Overview

Jonathan Gilman is an experienced labor and employment litigator and advocate who represents employers in complex workplace disputes and is prepared to take cases through trial when necessary. Having represented both employers and employees, he brings a valuable perspective to each matter, anticipating opposing strategies, and assessing risk based on how claims are developed and litigated. He draws on that litigation experience to provide practical, informed counseling that helps employers address workplace issues early while remaining prepared to vigorously advocate for their interests when disputes proceed to court.

Jonathan Gilman is a member of Dilworth Paxson’s Labor & Employment Practice Group, where he represents employers in employment litigation, counseling, and traditional labor matters arising under federal, state and local law. His practice includes disputes involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, disability accommodations, wage-and-hour issues, employment contracts and labor relations matters. He also advises employers on employee discipline and terminations, leave and accommodation obligations, workplace policies, and compliance with evolving employment laws.

Jonathan takes a strategic, business-minded approach to workplace disputes, focusing on the facts, the client’s objectives, and the potential consequences of each course of action.  His substantial experience in litigation informs his counseling, allowing him to recognize how seemingly routine workplace decisions can develop into legal claims and helping clients address potential issues before they escalate. When disputes do arise, he works with clients to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their position, anticipate opposing arguments, and determine the most effective strategy for protecting their interests.  When litigation is unavoidable, Jonathan is prepared to pursue the matter through trial if necessary and to advocate passionately for his client’s position. 

Before joining Dilworth Paxson, Jonathan practiced labor and employment law at a national management-side employment firm and a leading plaintiffs’ employment litigation firm.  These experiences have given him a rare perspective on employment disputes from both sides of the courtroom, helping him anticipate opposing arguments, understand how claims are developed and tried, and assess risk from multiple vantage points.  Earlier in his career, Jonathan served as a judicial law clerk to Judge Cynthia M. Rufe of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He brings these experiences together to provide clients with thoughtful, strategically focused advocacy and practical advice throughout every stage of a workplace dispute.

Representative Experience

  • Served as lead counsel in a five-day arbitration hearing before JAMS involving claims of retaliation and discrimination under the FMLA, ADA, and state and local laws.
  • Served as co-trial counsel in a five-day federal jury trial involving claims of sex discrimination and retaliation under Title VII and state and local laws.
  • Served as co-counsel on behalf of a large oil refinery company in a three-day union arbitration hearing before the American Arbitration Association (AAA) involving a former employee’s wrongful discharge claims.
  • Represented a major wholesale grocery distribution company in labor relations matters, including the defense of numerous unfair labor practice charges before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
  • Regularly advises clients in the financial services industry on employment matters, including employee discipline and terminations, wage-and-hour compliance, and leave and accommodations obligations.
  • Regularly develop and revise employee handbooks and workplace policies to ensure compliance with evolving federal, state, and local laws.
  • Draft and negotiate separation agreements and employment agreements.

Professional Recognition

  • Selected to Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2024 – Present