Phil Eckenrode

Overview

Phil maintains a diverse practice combining work with clients on matters of employment law, complex commercial litigation and outside general counsel services. Formerly serving as GC for a privately held company, Phil appreciates the bottom-line impact of litigation strategies as well as how to navigate an ever-changing workforce.

His work on behalf of employers around the country includes the enforcement of post-employment restrictive covenants, counseling HR managers on how to properly recruit, hire, train and—when necessary—separate from employees, negotiation of severance packages, anti-harassment training, protection of trade secrets, and handbook compliance. He also regularly defends companies against claims of race, age and other forms of alleged discrimination, as well as hostile work environment and whistleblower claims.

In his litigation practice, Phil has represented health insurance providers in multi-million dollar payor/provider litigations and arbitrations, has litigated ERISA preemption issues, prosecuted and defended fraudulent transfer/alter ego/veil-piercing lawsuits, and has handled a variety of general commercial matters involving contracts, fraud, tortious interference, and related state and federal claims.

Additionally, in representing small and medium-sized businesses as outside general counsel, Phil negotiates contracts with vendors and customers, oversees due diligence for new acquisitions, advises on compliance with a diverse and complex number of regulatory schemes, and leads internal investigations.

*Matter completed prior to joining Benesch.