Overview
Margie dedicates her practice to providing counsel to corporate clients and non-profit organizations in labor, employment, education, and regulatory matters. She handles jury trials in class actions and general litigation cases, including the education and employment and benefits area; wage and hour audits and reviews and litigation; Title VII cases; U.S.C. §1981 cases; the enforcement of restrictive covenants in employment agreements in arbitration and mediation; discrimination claims, Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”); and other employers/employee disputes raised by the Department of Labor, and brought in federal and state courts in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and the District of Columbia; and regulatory and litigation proceedings in labor matters. In addition, Margie represents clients before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”), the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) and the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board. Margie serves as general counsel to non-profit organizations and has extensive experience in compliance and workplace investigations.
Representative Experience
- Represents the School District of Philadelphia in complex litigation matters, and successfully defended the District against class action claims of violations of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act, and discrimination claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Equal Education Opportunities Act, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Dilworth provides counsel to the District on policies and procedures to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations.
- Successfully defended a private college against a preliminary injunction that sought to compel the college to enroll an unvaccinated student who objected to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine on religious grounds
- Assisted a private sector manufacturing company concerning strategy in a business reorganization.
- Representation of management before NLRB with respect to grievances and arbitrations with union-represented employees.
- Represented private sector clients in labor and employment litigation and arbitrations, NLRB, human rights, and federal court litigation.
- Represented management in union negotiations in a first contract.
- Represented management in the decertification of elections relating to a union contract.
- Represented a corporate client against a former employee’s charge of discrimination based on an alleged violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
- Represented both regional and national public companies ensuring compliance with the WARN Act.
- Represented a non-profit entity against a former employee’s charge of discrimination based upon race in the Court of Common Pleas for Philadelphia County.
- Represented a public utility company charged with violating regulatory compliance.
- Represented management with respect to negotiating severance agreements for high level executives.
- Prepared injunction papers in response to a union threat to strike at local hospitals.
- Drafted personnel policies and procedures for the US branch of an international technology company.
- Counseled on principles and appropriate documentation for employment-at-will principles and the enforcement of restrictive covenants and trade secrets.
- Represented corporate and public entities in Department of Labor investigations.
- Represented individual employees with respect to negotiating severance agreements.
- Represented corporate companies charged with OSHA violations.
- Represented employers in downsizing, layoffs, and furloughs.
- Represented employers in negotiating employee benefits, including pension matters.
Speeches & Presentations
- Presented on LGBT Issues in the Workplace for the Midatlantic Employers Association HR & Employment Law Conference on November 13, 2015.
- Presented a Webinar on Restrictive Covenants on April 9, 2009.
- Presented a Webinar on Benefits of Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policies and Training on May 7, 2009.
- Presented “Pointers on Application Screenings” on June 23, 2009.
- Presented CLE Credits on FMLA and ADA Interplay on July 14, 2009.
- Presented Joint Employment Quandary: Navigating NLRB’s Expansive New Rule; Increased Risks for Union and Non-Union Employers on January 24, 2024
Professional Recognition
- Selected as a 2013 Top Rated Lawyer in Labor & Employment Law by American Lawyer Media and Martindale-Hubbell™
- Philadelphia Business Journal, “Leaders in Law” for Labor & Employment, 2009
- Selected to The Best Lawyers in America® in the area of Litigation – Labor and Employment, 2025
Further information on methodologies is available via these links.
Representative Experience
- Represents the School District of Philadelphia in complex litigation matters, and successfully defended the District against class action claims of violations of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act, and discrimination claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Equal Education Opportunities Act, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Dilworth provides counsel to the District on policies and procedures to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations.
- Successfully defended a private college against a preliminary injunction that sought to compel the college to enroll an unvaccinated student who objected to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine on religious grounds
- Assisted a private sector manufacturing company concerning strategy in a business reorganization.
- Representation of management before NLRB with respect to grievances and arbitrations with union-represented employees.
