Law Enforcement

Mets, Schiro & McGovern, LLP has a strong regional reputation for its work on behalf of uniformed law enforcement officers, a result of the Firm’s many years of work with police officers. The firm is well known for its representation of police unions, as well as individual officers, in a wide array of legal matters. We are on the approved PBA defense fund list, and we take pride in representing the men and women who work hard to protect us in precincts throughout New York and New Jersey.

Critical Incidents

Most, if not all, police unions require that a lawyer be present during a critical incident investigation. While CI proceedings are held ostensibly to ensure that no laws were broken and that proper departmental policies and procedures were being followed, it is an investigation into the officer’s decisions and judgment, and it is prudent to have legal counsel present. A qualified attorney can protect the rights of the officer by ensuring that the proceeding takes place in a fair and just manner and providing sound counsel in the crucial early stages. Mets, Schiro & McGovern, LLP stands ready with experienced professionals to provide this important service.

Interest Arbitration

When negotiations break down and interest arbitration is mandated, the talent of Mets, Schiro & McGovern, LLP attorneys is crucial. Our skill in guiding arbitration proceedings, including the selection of panel members and definition of the issues, is born of many years of experience. We understand the process of interest arbitration, which is governed by a completely separate set of rules and procedures, and we understand how to make it work for our clients.

We are proud that one of our attorneys is also an active duty New York City Police Captain. His experience as a member of the NYPD gives our clients the confidence that they are being represented by a law firm that understands the special challenges they face, and the legal help they need.

Public Sector Law

Mets, Schiro & McGovern, LLP represents labor unions and union members, in the public sector, with a knowledge base that extends far beyond the courtroom. We understand the special challenges facing public employees and their unions and appreciate that in the real world, legal theory must be applied practically. Making the most of professional relationships cultivated over decades of practice, our attorneys know how to successfully navigate the agencies and administrative offices that proliferate the labor-management relationship in the public sector. This in-depth knowledge and relationship base allows us to provide clients with the highest level of representation.

Our attorneys include an active duty NYC Police Captain, our founding partners are respected instructors of labor law at Rutgers University and another partner was in charge of labor relations for the State of New Jersey. The Firm is a member of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association Defense Fund List.

Public employees and their unions are governed by a very specialized body of law, addressing certain protected rights, and responsibilities and obligations upon employers that must be respected. We have experience representing our clients in collective bargaining at the Office of administrative Law, and at the Public Employment Relations Commission, as well as assisting with union elections, handling grievances and interest arbitrations and all legal matters that affect the public sector employee.

Wrongful Terminations — Non–Union Employees

A special note concerning non–union employees.
Mets, Schiro & McGovern, LLP also represents non–union employees.

There are situations when having the help of an experienced labor attorney gives a strategic advantage to an employee who might not otherwise know their rights in the workplace. We assist clients in strategy and tactics, offer advice and representation at the negotiating table, and when necessary, file suit against employers, regardless of their size, to protect your rights.

Mets, Schiro & McGovern, LLP represents employees in all matters concerning labor issues, including employment contracts, negotiating severance agreements, wrongful termination, discrimination of any kind, wage and benefits issues, and any other work related matters.

Even if you are not a union member or work at a facility that does not have a union, you still have the protection of the law. Mets, Schiro & McGovern, LLP can help ensure that these protections are honored and enforced.