Profile

Austin is a seasoned labor and employment attorney and litigator who serves both the private and public sectors. He brings unique experience serving manufacturing, construction, and nonprofit clients as well as public sector clients, including counties, municipalities, and other public authorities. Leveraging over a decade of legal practice, Austin assists businesses, nonprofits, and public entities in navigating legal and strategic challenges in the workplace.

Employment counseling and litigation

He provides day-to-day counseling on a range of federal and state employment laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and similar state laws, collaborating closely with clients to develop pragmatic solutions to evolving legal and regulatory issues.

Austin regularly defends employers in federal and state court litigation and before administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC). Austin is admitted to practice in all federal and state trial courts across Pennsylvania and the Third Circuit, and he brings a comprehensive understanding of the litigation process. His experience includes handling complex disputes involving discrimination, wrongful termination, and wage and hour violations, including the defense of class action claims.

Labor relations and collective bargaining

He also represents clients in labor matters, including representing management in negotiations, arbitrations, and proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board (PLRB). He advises clients on collective bargaining agreements, and strategies for maintaining a positive and compliant work environment. His guidance helps employers proactively address potential labor disputes and minimize legal risks.

Investigations and enforcement proceedings

Additionally, Austin represents clients in regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings before agencies like the federal Department of Labor (DOL) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), as well as various state agencies. He assists clients in responding to audits, investigations, and compliance inquiries.

In his free time, Austin enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, catching a Pirates game at PNC Park, or taking in a concert.

EDUCATION

Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, J.D.

University of Denver, M.S.

Temple University, B.A.

 

 

COURT ADMISSIONS

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania

Bar Admissions

Pennsylvania

Colorado

PUBLICATIONS

November 18, 2024 - Federal Court Blocks Rule Raising Minimum Salary Requirements for FLSA’s White-Collar Exemptions
McNees PA Labor & Employment Law Blog

July 3, 2024 - UPDATE – DOL’s New Minimum Salary Requirements for the FLSA’s White-Collar Exemptions Take Effect (For Every Covered Employer Except Texas)
McNees PA Labor & Employment Blog

July 2, 2024 - Federal Court Blocks Key Provisions of Updated Davis-Bacon Regulations
McNees PA Labor & Employment Blog

April 24, 2024 - DOL Issues Final Regulations Raising the Minimum Salary Requirements for the FLSA’s White-Collar Exemptions
McNees PA Labor & Employment Blog

January 16, 2024 - DOL Rolls Out Final Rule on Independent Contractors under the FLSA
McNees PA Labor & Employment Blog

December 1, 2023 - Trade Group Sues DOL to Invalidate New Davis-Bacon Regulations
PA Labor & Employment Law Blog

August 23, 2023 - DOL Issues Major Updates to Davis-Bacon Regulations
PA Labor & Employment Blog

December 15, 2022 - Checkin’ It Twice: Things for Employers to Consider as We Celebrate the Season
McNees PA Labor & Employment Blog

October 21, 2022 - DOL Proposes a Roll Back of Trump-Era FLSA Independent Contractor Rule
McNees Labor & Employment Blog

March 11, 2022 - L&I Report Sets its Sights on Misclassified Construction Workers
PA Labor & Employment Law Blog

November 10, 2021 - PA State and Local Government Employers Escape OSHA’s Vax or Test Rule
McNees Public Sector Blog

October 4, 2021 - NLRB’s General Counsel Issues Memo on Employee Status of Certain College Players
PA Labor & Employment Law Blog

September 10, 2021 - President Biden Issues Executive Order and Announces Plans for Mandatory Vaccination Requirements for Federal Contractors, Large Employers, and Others
McNees Employer Alert

August 2, 2021 - Pennsylvania Supreme Court Widens the Gap Between PA and Federal Overtime Laws, Creating More Compliance Challenges for PA Employers
McNees PA Labor & Employment Blog

April 15, 2020 - Pennsylvania Requires Additional Safety Measures for COVID-19 in the Workplace, Including Mandatory Masks for Employees
McNees Client Alert

Contact Info

Practice Groups