A regular speaker and author on labor and employment issues, Leni D. Battaglia defends employers in courts and tribunals around the United States. Leni also develops litigation-avoidance strategies for clients across industries, including financial services, technology, retail & ecommerce, hospitality, and entertainment. Leni serves as co-leader of the firm's fashion and luxury brands team.
In addition to wage and hour class and collective matters, Leni litigates harassment, discrimination, disability, retaliation, and whistleblower claims. He also represents clients in contract, noncompete, and trade secret matters.
In the realm of preventative practice, Leni counsels on COVID-19 workforce issues, crisis management, harassment and #MeToo issues, arbitration agreements, compensation plans, independent contractor and exemption classification, restrictive covenants, and employment policies. He regularly conducts internal audits and navigates employers through investigations brought by federal and state agencies. Leni also conducts trainings and works with employers to create safe, respectful, diverse, and inclusive workplaces. Leni frequently comments in the news media, and writes articles on these subjects.
Leni received his J.D. with honors from the University of Connecticut School of Law, where he was notes and comments editor of the Connecticut Law Review, national competitor for the Connecticut Moot Court Board, and on the Executive Board of the Public Interest Law Group. Prior to law school, Leni conducted social science research in Brazil as a recipient of the Congressional David L. Boren Scholarship. He is conversant in Spanish and Portuguese.
Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Employment Law - Management, New York (2025)
Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Litigation – Labor and Employment, New York (2024, 2025)
Member, Law360, Practice Group of the Year, Employment (2017, 2019)
Listed, Super Lawyers, Rising Star: New York Metro Area (2013–2017)
Honoree, Pro Bono Service, New York Empire State Counsel (2007–2010, 2013–2014)
2013 Award for Pro Bono Service, New York City Family Court
2006 Award for Outstanding Pro Bono Service, Legal Aid Society of NY
Member, American Bar Association
Member, New York State Bar Association
No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. A description of the selection methodology for the above awards can be found here.