A straightforward, experienced, and confident attorney, Shira Blank defends companies against lawsuits alleging violations of all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including with respect to the accessibility of public accommodations and technology, and equivalent state and local laws.
Employers also rely on Shira’s representation to defend against litigation involving claims of discrimination, sexual harassment and hostile work environment, retaliation, wrongful termination, whistleblowing, and wage and hour violations, among others, in state and federal courts and before various federal, state, and city administrative agencies. Her clients include retailers, health care organizations, and financial services companies.
While the COVID-19 pandemic spurred a significant increase in lawsuits involving accessible technology, Shira has been handling hundreds of these cases over the last three years. And as companies were forced to reduce their workforces because of the pandemic, Shira worked with clients on methods of avoiding litigation related to the layoffs, including assisting with resolutions pre-litigation.
Clients value Shira’s superb negotiation skills, responsiveness, and extensive trial experience, and her ability to secure good results in litigation matters, including, in some instances, having the litigation withdrawn altogether.
As a trusted advisor, Shira counsels clients on all aspects of the employment relationship, avoidance of litigation, leave laws, employee discipline, separation and discharge, and harassment. She also advises on compliance with Title I and III of the ADA and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and conducts internal investigations. Shira writes and speaks frequently about the ADA and public accommodation issues as well as ways of avoiding litigation, among other topics.
Early in her career, Shira gained significant litigation experience serving as Assistant Corporation Counsel with the City of New York, where she first-chaired two jury trials, and second-chaired three. She also first-chaired an evidentiary hearing in federal court.