Alexandra Howell

Alexandra Howell works with organizations in employment, labor and general compliance matters. Her practice is focused on creatively and efficiently resolving disputes in these areas, and when necessary, litigating disputes for a wide range of clients.  

Alexandra began her career as a prosecutor where she conducted jury trials, evidentiary hearings and grand jury presentations. In private practice, she litigates employment matters, defending against claims of discrimination and harassment. She also litigates breaches of contract and labor disputes. Alexandra has successfully argued employment and labor cases before federal and state courts, including twice before the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Her clients range from large multi-national employers, to non-profits, local labor unions, small businesses, colleges and universities.  

Alexandra uses her extensive experience as a litigator to provide advice, counseling and training on all aspects of the employment relationship. She regularly conducts employment investigations for organizations and works with them to improve compliance with grant awards, internal policies, federal, state and local law. She also performs investigations for large educational institutions under Title IX.  

She develops policies and procedures and works with clients to efficiently implement them. She regularly advises organizations on efficient labor dispute resolution, personnel issues, employee handbooks, leave issues, employment agreements and equal employment opportunity. Alexandra also has significant experience advising clients in labor relations and collective bargaining disputes.  

Alexandra is passionate about helping clients create respectful, diverse and productive workplaces. In addition to her law practice, she is an accomplished grant writer and serves as an adjunct professor at Albany Law School.   

Representative Litigation Matters

• Served as lead counsel in defense of a class action pay discrimination claim, alleging violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Successfully briefed and argued for dismissal. Served as lead appellate counsel and successfully briefed and argued before the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.  

• After defending against the underlying EEOC Charge, served as lead counsel defending against alleged violations of the Equal Pay Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and corresponding state statutes.  

• Served as lead counsel in a class action pay discrimination claim, alleging violations of 42 U.S.C. §1983. Successfully defended against class certification. After full discovery, briefed, argued and obtained a full dismissal in summary judgment. On appeal, served as lead appellate counsel and successfully briefed and argued before the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.  

• After defending a trade union against an EEOC Charge, served as lead counsel through summary judgment for alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act in connection with an exclusive hiring hall.  

• Represented a public sector labor union against a school district in an unlawful subcontracting case. After prosecuting a full improper practice hearing, prevailed before the Public Employment Relations Board and successfully briefed the case before the New York Appellate Division, Second Department.  

• Served as labor counsel to a large suburban school district, prevailing in dozens of arbitration hearings. Defended administrative employment actions and participated in collective bargaining negotiations.  

OTHER REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS 

• Conducts internal investigations on behalf of universities, including related to sexual assault, sexual harassment, and discrimination.  
• Drafts and reviews employment agreements, employee handbooks, and various internal employment policies. Advises clients on compliance with federal, state and local employment laws.  

• Writes grants and works with organizations to assure compliance with successful grant awards. 

• Designs and implements anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies and related trainings.  

• Oversees internal investigations of human resources issues, ethics and business conduct concerns, and employment law matters.  

• Drafts investigation reports and advises human resources professionals and management teams.  

• Served as a labor relations liaison for an international offshore wind developer, working closely with labor unions and drafting multiple successful bid cases for labor programs and commitments in New York and New Jersey.