Atlanta-Based Elarbee Thompson Joins International Labor and Employment Firm Fisher Phillips

Fisher Phillips, an international labor and employment law firm with over 700 lawyers, and Elarbee Thompson, a prominent Atlanta-based labor and employment law firm, have combined practices under the Fisher Phillips name. As of September 1, the addition of Elarbee’s 22-attorney team will contribute to Fisher Phillips’ capabilities across the Southeast by growing its key national practices, including traditional labor law, complex litigation, class and collective actions, employee benefits, wage and hour, and employment advice and counseling.

The attorneys at Elarbee Thompson have a rich history of representing a broad range of clients — from multinational corporations to public entities — in labor and employment matters throughout North America. The firm’s practices closely align with Fisher Phillips’ national client base, practice areas and industry teams, including public utilities, healthcare, education, construction, mining, manufacturing and distribution, media, public sector, financial, hospitality, retail, transportation, and technology.  The cultural synergies between the firms were also a key factor in the decision to join forces.

“Elarbee has deep roots in Georgia and is known by employers across the country. Combining with their team is not just about growing our headcount; it is about expanding our reach and capabilities here in Georgia and beyond for our clients,” said Terri Stewart, Regional Managing Partner of Fisher Phillips’ Atlanta office. “Our attorneys have worked with the Elarbee team for many years and have served Atlanta’s legal and business communities together for decades. This is truly a combination of strengths, and we believe our clients will benefit immensely.” “Our clients will now have access to an even greater pool of resources and knowledge, ensuring they receive the highest level of counsel across all employment-related matters, from litigation to compliance and preventative counseling. Not only does this joining of forces solidify Fisher Phillips’ position as the go-to legal partner for employers across the nation, but it provides Elarbee’s attorneys with an expanded platform to grow their businesses,” added Josh Viau, Co-Regional Managing Partner of the Atlanta office.

With the Elarbee team, Fisher Phillips now has over 60 attorneys in Atlanta making it one of the largest of the firm’s 41 U.S. locations. Atlanta was the founding office for Fisher Phillips, opening in 1943, and includes national leadership of the firm’s Employee Defection and Trade Secrets practice, Immigration Practice, and Agriculture, Hospitality, and Automotive Dealership Industry Teams, while maintaining active client services in employee benefits and tax, labor relations, wage and hour, and workplace safety.

Brent Wilson, Managing Partner at Elarbee Thompson said: “This move is a tremendous opportunity for our clients and our lawyers. Joining Fisher Phillips gives us access to a powerful international platform and expanded resources while allowing us to continue delivering the sophisticated, responsive service our clients rely on. We have been working alongside the attorneys at Fisher Phillips for years to help employers navigate change, and this transition makes that long-standing collaboration official. The overlap of our key practices and industry teams with Fisher Phillips, our shared commitment to serving as a strategic business partner to our clients, and the opportunities our attorneys will have to grow their practices across North America made this an excellent opportunity for us. We look forward to offering our clients even more comprehensive legal solutions and growing our capabilities under the Fisher Phillips name.”

By joining forces, Fisher Phillips deepens its capabilities in representing public sector clients, including cities, counties, sheriffs and other constitutional officers, school systems, housing authorities, regional commissions, public colleges and universities, and other local government entities — a growing industry for the firm across the country.  

Today, Fisher Phillips' presence grows to over 700 attorneys around the world, marking a period of substantial growth in key markets. The firm has significantly expanded its footprint both within the U.S. and globally. Domestically, the firm’s most recent openings were in Birmingham, Alabama and Portland, Maine, enhancing its ability to serve clients across key geographic markets. Internationally, Fisher Phillips has established a new presence in Tokyo and fortified its North American capabilities with three offices in Mexico, with plans to add more international offices in the near future. This strategic expansion reinforces the firm's commitment to providing comprehensive legal services and meeting the evolving needs of its clients worldwide.

“The Elarbee team brings decades of collective experience in traditional labor, employment litigation, and public sector law, significantly enhancing our capabilities across the Southeast and nationwide,” said John Polson, Chairman and Managing Partner of Fisher Phillips. “Their arrival represents a key step in our firmwide strategic growth—growing in key geographic markets, strengthening our core practice areas, and expanding our industry-focused teams. Just as important, we share a deep commitment to exceptional client service, sophisticated legal work, and a collegial, collaborative culture. They embody these values, and I am thrilled to welcome them as we continue delivering innovative solutions to employers around the world.”

About Fisher Phillips (www.fisherphillips.com)

With over 700 attorneys across the United States, Mexico and Japan, and a vast network of attorneys in jurisdictions around the globe, Fisher Phillips advises and advocates for employers on an international scale. Through our technology-driven approach, we partner with companies to achieve their business objectives, anticipate potential disruption, and provide the legal guidance to navigate and resolve the workplace matters critical to their success.