Alexandra Howell

Alexandra Howell counsels organizations in labor and employment matters. She began her career as prosecutor, where she conducted jury trials, evidentiary hearings and Grand Jury presentations. Since transitioning to private practice, Ms. Howell has used her extensive experience as a litigator to provide advice, counseling and training on all aspects of the employment relationship. Her clients range from large multi-national employers, to non-profits, local labor unions, colleges and universities.

Ms. Howell regularly conducts employment investigations for organizations of varying size to determine compliance with federal, state and local law, as well as internal policies and procedures. She also performs investigations for large educational institutions under Title IX.

Ms. Howell has extensive experience developing, implementing, and monitoring internal employment policies and procedures. She regularly advises small and large organizations on personnel policies and practices, dispute resolution, employee handbooks, leave issues, employment agreements and equal employment opportunity. Ms. Howell also has significant experience advising clients in labor relations and collective bargaining disputes. She has represented numerous public and private sector labor unions, school districts, employees and businesses.

Ms. Howell is active in organizations that promote the advancement of women in the workforce. She is passionate about helping clients create respectful, diverse and productive workplaces. In addition to her law practice, she is an adjunct professor at Hofstra University, the City University of New York School of Law and Albany Law School.

Representative Experience

• Conduct internal investigations on behalf of universities, including related to sexual assault, sexual harassment, and discrimination.
• Draft and review employment agreements, employee handbooks, and various internal employment policies. Advise clients on compliance with federal, state and local employment laws.
• Design and implement anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies and related trainings.
• Oversee internal investigations of human resources issues, ethics and business conduct concerns, and employment law matters.
• Draft investigation reports and advise human resources professionals and management teams on implementing appropriate resolutions.
• Served as lead counsel for a public sector labor union in a class action pay discrimination claim, alleging violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Successfully briefed and argued for dismissal pursuant to F.R.C.P. 12(b)(6) on res judicata grounds. Thereafter, served as lead appellate counsel and successfully briefed and argued that the Court should affirm the dismissal in its entirety.
• After successfully defending a private sector labor union client against an EEOC Charge, served as lead counsel through summary judgment in claims against the union as an employer for alleged violations of the Equal Pay Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and corresponding State statutes.
• Served as lead counsel for a public sector labor union in a class action pay discrimination claim, which alleged violations of 42 U.S.C. §1983. Successfully defended against class certification, and 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 that the Court should affirm the dismissal in its entirety.
• After successfully defending a private sector labor union client against an EEOC Charge, served as lead counsel through summary judgment in claims against the union for alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act in connection with an exclusive hiring hall.
• Matter of Lawrence Public Schools and Local 237, International Brotherhood of Teamsters– 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 briefed the case before the New York Appellate Division, Second Department.
• Served as labor counsel to a large suburban school district, successfully completing dozens of arbitration hearings, defended State and administrative employment actions, and participated in collective bargaining negotiations.
• Negotiated collective bargaining agreements on behalf of labor union clients.
• Developed and facilitated anti-sexual harassment and diversity, equity and inclusion training programs for clients.
• Represented clients in wage and hour matters, both as plaintiffs’ counsel prosecuting, and as defense counsel defending compliance.