Laureve D. Blackstone

Partner lblackstone@levyratner.com

Laureve represents individuals, unions, and benefit and pension funds in all aspects of labor and employment law, including employee benefits law. She represents unions in negotiations, before administrative agencies, and in state and federal court litigation. A major focus of her practice is representing the Home Care Division of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East in negotiations, new organizing, and in litigation. Laureve also advises individuals with respect to negotiating employment agreements, non compete and non disclosure agreements, severance agreements, and in connection with employee benefits matters and litigates a variety of employment matters on behalf of individual clients. Laureve protects workers’ retirement and healthcare security by advising union trustees of multiemployer health and welfare and pension funds.

Practice Areas

  • Labor Law
  • Employment Law
  • Employee Benefits Law
  • Employment Counseling
  • Hiring and Separation Agreements
  • Disability Discrimination
  • Wage and Hour

Awards, Honors & Recognition

  • 2022-2024 Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for Employment Law - Individuals
  • 2021-2024 Recognized in Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Employment and Civil Rights Lawyers
  • 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award. Brooklyn Law School Labor and Employment Law Association.
  • 2006-2008 Law Clerk, Staff Attorneys' Office, United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
  • Law School Honors
    • Executive Articles Editor, Brooklyn Journal of International Law
    • Edward V. Sparer Public Interest Law Fellowship
    • Jeffrey E. Rockwell Memorial Prize for International Law
    • Thomas Christensen, Jr. Memorial Prize for Commitment to Legal Scholarship & Public Service
    • CALI Awards in International Law, Comparative Constitutional Law and War Crimes Seminar
  • Undergraduate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholar, NYU

Client Testimonials

“Laureve was the best lawyer I could ask for. She made me feel secure that my case was in the best hands, especially going up against a big corporation.”

“From the initial conversation it was abundantly clear [Laureve] understood the situation and what needed to be done to resolve it.”

“I hope to never need to retain Laureve for another employment matter, but if I do find myself in another unfortunate situation with an employer, I will undoubtedly turn to Laureve for her expert guidance.”

“Laureve advised me wisely, and yet gave me the space to make the final decisions. When she acted on my behalf, she got amazing results.”

Education

  • Brooklyn Law School, J.D.,
    cum laude
  • New York University B.A., magna cum laude, Gallatin School of Individualized Study, concentrations in Cultural Anthropology and Religious Studies

Admissions

State Admissions

  • New York
  • New Jersey

Professional Leadership

  • Speaker, 2020, ABA 14th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference: Foundations and Essentials, Ethical Obligations in the Digital Age
  • Speaker, 2019, ABA Section of Labor & Employment Law, Employee Benefits Committee Midwinter Meeting, Panel on Multiemployer Plans: Current Pension Plan Issues: Legislation and Agency Guidance, Nashville, TN
  • Speaker, 2018, ABA Section of Labor & Employment Law, Employee Benefits Committee Midwinter Meeting, Panel on Multiemployer Plans: Current Pension and Welfare Plan Legislation and Agency Guidance and DOL Issues, Clearwater, FL
  • ABA Section of Labor & Employment Law, Employee Benefits Committee, Subcommittee on Jointly Administered Plans, Union Co-Chair (2017-2023)
  • Contributing Author, Employee Benefits Law, 4th ed.