Les Alderman is a founding Member of the Firm. Mr. Alderman primarily represents workers in employment and civil rights disputes, with a particular emphasis on workplace harassment, discrimination and retaliation claims. Mr. Alderman represents victims from both the private and public sectors and often represents Congressional employees, including in very high-profile cases, which have drawn considerable media attention.
Consistent with the Firm’s philosophy and reputation, earned over the past 16 years, Mr. Alderman takes only a very small number of very strong cases, with the goal of preparing them for victory at trial.
Due to Mr. Alderman’s experience, he is frequently asked to comment on air and in print about current events in discrimination and harassment law.
In recent years, Mr. Alderman decided to forego other work, representing corporate clients in litigation against the federal government, in order to focus his practice on representing victims of workplace discrimination and retaliation. This devotion to representing victims keeps Mr. Alderman focused on issues that he finds to be truly compelling and gratifying.
Mr. Alderman’s past experience representing employers informs and enhances his current practice. By representing both corporate and individual clients, Mr. Alderman has gained valuable insight into identifying meritorious claims and finding weaknesses in his opposing side’s case and litigation strategy.
Mr. Alderman has argued appellate matters before numerous state and federal courts of appeals, including the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, and the United States Courts of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. As a result of his experience in appellate matters, Mr. Alderman co-chaired the Amicus Curiae Committee for the Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association from 2010-2013.
Mr. Alderman credits tireless preparation and a competitive spirit for much of his litigation successes and his scientific and pragmatic approach to the law and litigation has produced impressive results in the courts and administrative tribunals before which he practices. Based on statistics published by the Washington Examiner, Mr. Alderman is responsible for nearly 20% of the funds paid out by the Office of Compliance to Congressional employees who were victims of harassment, discrimination and retaliation between 2013 and 2017.
The employees who make up Mr. Alderman’s regular client roster put their full faith in him to provide efficient and effective legal representation.
Clendenny v. Architect of the Capitol: D.C. District Court case which established that Congressional employees are protected from retaliation for raising concerns about serious workplace safety issues. The case resulted in a substantial settlement for the two Plaintiffs, who received $600,000 and restoration to their prior positions.
Monroe v. VOCA Corporation of Washington D.C.: D.C. Court of Appeals case which extended the unlawful termination in violation of public policy to employees covered by employment contract and collective bargaining agreements.
Herbert v. Architect of the Capitol: D.C. District Court litigation establishing expanded methods of establishing hostile work environment claims.
Parker v. Broadcasting Board of Governors: D.C. District Court litigation establishing parameters of when a government contractor may be considered an employee of the federal government and deference to a jury’s determination of a hostile environment, resulting in settlement in excess of $400,000.
In Re Medicare Reimbursement Litigation: D.C. District Court litigation resulting in settlement of more than $650 million for hospitals nationwide. Mr. Alderman’s clients received millions of dollars in compensation as a result of the federal government’s underpayment.