Robert D. Zaruta, Esq. - Erie, PA

Strategic Labor and Employment Counsel for Employers in Erie

Practicing at the historic firm of Knox McLaughlin Gornall and Sennett, P.C., founded in 1958 and located at 120 West 10th Street in downtown Erie, shareholder Robert D. Zaruta has built a premier labor and employment practice serving both private commercial enterprises and public sector entities. With an academic foundation including a Bachelor of Science from the University of Pittsburgh and a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law, attorney Zaruta represents manufacturing companies, healthcare systems, municipal authorities, and regional school districts across Pennsylvania and western New York.

Employment disputes and workplace regulatory actions present serious financial, operational, and reputational risks for business organizations. When company executives and human resources professionals need to hire an employment lawyer in Erie, Robert Zaruta delivers proactive compliance counseling and steadfast courtroom defense. Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for Employment Law Management and Litigation Labor and Employment, as well as selected to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Stars list, he equips employers with decisive strategies to minimize liability and defend corporate interests.

Comprehensive Employer Defense and Workplace Compliance

Attorney Zaruta focuses his practice on resolving complex employment challenges through both preventative counseling and zealous trial advocacy.

Employment Litigation and Workplace Discrimination Defense

The practice defends employers before state and federal courts and administrative agencies against claims of wrongful termination, retaliation, workplace discrimination, and sexual harassment. Attorney Zaruta navigates charges brought under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. By conducting objective investigations and structuring aggressive defenses, he shields employers from meritless allegations and excessive statutory damages.

Collective Bargaining, Labor Relations, and Title IX

Union relations require seasoned negotiation skills and deep regulatory knowledge. Attorney Zaruta advises public and private employers during collective bargaining sessions, union grievance arbitrations, and unfair labor practice proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board and the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board. Additionally, he conducts specialized Title IX investigations and compliance training for educational institutions and municipal employers facing evolving federal standards.

Wage and Hour Compliance and Restrictive Covenants

Ensuring strict adherence to the Fair Labor Standards Act is essential for avoiding catastrophic collective actions. Attorney Zaruta conducts comprehensive wage and hour audits, reviewing employee exempt status classifications, overtime calculations, and independent contractor agreements. He also drafts enforceable non-compete agreements, non-solicitation covenants, and trade secret protections that preserve employer competitive advantages.

Proactive Workers' Compensation Defense and Risk Management

Employers facing workers' compensation claims often find themselves isolated from the claims process. Attorney Zaruta provides strategic workers' compensation defense counsel, assisting employers and insurance administrators in mitigating claim exposure, coordinating return-to-work protocols, and resolving disputed claims before workers' compensation judges. Organizations seeking to consult an employment litigation attorney in Erie can contact Knox Law to arrange professional representation for their workforce matters.