Laura E. Prather is a partner at Johnson, Newlon & DeCort, P.A. She represents management in all facets of employment law with an emphasis on complex litigation cases and class actions.
Laura defends employers in individual and multi-plaintiff actions related to employment discrimination and harassment, wage and hour compliance, non-compete issues, leave and disability matters, and whistleblower actions before federal and state courts, various government agencies, and arbitrators.
She regularly provides day-to-day advice, counseling, and training on labor and employment law compliance, including the development of employee policies and handbooks. She represents clients in a wide range of industries, including financial services, healthcare, and hospitality.
Laura is Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Labor and Employment Law. She has been recognized throughout her career by peers and professional organizations for her experience and excellence in practice:
- The Best Lawyers in America “Employment Law – Management,” “Labor Law – Management,” and “Litigation – Labor and Employment” (2015-present)
- Florida Trend, “Legal Elite” Labor & Employment
- Martindale-Hubbell “AV Preeminent – Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence” (2004-present)
- Florida Super Lawyers “Super Lawyer” (2014-present)
- Legal 500 USA, “Recommended Attorney” (2016)
- Legal Leaders and Martindale-Hubbell Women Leaders in the Law (2015)
Education
- University of Miami School of Law
J.D., 1990 - University of Florida
B.S. B.A., 1980
Admissions
- The Florida Bar, 1990
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, 2016
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, 1991
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, 1994
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida, 2006
Experience
- Trenam Kemker (1994-2013)
- Akerman LLP (2013-2015)
- Jackson Lewis P.C. (2015-2023)
Involvement
- Federal Bar Association Board of Directors (2008-2011)
- Florida State Bar Association Labor and Employment Section
- Hillsborough County Bar Association Labor and Employment Section, Co-Chair (2007-2009)
- Academy of Florida Management Attorneys
- Tampa Connection Board of Directors (1997-1999)
- Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg Finance Council
- Florida Autism Center for Excellence Former Board of Directors
- Hillsborough County Teen Court Former Judge