- Represented private sector clients in labor and employment litigation and arbitrations, NLRB, human rights, and federal court litigation.
- Represented management in union negotiations in a first contract.
- Represented management in the decertification of elections relating to a union contract.
- Represented a corporate client against a former employee’s charge of discrimination based on an alleged violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
- Represented both regional and national public companies ensuring compliance with the WARN Act.
- Represented a non-profit entity against a former employee’s charge of discrimination based upon race in the Court of Common Pleas for Philadelphia County.
- Represented a public utility company charged with violating regulatory compliance.
- Represented management with respect to negotiating severance agreements for high level executives.
- Prepared injunction papers in response to a union threat to strike at local hospitals.
- Drafted personnel policies and procedures for the US branch of an international technology company.
- Counseled on principles and appropriate documentation for employment-at-will principles and the enforcement of restrictive covenants and trade secrets.
- Represented corporate and public entities in Department of Labor investigations.
- Represented individual employees with respect to negotiating severance agreements.
- Represented corporate companies charged with OSHA violations.
- Represented employers in downsizing, layoffs, and furloughs.
- Represented employers in negotiating employee benefits, including pension matters.
Insights
- FTC Non-compete rule blocked by a Federal Court in Texas
- ALERT: FTC Non-Compete Rule Remains Undisturbed in Pennsylvania
- DOL’s New 2-Phased Salary Basis Increase for OT Exemptions Has Businesses Crying Foul
- Pipe Manufacturer Hit with Labor Department Whistleblower Suit
- ALERT: NLRB Imposes Broad Restrictions on Severance Agreements
- New Year, New Rule: Are Non-Competes Out in 2023?
- Navigating Expense Reimbursement for “Work From Home” Employees
- Dilworth Defends Private College Against Attempt to Avoid COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement
- Dilworth Paxson Defeats Third Circuit Appeal in Putative IDEA Class Action
- COVID-19 Vaccine: Considerations for Employers
- ALERT: Balancing Risk and Business Needs During COVID-19
- ALERT: The Title IX Final Rule: Effective August 14, 2020
- Dilworth Represents MandMarblestone in Lawsuit Over $400,000 401(k) Cyber Theft
- ALERT: New OSHA Guidance for Businesses Returning to Work
- Coronavirus/OSHA Guidance
- Coronavirus Alert: What You Need to Know About the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
- -POSTPONED- Join Us: The Life Cycle of an Employee: Managing Risk & Maximizing Workforce Potential Seminar
- Department of Labor Publishes New Wage and Hour Opinion Letters
- Dilworth Paxson Partner Marjorie Obod to Present at Southern New Jersey Development Council’s “Substance Abuse Disorders Seminar Employer Resources – How to Respond and Assist”
- New Jersey and Philadelphia Ban Cash-Free Restaurants and Stores
- Employers and Employees, Are You Compliant?
- Join Dilworth’s Marjorie Obod for a Seminar on April 25: “Updates on Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace”
- Handbook Update: Inclusive Policies & Practices
- How to Be an Ally to Transgender Employees and Prevent Discrimination
- The Government Workplace: Free Speech Rights of Public Employees
- Seven Steps For Employers To Take To Address The DOL Overtime Final Rule
- UPDATE: DOL ISSUES FINAL RULES DOUBLING EXEMPTION THRESHOLD
- Will Your Exempt Employees Be Reclassified as Non-Exempt and Entitled to Overtime Under the Proposed FLSA Overtime Regulations?
- Important: Philadelphia Sick Leave Law Starts May 13
- You’re Invited- Keep it Legal: HR Issues in Food Service
- Tips You Need to Avoid Tipping Headaches
- Are You in Compliance with the Affordable Care Act?
- Expecting The Unexpected: Tackling Wage Issues and Protecting Employer’s Confidential Information and Client Relationships
- 2013 Workplace Labor and Employment Issues: A Legal Update