Stephanie C. Gaston

Listed in Benchmark Litigation "Labor & Employment Star," 2020-2021 Listed in Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers, 2020 Named to "Top 50 Women Lawyers," National Diversity Council, 2017, 2019  Named to "Top 50 Women Lawyers," Texas Diversity Council, 2017 Named to the Lawyers of Color’s "Second Annual Hot List," 2014 Listed in Texas Super Lawyers, “Rising Star,” Employment & Labor, 2022 Represented several oilfield services companies in collective action lawsuits seeking overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act in issues such as bonus payments, day rates, waiting periods, fluctuating workweek and independent contractor status. Represented numerous energy companies in litigation and defense of EEOC charges alleging race, disability, FMLA, age, religion, sex and national origin discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Assisted energy industry employers in classification of employees as exempt or nonexempt and provided advice with regard to competitive pay strategies. OSHA representation for oil and gas clients involving fatalities, injuries and environmental issues. Successfully obtained summary judgment in ADEA, ADAAA, and FMLA case brought by former employee against international medical and emergency services provider. Successfully obtained summary judgment in Title VII case brought by employee against national retailer. Obtained dismissal of national automobile OEM in ADAAA and age discrimination case. Obtained dismissal of Fortune 500 industrial and electrical supply distributor from wage claim brought by former employee. Assisted petrochemical and oil and gas clients in compliance with federal contractor regulations, including affirmative action plans and responding to OFCCP inquiries. Successfully obtained summary judgment in breach of franchise agreement case brought by franchisor against franchisee in Galveston County and Harris County. Represented petrochemical and oil and gas clients in personal injury and business dispute litigation, including contract and operating agreement disputes, mineral rights disputes, and pipeline construction disputes. Represented global transportation services provider in large commercial contract dispute, and obtained favorable settlement terms. Represented professional services company in catastrophic injury, and obtained favorable settlement terms. Drafted appellate brief to Fifth Circuit in Section 1782 discovery dispute for global transportation service client. Drafted appellate brief to 14th Court of Appeals of Texas in dispute arising under the Texas Transportation Code for pilots association client.