

J. Nelson Thomas
Nelson Thomas is one of the founding partners of Thomas & Solomon LLP. He has more than a decade's experience in employment law litigation and counsel. Mr. Thomas litigates a range of matters from complex employment class action lawsuits to litigation involving all types of individual workplace disputes, ranging from claims of illegal termination and harassment, to actions to recover unpaid benefits. His practice also includes negotiating severance packages, and advising on contractual issues, as well as clients' rights in the workplace. He has spoken and written widely on these topics. While his practice today primarily focuses on representing employees, he has represented numerous employers - from large international companies to local entrepreneurial start-ups, a depth of experience that gives him an edge in litigating cases for employees.
In 1999, the judges of the United States District Court for the Western District of New York awarded Mr. Thomas the Special Service Award for "his excellence in the vigorous representation of his clients." In 2002, he received the 40 Under 40 Award, which honors leaders who have made a significant contribution to the Rochester community.
Education
J.D., University of Virginia Law School, 1993
B.A., Emory University, 1990, summa cum laude
History
Founding Partner Thomas & Solomon, LLP
Associate, Nixon Peabody LLP (formerly Nixon, Hargrave, Devans & Doyle Labor and Employment Group)
Speaking
Faculty, Law Education Institute, Aspen Colorado
- Ethics and Employment Law
- Handling the First 90-days of Litigation
New York State Bar Association
- How to Handle Wage and Hour Class Action Lawsuits
Council on Education and Management
- The Four-Headed Monster: The FMLA, Workers' Compensation, the ADA and the New York Human Rights Law
- Overview of Discrimination Litigation
Industrial Management Council
- Ten Ways to Avoid A Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
- How Management Can Prevent Employment Discrimination Claims
- Anatomy of a Discrimination Case
National Business Institute
- The New FLSA Overtime Regulations
Affiliations (current and recent)
American Bar Association
New York Bar Association
Monroe County Bar Association
National Employment Lawyers Association
American Association of Trial Attorneys
Public Service (current and recent)
Harley School Board of Trustees
Upstate New York Representative of The University of Virginia Law School Foundation
Volunteer attorney for Volunteer Legal Services
Mock Trial Coach for the Monroe County Bar Association
Professional Advisory Committee, Self Help for Hard of Hearing People
Publications
Age Discrimination in Employment Law, American Bar Association Contributing Editor
Virginia Journal of Law and Politics
American Bar Association Publications
Staying on Top of Your Game







