Robert Hingula primarily focuses his practice on trial and counseling work involving labor and employment law. Most recently, he has devoted a significant amount of his practice to representing employers in various industries in collective actions brought pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act. As part of his representation, Mr. Hingula has advised and assisted clients with restructuring their compensation policies to comply with state and federal wage and hour laws. Some of the industries Mr. Hingula has represented and counseled in wage and hour issues include financial institutions, mortgage companies, cable installation companies, waste and disposal companies, medical facilities, maintenance companies, and educational institutions.
Mr. Hingula also routinely counsels and represents school districts through various employment and education law issues, including due process hearings, student discipline procedures, implementation of district-wide policies, and grievances. He has successfully defended districts in arbitrations brought by teachers challenging the districts' decision to terminate their employment. Mr. Hingula also routinely provides training to district employees regarding various employment practices, and has assisted districts in properly investigating employee and student complaints regarding various issues including discipline, harassment/bullying, discrimination, and statutory compliance.
In addition to his background in wage and hour law and the education realm, Mr. Hingula has experience defending employers in both state and federal court and before state and federal agencies against allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation, wrongful discharge, and discrimination claims including age, race, disability, religious, and sex discrimination. He also advises employers on compliance with various state and federal statutes including the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, and the Fair Labor Standards Act. Mr. Hingula has also represented employers and employees in several cases involving non-compete covenants and non-solicitation agreements.