Patrick F. Hulla

Patrick F. Hulla: Protecting Employers from Complex Employment Litigation

Patrick (“Pat”) Hulla co-leads the firm’s Class Action Defense Group, bringing decades of focused expertise to the defense of employers facing significant employment litigation. Since 1993, Pat has been a steadfast advocate for businesses, skillfully navigating the intricate landscape of class and collective actions and consistently achieving favorable outcomes. He's built a renowned reputation for successfully defending employers against a wide range of claims, including discrimination, wage and hour violations, and off-the-clock work disputes.

Pat’s strategic approach centers on meticulous investigation, aggressive motion practice, and a deep understanding of legal precedents. He doesn't just defend claims; he meticulously analyzes the underlying issues, identifies vulnerabilities in opposing arguments, and leverages legal precedent to deny certification and ultimately protect his clients’ interests. His leadership within the Class Action Defense Group ensures clients benefit from a team of experienced attorneys dedicated to achieving the most advantageous results.

Pat’s recent successes demonstrate his unparalleled skill and dedication. Notably, he has consistently led the defense in numerous complex cases, including:

• Denial of Class Certification in Consumer Race Discrimination Actions: Pat's strategic legal arguments successfully prevented the certification of discriminatory claims involving consumer interactions, safeguarding clients from potentially devastating class action lawsuits.
• Denial of National Conditional Certification of Age Discrimination Claims under the ADEA: He skillfully defended against attempts to certify national age discrimination claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), protecting clients from significant financial liability.
• Denial of Class Action Certification of Off-the-Clock Claims under Various State’s Laws: Pat consistently denies certification of claims related to work performed outside of regular business hours, protecting employers from liability for unpaid overtime.
• Denial of State-Wide FLSA Conditional Collective Action Certification of an Off-the-Clock Claim: His work prevented a state-wide FLSA collective action from moving forward, effectively neutralizing a potentially enormous legal threat.
• Decertification of an Off-the-Clock FLSA Action Involving 800 Employees Across the United States: Pat successfully challenged the scope of a massive FLSA action involving over 800 employees, dramatically reducing the potential exposure for his client.
• Decertification of an Off-the-Clock FLSA Collective Action Involving More Than 475 Employees Working at a Single Location: Pat's legal strategies effectively dismantled a collective action centered around a single facility, minimizing risks for the employer.
• Decertification of a Nationwide Store Manager FLSA Misclassification Case: He successfully defended a national chain against misclassification claims affecting store managers, preserving accurate employment classifications.
• Decertification of FLSA Uniform Donning and Doffing Claims: Pat’s expertise resulted in the decertification of claims related to uniform requirements, a critical area of employment law.
• Involuntary Dismissal of Federal Misclassification and Off-the-Clock Claims Because Offers of Judgment Mooted the Controversy Denying Court’s Subject Matter Jurisdiction: Pat skillfully utilized offers of judgment to achieve a decisive dismissal of federal misclassification and off-the-clock claims, preventing further litigation.
• Involuntary Dismissal of State Law Claims in a Hybrid Off-the-Clock Class and FLSA Collective Action: He effectively secured the dismissal of state law claims within a complex, multi-faceted litigation.

Pat's commitment extends beyond simply defending against claims; he strives to proactively mitigate risks for his clients. His work in successfully decertifying multi-million dollar claims demonstrates his ability to strategically manage legal proceedings and minimize potential damages.

Practice Areas:

1. Employment Law - Management
2. Litigation - Labor and Employment

Awards & Recognition: Pat’s dedication to excellence and his impressive track record have been consistently recognized, including:

• Recognized: Employment Law - Management, Recognized: Litigation - Labor and Employment
• Practice Area: Labor Law - Management
• Kansas and Missouri Super Lawyer Rising Star for Class Actions and Mass Torts (2008, 2009)
• Yellow Belt certification from Legal Lean Sigma
• “Leaders in their Field,” 2012, 2013 and 2014 edition of Chambers USA Leading Lawyers for Business
• Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2016

Education & Credentials:

• Bar Admissions: Admitted to practice in Missouri and Kansas.

If you’re facing complex employment litigation, Patrick Hulla offers a combination of strategic counsel, aggressive defense, and a proven record of success. He is a dedicated legal professional committed to protecting your business’s interests and navigating the complexities of the employment law landscape. Contact us today to discuss your case.