Jennifer Curry advises and defends employers on all manner of employment and compliance issues, including crisis management, internal investigations, sexual harassment and discrimination, Sarbanes-Oxley whistleblowing claims, WARN Act and Mini-WARN Act requirements, and federal contractor obligations.

Featured Videos

Navigating New Wage and Hour Issues for the Long Term Care Workforce July 17, 2019

L&E Health Care Webinar Part 1: Managing Physician Employment Issues May 9, 2019

What Does the Revised Proposed Overtime Rule Have in Store for Employers? March 21, 2019

When Retaliation Survives: Steps for Defending an FCA Suit Without the False Claim March 14, 2019

Up in Smoke: Weed in the Workplace and What You Need to Know October 17, 2018

When the Dog Bites: Health Care Employer Responsibilities for Patient (and Employee) Comfort Animals September 13, 2018

Professional Biography

Overview

Ms. Curry has a specific focus on clients in the health care industry, and also represents the construction and general business industries. An experienced litigator, Ms. Curry represents employers in disputes involving discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, negligent retention and supervision, wrongful discharge, defamation, and non-compete and nondisclosure agreements.

Ms. Curry advises and defends employers on all manner of employment and compliance issues, including crisis management, internal investigations, sexual harassment and discrimination, Sarbanes-Oxley whistleblowing claims, WARN Act and Mini-WARN Act requirements, and federal contractor obligations.

She routinely appears before state and federal courts and agencies throughout the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia. Ms. Curry devises practical strategies for clients navigating employment claims and disputes, and where advisable, she recommends and provides representation in alternative dispute resolution, including arbitration, mediation and settlement negotiations.

Ms. Curry has been named a Rising Star by Maryland Super Lawyers in the area of Employment Litigation every year from 2013 – 2018.

Representative Matters

Defended a large health care practice in a lawsuit filed by a former affiliate and physician members alleging breach of contract, tortious interference, and wrongful termination. Reached a favorable settlement for the client at mediation.
Defended a large physician-owned health care practice in a lawsuit and obtained a verdict in favor of the client after a jury trial. The decision was upheld on appeal.
Defended a large public university based in Washington, D.C. in a lawsuit filed by a former employee alleging retaliation under the False Claims Act, wrongful termination, and breach of contract. Secured dismissal or summary judgment on all claims filed by the plaintiff.
Defended a national health care provider and one of its employees in a lawsuit filed by a former employee alleging race and national origin discrimination and retaliation. Secured dismissal or summary judgment on all claims filed by the plaintiff.
Conducted an internal investigation for a university covering multiple departments and multiple employees alleging fraud, abuse, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation against an independent contractor. Prepared a lengthy confidential report and presented findings and recommendations to the school's Office of General Counsel and the school's Board.
Represented a national physical therapy provider and four of its affiliates and subsidiaries in a lawsuit filed by a former employee alleging retaliation under the federal and New York State False Claims Acts.
Defended a complex breach of contract complaint filed against an individual related to an employment agreement that included non-competition, non-solicitation, and confidentiality provisions. The individual formerly worked for a nationwide specialized pharmaceutical company in recruiting and servicing clients. Baker Donelson took the position that the entire Agreement is enforceable and that jurisdiction in Maryland is improper; a motion to dismiss the complaint is pending. Baker Donelson resolved the matter through settlement.
Conducted an internal investigation of a complex gender harassment and discrimination suit filed by a female vice president of a large federal contractor. The investigation required the interviews of the entire executive staff of the organization.
Represented a large financial institution in a lawsuit filed by a former employee alleging race and gender discrimination and retaliation. Conducted initial motions practice and significant discovery before the matter was resolved during mediation.

Professional Honors & Activities

Listed as a Maryland Rising Star in Maryland Super Lawyers, Employment Litigation (2013 – 2019)
Selected for The Daily Record's 2018 VIP List – Very Important Professionals Successful by 40 (2018)
Member – Baltimore City Bar Association
Member – Federal Bar Association
Member – Maryland State Bar Association
Member – Women's Law Center of Maryland
Board of Trustees – Baltimore Bar Foundation
Board of Directors – Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce (Vice Chair, 2018 – present)
Leadership Advisory Council – Cristo Rey Jesuit High School (2014 – present)
Member – Baker Donelson's Diversity Committee
Chair – Baker Donelson's Women's Initiative Committee

Publications

"Is Your Institution Immune from the College Admissions Scams? Thorough Self-Audit is the Only Way to Know" (March 2019)
"The New Landscape for Non-Compete Law in 2019 and Beyond" (March 2019)
"Answers to Your Most Biting Questions About Service and Comfort Animals," Health Law Alert (August 2018)
"When a Third Party Becomes the Harasser: How the #MeToo Movement May Impact Your Workforce in the Most Unsuspecting Way" (April 2018)
"The EEOC's Focus on Equal Pay and the Health Care Industry Finally Comes to a Crossroad" (October 2017)
"Uncompensated "Off-the-Clock" Work Time Nets Call Center Nurses a $6.2 Million Settlement," Health Law Alert (June 2017)
"Medical Residents and Title IX – What Teaching Hospitals Need to Know," Health Law Alert (May 2017)
"A Wage and Hour Pitfall: Paying Bonuses to Non-Exempt Employees Can Lead to Trouble," reprinted in American Bankers Association's Newsbytes Human Resources (March 2017)
"Fifth Circuit Agrees To Fast-Track DOL's Overtime Appeal" (December 2016)
"VIDEO: Workplace Violence in the Health Care Setting – Is Your Organization Prepared?" (2016) [Ober|Kaler]
"Federal Contractors Must Comply with OFCCP's Revised Sex Discrimination Guidelines or Face Possible Debarment" (August 2016) [Ober|Kaler]
"NLRB Continues Defense of Employees Discussing Wages and Hours" (June 2016) [Ober|Kaler]
"OSHA Postpones Its New Workplace Injury and Illness Reporting Rule in the Face of Scrutiny and a New Lawsuit" (July 2016)
"OSHA's Policy Mandates for ALL Employers Require Compliance by August 10, 2016" (June 2016) [Ober|Kaler]
"NLRB Slams Hospital for Maintaining Work Rules Prohibiting Employees From Engaging in "Improper Conduct"," Health Law Alert (2016: Issue 8 - Focus on Fraud and Abuse) [Ober|Kaler]
"OSHA Stepping Up Scrutiny of Hospitals and Inpatient Health Care Facilities," Health Law Alert (2015: Issue 13 – Focus on White Collar) [Ober|Kaler]

Speaking Engagements

"Understanding the New Sick and Safe Leave Requirements for ALL Maryland Employers," webinar, Baltimore City Chamber and Baker Donelson (May 2018)
"CHRA Program 'Defending Your Hill'," CHRA Monthly Education Program for HR Practitioners (September 2017)
"Back to Basics L&E Half-Day Seminar" (May 2017)
"Leave Management Workshop: An Interactive Session Tackling the Toughest Leave Management Issues" (March 2017)

Webinars