“I have worked with Erik extensively over the last few years, always with successful outcomes. I appreciate his practical and proactive approach to contentious employment matters, as well as his in-depth understanding of our unique industry. His guidance has not only resolved some complex issues, but also has helped us avoid issues that we otherwise might not have seen coming.”
Erik helps businesses manage their most valuable assets – their employees.
Clients trust Erik’s ability to offer practical, effective advice on the many labor and employment issues that arise in the workplace. He counsels employers of all sizes, from small businesses to Fortune 100 companies, often helping them draft and enforce employment contracts, restrictive covenants and other workplace agreements. He assists clients in the financial services, manufacturing and healthcare industries, among others.
While Erik’s goal is to help his clients stay out of court, his substantial experience before state and federal courts and administrative agencies across the country has prepared him to vigorously defend their interests when litigation is necessary.
Whether it is a workplace safety matter before OSHA, a traditional labor matter resulting in a grievance or unfair labor practice charge, or a sensitive internal investigation involving allegations of fraud or harassment, clients rely on Erik’s proven ability to guide them to positive resolutions.
Erik previously led С»ÆѼÊÓƵ’s Labor & Employment practice group, and now serves as Chair of the firm’s Practice Group Leadership.
Erik’s team successfully persuaded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to completely dismiss an enforcement action against one of the nation’s largest producers of animal feed and veterinary pharmaceuticals. OSHA initially assessed six-figure penalties, as well as abatement steps that would have required comprehensive retrofitting at virtually all of the client’s facilities.
Erik identified the world’s preeminent expert in the industry, and his team successfully persuaded OSHA that the company’s facilities were safe and compliant as designed. By convincing OSHA to dismiss the case, Erik’s team saved the client more than $10 million.
Family and music are two of the central parts of Erik’s life.
Erik enjoys spending time (and dressing up for theme parties) with his wife and their two daughters.
He has also played the French horn since childhood, and currently plays with his parents, sister and brother-in-law in the nationally recognized Waukesha Area Symphonic Band (WASB).
Erik is on the board of directors for the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) and is co-chair of the organization’s alumni group, the Allegro Association.
He played in MYSO’s Chamber Orchestra, Philharmonia and Senior Symphony Orchestra from 1994 to 1999.
Erik has developed strong relationships in Scandinavia by virtue of his membership in the Brittingham Viking Organization (BVO), an international scholarship group with ties to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he is also a Labor & Employment Lecturer at the School of Engineering. He has served on the board of directors of the BVO’s U.S. affiliate since 2017 and also serves as its outside counsel, providing advice on corporate and compliance issues.