Jonathan C. Hancock

Secured complete dismissal of a gender discrimination lawsuit and an award of more than $100,000 in attorney's fees, interest, and expenses on behalf of a major health care provider on a successful Motion for Sanctions for Spoilation of Evidence and Unclean Hands against the plaintiff, based upon the discovery that the plaintiff deleted relevant text messages. Defended dismissal and attorney's fee award on appeal.

Prevailed on summary judgment motion securing judgment in favor of an independent medical consulting group in a lawsuit brought by a hospital pursuant to Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Defended Hospital System's COVID-19 vaccine mandate against efforts to certify a class of employees in a wage and hour, and discrimination injunctive and monetary relief lawsuit, resulting in complete dismissal without appeal.

Represented client in the financial services industry through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) gender discrimination and harassment arbitration hearing and secured complete finding in the client's favor on all claims asserted by a former employee.

Represented client in the financial services industry through FINRA whistleblower and breach of contract counterclaim arbitration hearing and secured complete finding in client's favor on all claims asserted by a former employee, inducing award of counterclaim monetary judgment in client's favor and attorney's fee award.

Won motion to dismiss in Pennsylvania federal court resulting in dismissal of plaintiff's potentially multimillion dollar commission claim, with prejudice and without further appeals.

Lead counsel in a complicated disability discrimination and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) interference and retaliation case dismissed following the court's grant of summary judgment to the client.

Coordinated a response with our client following the discovery of KKK insignia at a manufacturing facility, including assistance with the investigation, termination of employment following identification of parties involved, and communication strategy with remaining employees. Successfully defended the claim by an employee targeted by alleged harassment, resulting in the federal magistrate's recommendation of dismissal.

Negotiated significant tax incentives with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TECD) on behalf of a Memphis-based manufacturer seeking incentives based on relocation of the manufacturing line and employees.

Successfully negotiated a settlement in a multiplaintiff racial harassment and discrimination action filed against a manufacturer in federal court in South Carolina.

Won summary judgment on behalf of a technology and electrical equipment company in an employment discrimination lawsuit in Arkansas federal district court.

Successfully defended the mayor of Memphis in a labor dispute filed by the City of Memphis labor unions, alleging numerous constitutional violations and other claims arising out of prior negotiations with the city of Memphis and the failure of the circumstances to trigger the city's charter provision that requires an impasse procedure. The federal judge dismissed all claims against the mayor, both in his individual and official capacity.

On behalf of a municipal client, obtained a directed verdict at trial against claims by multiple employees alleging unlawful pay disparities.

Counsel in whistleblower retaliation case dismissed on a preliminary motion to dismiss. Handled appeal and partial remand without reversal and secured final dismissal on merits.

Served as counsel in appeal of termination of employment by a public employee alleging multiple constitutional violations. Successfully orchestrated victory before the civil service commission, trial court, and appellate court securing favorable results at each stage of litigation.

Served as counsel in multiple municipal annexation cases, including successful trials of multiple annexations, successful defense of trial results in intermediate appellate courts, and successful handling of appeals before the state supreme court.

Served as counsel in numerous eminent domain proceedings on behalf of the municipality acquiring property as part of multiple urban renewal projects.

Served as counsel in an eminent domain trial in which the jury rendered a verdict for the entire amount sought by the landowner.

Counsel in numerous cases enforcing employee agreements, particularly covenants not to compete and other restrictive covenants, including handling of injunctive judicial proceedings, expedited discovery proceedings, and negotiated resolutions.

Successfully defended a casino and won summary judgment motion on all claims filed by the plaintiff, a former blackjack dealer, who alleged discrimination based on disability and failure to accommodate such disability in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The plaintiff further asserted claims for retaliation and interference with her rights guaranteed under the FMLA.

Obtained defense verdict in a federal trial in which plaintiffs alleged race, gender, and age discrimination and retaliation.

Lead Counsel in numerous race discrimination, harassment, and retaliation cases in which summary judgment was granted in the employer's favor.

Obtained summary judgment for a state court judge accused of unlawful harassment by a subordinate employee.

Served as counsel for state chapters of the national human resources trade organization as amicus curiae in matters regarding the adoption of an initial pleading standard by the Tennessee Supreme Court.  

Served as counsel in litigation focusing on delivery practices of a national pizza delivery chain. Successfully orchestrated denial of class certification, dismissal of the case, and payment by the plaintiffs' counsel of a portion of defense costs.

Served as counsel in an employment discrimination case dismissed on preliminary motion based on the failure of the plaintiff to correctly differentiate between parent and subsidiary companies.

Assisted as Tennessee counsel in the successful negotiation of national class action alleging an unfair pricing scheme relating to the sale of foreign automobiles in the United States.

Successfully defended a hotel and casino in a multi-plaintiff national origin and gender discrimination trial after a companion case involving different plaintiffs and prior counsel resulted in a verdict in the companion plaintiffs' favor. Baker Donelson obtained a complete defense verdict.

Successfully negotiated a favorable settlement in response to a collective action filed challenging a hospital client's decision not to compensate employees for time spent getting required COVID-19 tests.

Defended a private jet operator in a lawsuit alleging violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Achieved a favorable settlement.

Secured dismissal of a nationwide employer following the filing of a Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings in a case where the plaintiff received multiple inappropriate Snapchat messages and images from a coworker who was also the son of her supervisor. The plaintiff resigned her employment and alleged constructive discharge, hostile working environment, and retaliation claims. The court found the employer's response justified application of an affirmative defense to liability and that the plaintiff otherwise failed to state a claim based only on the pleadings.