In the sensitive area of labor and employment law, emotions can run high. Both workers and employers have so much at stake in cases involving contracts, non-compete agreements, discrimination, wages, and the like that sometimes it’s hard for both parties to think clearly. No one understands this better than Gary Fowler. With his experience in all facets of employment law, Gary can offer clear-headed advice to his clients no matter how difficult the case.

“I try to lend objectivity and advise the client to take a look at the overall situation rather than the present emotion,” Gary says.

Gary’s practice includes both counseling and defending clients in employment-related matters. He is recognized for his knowledge of noncompetition covenants, which are particularly complex under Texas law, and for his experience with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Based on this knowledge, he taught disability discrimination law for a time as an adjunct professor at the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University.

Gary has successfully tried cases in federal and state courts across the country. He’s defended employers before the Department of Labor, the National Labor Relations Board, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. For employers, though, sometimes the best defense is a sound offense, and that’s why Gary spends much of his time helping clients avoid litigation by making sure they thoroughly understand the law. He advises clients on employee handbooks and documentation, provides in-house seminars, and prepares and analyzes employment contracts to protect his clients’ interests. When it comes to prevention, Gary’s experience enables him to provide straightforward advice to avert workplace conflict.

As a trusted adviser, Gary has established enduring relationships with many of his clients. “With my longtime clients, I feel as though I have become more of a partner in the business than just simply providing legal services,” he says. The potential for making that personal connection with clients was, in fact, what attracted Gary to the field: “Employment law is more people-oriented,” he says. “The clients are interesting people who make it worthwhile.”

Gary’s advisory role extends beyond his clients as well. As a frequent author and speaker, he provides valuable advice to employers across Texas through seminars, newsletters, and other publications. His articles have addressed such timely topics as layoffs, performance reviews, privacy issues, and how to control your emotions at work. Gary’s exhaustive knowledge of employment law has earned him recognition by Thomson Reuters as a “Super Lawyer.” He has also been named one of The Best Lawyers in America in labor and employment law and as one of the “Best Lawyers in Dallas” by D magazine.

With the globalization of the economy and workplace changes precipitated by the recession, employment issues are likely to become even more complicated for both workers and employers. As the challenges increase, Gary’s clients can depend on him to provide sound, objective advice so that they can make sure the workplace remains productive and not panicked.