Tom Stephenson

Member
Greenville, South Carolina
(T) 864.370.2211
(F) 864.477.2620
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Listed in Chambers USA

Practices
Practices

Thomas L. Stephenson practices primarily in the areas of labor law, employment law, and employment-related litigation.

Mr. Stephenson has authored several books and articles dealing with employment law.

Career Highlights
Career Highlights
  • Medical University of South Carolina - Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees
  • Chambers USA: America's Leading Business Lawyers - Litigation
  • Best Lawyers in America - Alternative Dispute Resolution and Labor and Employment Law
  • Certified Specialist in Employment and Labor Law
  • Clemson University - Adjunct Professor in Labor Law
  • Greenville Young Lawyers - Former Member
  • Leadership Greenville - Graduate
News
News

Publications
Publications
  • Employment Law Update - August 2010 Supplemental
    Part one of a two-part OSHA Update describing what employers can do to prepare for an inspection conducted by South Carolina OSHA.
  • Employment Law Update - August 2010
    This edition of the newsletter summarizes a Fact Sheet issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) setting out the agency's view of unpaid internships.
  • Employment Law Update - June 2010
    This edition reviews a recent decision by the Fourth Circuit federal appeals court examining who is a "supervisor" for purposes of holding a company liable for sexual harassment conduct by a supervisor.
  • Employment Law Update - April 2010
    Employer wins ADA suit brought by medical intern who could not perform the essential functions of his job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
  • Employment Law Alert: The HIRE Act and FICA Taxation of Severance Benefits
    Hiring for the HIRE Act: Federal Legislation Offers Substantial Incentives for Bringing on New Workers and Important New Development Affecting FICA Taxation of Severance Benefits
  • Employment Law Update - January 2010
    As the new year gets underway, the January edition of the Update discusses four resolutions employers will want to consider.
  • Employment Law Update - October 2009
    This edition focuses on the EEOC's recent publication that addresses waivers of discrimination claims in employee severance agreements; the EEOC reminds employers and employees about requirements for valid and enforceable releases, especially when the releases are for employees age 40 and older.
  • Employment Law Update - August 2009
    This edition focuses on three Department of Labor opinion letters that address how cost-cutting strategies like mandatory furloughs and reduced workweeks may affect an employee's exempt status under the Fair Labor Standards Act. It also updates pending North Carolina legislation that, if passed, would require private sector employers to use E-Verify to check the legal status of new hires.
  • Employment Law Update - July 2009
    This edition discusses the U.S. Supreme Court’s Gross v. FBL Financial Services, Inc. decision, which recognized a more stringent standard of proof for employees bringing claims under the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). According to the Court, a plaintiff asserting a disparate-treatment claim under the ADEA must prove that age was the “but-for” cause of an adverse employment action, as opposed to a mere “motivating factor.”
  • Employment Law Update - June 2009 Supplemental
    Starting July 1, 2009, private employers in South Carolina with 100 or more employees must comply with the employment verification requirements of the South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act.
  • Employment Law Update - June 2009
    This edition focuses on recent court decisions striking down restrictive covenants for being overly broad and highlights the need to narrowly tailor non-compete and non-solicitation agreements.
  • Employment Law Update - May 2009
    This edition explains why many employers are seeking privileged legal compliance reviews of their compensation practices and documentation in the aftermath of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.

    A brief video update on immigration compliance developments is available by clicking here. Then, click on the video entitled "Immigration."

  • Employment Law Update - March 2009
    This edition describes the recently enacted Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which extends the time period in which employees can pursue pay discrimination claims.
  • Employment Law Update - February 2009 - Special COBRA Edition
    The economic stimulus law signed by President Obama on February 17, 2009, contains significant changes to COBRA, providing for a premium subsidy for eligible employees and also giving eligible individuals another chance to elect COBRA.
  • Employment Law Update - February 2009
    This edition summarizes laws and issues that can impact Carolinas employers when downsizing or otherwise reducing payroll or schedules.
  • Employment Law Update - January 2009
    This edition summarizes key provisions of the new FMLA regulations, which will require substantial changes in employer policies and practices.
  • Employment Law Update - December 2008
    2009 promises to bring many changes and challenges for employers and their human resources departments. This edition identifies employment and labor law compliance issues that can be addressed through audits and employee surveys, as well as policy reviews and training.
  • Employment & Labor Law Desk Reference For The Carolinas
  • Employment Law Update - October 2006
    On August 17, 2006, President Bush signed the 900-plus page Pension Protection Act of 2006 ("PPA"), putting in place many reforms to federal tax and employee benefit laws intended to strengthen the nation's private employer retirement system.
  • Employment Law Update - June 2006
    Recent Decisions Highlight Importance Of Background Checks for Employers
  • Liability from Employee Discharge

Events
Events
Education
Education
  • University of South Carolina, B.S., 1976
  • University of South Carolina, J.D., 1979
Bar & Court Admissions
Bar & Court Admissions
  • South Carolina
  • U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth and Sixth Circuits
Civic & Professional Memberships
Civic & Professional Memberships
  • South Carolina Bar