, and 42 U.S.C. § 1981. Drafted the motion to dismiss, which was granted by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia with respect to all counts.
  • Drafted and argued a demurrer on behalf of a private university in a case brought by a former student who was expelled as a result of the university’s disciplinary process and asserted discrimination claims under Title IX, as well as assorted state law claims.
  • Drafted motion to dismiss on behalf of a security management company in a reverse discrimination case brought by a former employee.
  • Served as second chair for a full bench trial before the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland in an insurance coverage dispute action and obtained a verdict in favor of our client on all counts.
  • Drafted motion to dismiss on behalf of an electronic tracking company, obtaining complete dismissal of a factually complex case involving claims of breach of contract, breach of warranty, violation of the Maryland Consumer Protection Act, negligence, and other assorted state law claims.
  • Defended an international hotel chain in a reverse discrimination case brought by a former employee. Developed case strategy; interviewed employees and management-side witnesses; drafted written discovery requests and responses; and deposed the plaintiff.

Recognitions and Memberships

Recognitions

  • The Best Lawyers in America® (2021 to 2023)
    • “Ones to Watch” District of Columbia: Litigation - Labor and Employment

Memberships

  • American Bar Association

Prior Positions

  • The Honorable John H. Bayly, Jr, Superior Court of the District of Columbia: Judicial Intern

Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, District of Maryland
  • U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia
  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland
  • Virginia

Education

  • J.D., The George Washington University Law School, 2013
  • B.A., University of Maryland, 2010

Blog

In The Blogs

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Employment Law Spotlight
New DC Law Protects Marijuana Users from Adverse Employment Actions
By Todd H. Lebowitz, Katherine Ondeck Kent
July 25, 2022
Washington, D.C., employers will soon be prohibited from disciplining, terminating or refusing to hire individuals based on marijuana use or a positive marijuana test. The Cannabis Employment Protections Amendment Act of 2022 will take...
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