Eric B. Metz

Eric B. Metz: Leading Employment Law Attorney in Wichita, Kansas

For over 37 years, Eric B. Metz has provided exceptional legal counsel to businesses and individuals facing complex employment matters. Recognized as a leading authority in labor and employment law, Mr. Metz consistently earns the highest accolades, including the Martindale-Hubbell “AV” rating – a testament to his exemplary professional expertise – and is frequently selected for inclusion in prestigious publications like The Best Lawyers in America and “Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers.” He is also recognized by Chambers USA as one of “Kansas’ leading lawyers for labor and employment,” highlighting his deep knowledge and dedication to his clients.

Mr. Metz’s practice is built on a foundation of proactive guidance, focusing on preventative consultation to help employers navigate the ever-changing landscape of federal, state, and local employment laws. He specializes in minimizing legal risks and ensuring compliance across all facets of the employment relationship. His comprehensive services include meticulous employment contract drafting and negotiation, detailed implementation and drafting of personnel policies, employee handbooks, robust severance and release agreements, and enforceable noncompetition agreements. When litigation is necessary, Mr. Metz is a seasoned and aggressive litigator, skillfully representing clients before state and federal courts and administrative agencies.

With a broad range of experience, Mr. Metz handles a diverse array of legal challenges, including claims related to disability, age, sex, race, and religion discrimination, harassment allegations, wrongful discharge matters, wage and hour disputes, and complex noncompetition contract matters. He possesses a deep understanding of applicable laws and regulations and is adept at constructing compelling defenses and achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. Furthermore, his extensive litigation experience, spanning over 37 years and including a wide variety of business and contract disputes, provides him with a strategic advantage in resolving disputes efficiently and effectively.

Notably, Mr. Metz has served as the primary counsel for a prestigious private university for over 27 years, demonstrating his expertise in education law. This long-standing relationship underscores his ability to handle sensitive and complex legal matters with discretion and unwavering commitment.

Key Achievements & Recognition:

• Lawyer of the Year: Employment Law - Management (Wichita - 2025, 2018, 2016, 2014)
• Lawyer of the Year: Employment Law - Individuals (Wichita - 2024, 2022, 2016)
• Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Labor and Employment (Wichita - 2020)
• Recognized: Employment Law - Individuals, Employment Law - Management, Litigation - Labor and Employment
• Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2008
• AV Preeminent Rating (Martindale-Hubbell)
• Included in The Best Lawyers in America for Labor and Employment Law
• Included in “Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers”
• Designated by Chambers USA as one of “Kansas’ leading lawyers for labor and employment”

Practice Areas: Mr. Metz offers specialized legal services in the following areas:

Employment Law - Individuals: Providing dedicated representation to employees facing employment-related claims, disputes, and legal issues.Employment Law - Management: Offering comprehensive legal solutions to employers, including compliance strategies, policy development, and risk management.Litigation - Labor and Employment: Representing clients in all stages of litigation involving employment law claims, from initial investigation to trial and appeal.

Special Focus Areas: Mr. Metz’s expertise extends to critical areas of employment law, including:

Civil Rights: Protecting individuals' rights against discrimination based on race, religion, sex, age, and other protected characteristics.Covenants Not to Compete: Drafting, reviewing, and litigating noncompetition agreements to protect employers' legitimate business interests.COVID-19 Related Employment Issues: Addressing legal challenges arising from COVID-19-related policies, including layoffs, furloughs, and vaccine mandates.Discrimination: Handling a wide range of discrimination claims, including hostile work environment claims and disparate treatment claims.Wage-Hour Law: Enforcing wage and hour laws, including overtime pay, minimum wage, and break regulations.Trade Secrets: Protecting a company's intellectual property through robust trade secret protection measures.

Bar Admissions: Mr. Metz is admitted to practice law in the state of Kansas and is a member of the State Bar of Missouri. He is dedicated to providing his clients with the highest level of legal representation and ensuring their rights are fully protected.