Desireé concentrates her practice at the intersection of employment and traditional labor law and innovative restructuring and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions. In connection with devising and executing on multifaceted labor strategies, particularly in the context of special situations transactions and restructurings, her noteworthy experience includes:

• Managing workforce liabilities
• Transfer, hiring and separation of executives and employees
• Executive and employee agreements
• Labor-management relations
• Negotiation of collective bargaining agreements
• Employee communications and crisis management.

Desireé also regularly counsels clients on significant labor- and employment-related matters, including:

• Employment disputes
• Restrictive covenant matters and enforcement
• Employment contract negotiations
• Performance management
• Wage and hour compliance
• Workforce reductions
• Antiharassment and anti-discrimination training and counseling
• Complex HR investigations.

Desireé has substantial experience in National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) procedures and proceedings, including advising and representing employers in union representation and unfair labor practice proceedings, collective bargaining and arbitrations. She counsels clients on compliance with traditional labor laws, responding to union organization efforts and managing labor-management disputes.

Prior to joining Akin, Desireé served as Assistant General Counsel for the New York City Office of the Mayor, Office of Labor Relations.