About John
John M. Cerilli: Labor & Employment Law Attorney in Pittsburgh
John M. Cerilli is a seasoned legal professional dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of employers across a wide spectrum of labor and employment law matters. With a deep understanding of both traditional and contemporary legal challenges, Mr. Cerilli provides comprehensive legal counsel and strategic representation, focusing on minimizing risk and ensuring compliance. His extensive experience, coupled with a commitment to client service, makes him a trusted advisor and advocate for businesses navigating complex legal landscapes.
Mr. Cerilli’s practice encompasses a broad range of areas, including the National Labor Relations Act, strikes and picketing, labor contract administration, arbitration, collective bargaining, union organizing, plant closings and mass layoffs, corporate transactions, and wage and hour compliance. Beyond these core labor law services, he offers invaluable counseling and training on critical employment matters such as reductions-in-force, personnel policies, hiring and firing practices, workers’ compensation, discrimination prevention, and other sensitive areas. He expertly advises both self-insured and insured employers, providing strategic guidance on managing workers’ compensation programs, particularly for companies operating across multiple states. His expertise extends to developing cost-effective strategies, crafting litigation defenses, and understanding the intricate relationship between workers’ compensation, employment, and labor laws.
Mr. Cerilli’s client base reflects his diverse expertise, spanning industries including electrical power, manufacturing, chemical, steel, cultural and entertainment, armored car and security, airlines, technology, healthcare, transportation, oil, gas, and coal, as well as commercial real estate. He's a respected leader within the legal community, serving as a founding and current office managing shareholder of his firm’s Pittsburgh office, alongside his roles as chair for both the Workers’ Compensation Practice Group and the firm’s Technology Committee. His dedication to innovation and technological advancement within the legal field is a testament to his forward-thinking approach.
Prior to his current role, Mr. Cerilli gained invaluable experience as a field examiner with the National Labor Relations Board’s Region Six office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1982-1987). This foundational experience provides him with a unique perspective and deep understanding of NLRB proceedings and regulations, informing his strategic advice and representation.
Practice Areas
- Employment Law - Management
- Labor Law - Management
- National Labor Relations Act
- Strikes and Picketing
- Labor Contract Administration
- Arbitration
- Collective Bargaining
- Union Organizing
- Plant Closings and Mass Layoffs
- Corporate Transactions
- Wage and Hour Compliance
- Workers’ Compensation
- Discrimination Defense
- Administrative Law
- Arbitration and Mediation
- Defense Litigation
Education & Credentials
Mr. Cerilli is a recognized leader in the field of employment law, consistently earning accolades for his expertise and dedication. He has been recognized as a Lawyer of the Year: Employment Law - Management (2015), and consistently recognized for his expertise in various areas including Labor Law – Management, Administrative, Arbitration and Mediation, Defense, Discrimination, Management, National Labor Relations Board, State and Federal, Transportation, and Workers’ Compensation. He is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation – American Bar Association (2009) and a Recipient of the Jefferson Award for community service (2001).
Key Credentials:
- Former Field Examiner, National Labor Relations Board (Region Six) (1982-1987)
- Fellow, American Bar Foundation - American Bar Association (2009)
- Recipient, Jefferson Award, for community service (2001)
- Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2009
Mr. Cerilli’s unwavering commitment to his clients and his extensive legal knowledge make him an invaluable asset to any business seeking strategic counsel and robust legal representation in the dynamic field of labor and employment law. His experience, coupled with his dedication to upholding the highest standards of legal service, distinguishes him as a trusted advisor and legal champion.
Practice Areas
Case History
Education
Professional Affiliations
Awards & Recognition
- Lawyer of the Year: Employment Law - Management, Pittsburgh (2015)
- Recognized: Employment Law - Management
- Recognized: Labor Law - Management
- Special Focus: Administrative
- Special Focus: Arbitration and Mediation
- Special Focus: Defense
- Special Focus: Discrimination
- Special Focus: Labor
- Special Focus: Management
- Special Focus: National Labor Relations Board
- Special Focus: State and Federal
- Special Focus: Transportation
- Special Focus: Workers' Compensation
- Recipient, Jefferson Award, for community service, 2001
- Fellow, American Bar Foundation - American Bar Association, 2009