Derek Sparks

About Derek Sparks

Over 15 years of experience successfully representing corporate clients in employment…

Experience

1. Senior Legal Counsel

   Liebler Gonzalez & Portuondo

   May 2021 — Present · Miami, FL, US

   Derek is Senior Counsel with Liebler, Gonzalez & Portuondo and the leader of its Labor & Employment practice. He joined the Firm in May 2021. Derek represents employers and management in all types of federal and state employment lawsuits and charges of discrimination before federal and state agencies. Derek has extensive courtroom experience and has successfully litigated cases in Florida, California, Texas, and other parts of the country. He frequently defends employers against claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour matters. In addition, Derek has significant experience in prosecuting and defending unfair competition and trade secret misappropriation claims, including filing and responding to injunction matters. He also handles complex commercial litigation cases.In addition to his litigation practice, Derek works with employers in developing, implementing, and maintaining proactive and practical strategies to avoid litigation with employees. For instance, Derek advises, counsels, and trains management and human resources professionals regarding preventive employment policies and procedures, FMLA leave management, the interactive process under the ADA, legal developments, and best employment practices. He also negotiates and drafts executive employment agreements and prepares and updates employee handbooks for compliance with state and federal law.

Education

• Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law

  Doctor of Law (J.D.)

• Southern Methodist University

  B.B.A.

Skills

• Financial Transactions
• Trade Secrets
• Employment Discrimination
• Document Drafting
• Employee Handbooks
• Employment Law Compliance
• Employee Relations
• Courts
• Contract Negotiation
• Legal Research
• Corporate Law
• Negotiation
• Trials
• Securities Litigation
• Contractual Agreements
• Business Transactions
• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Arbitration
• Legal Writing
• Litigation
• Incident Investigation
• Corporate
• Dispute Resolution
• Breach of Contract
• Employment Law
• Westlaw
• Legal Advice
• Drafting Agreements
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Class Actions
• Business Litigation
• Employee Training
• Internal Investigations
• Media & Entertainment
• Litigation Management
• Corporate Internal Investigations
• Employment Contracts
• Discrimination
• International Law
• Federal Court Litigation