Philippe Thomas focuses his practice on labor and employment matters. Mr. Thomas has extensive experience in transfer of personnel and other employment law aspects of national and international mergers and acquisitions. He regularly advises on restructuring issues and assists clients with their reductions in headcount, works councils consultations, harmonization of employee status as well as senior employee terminations and post termination issues.
In addition, Mr. Thomas advises on recent legislation such as the new rules applicable to working time, incentives and employee benefits, health and safety, discrimination, directors' liabilities, stock option plans and collective agreements. He has recently assisted clients on cross-border projects and mobility issues - and appears before the labor courts on individual and collective employment issues.
Prior to joining Dechert in 2011, Mr. Thomas spent fourteen years at Hogan Lovells having already spent seven years working within various French law firms.
Significant Representations
Global assistance to a US Major Industrial Manufacturer on all employment related issues such as reorganization, performance, elections and relationships with employee representatives, international employment contracts
Advised a Modular Construction Company on the implementation of an ethic code in Europe
Represented a Manufacturer of Automotive Fluid Storage & Delivery Products in a criminal case for occupational accident (death of an employee)
Represented an HR Management Company in a criminal case of moral harassment
Assistance to several Private Equity Funds on terminations of managers with complex negotiations
Advised a Real Estate Services and Investment Management Firm for a transfer of part of its personnel to the Purchaser of one of its French activities
Closing of a plant of a Medical Device Group, representation of this group before administrative and civil tribunals and conclusion of settlement agreements with 104 employees
Advised a US Processor and Semiconductor Manufacturer on all employment law issues, including two successive restructurings with negotiation of social plans (310 people) and termination of contractual relationships with sub-contractors - including representation in courts
Regular advisor to a Global Online Retailer for sensitive international issues
Assisting a world leader in private equity on sensitive individual terminations with complex negotiations
Education
Université Panthéon Assas (Paris 2), M.A., 1986
Georgetown University, LL.M., 1990
Bar Admissions/Qualifications
Paris
Memberships
European Employment Lawyer's Association
The International Bar Association
Cercle Magellan
ANDRH
Languages
French
English