Overview
For more than three and a half decades, Read Gignilliat has helped private and public sector employers navigate their most challenging workplace issues – both inside and outside the courtroom. A partner in Fisher Phillips’ Atlanta office, he represents clients in lawsuits, federal and state administrative proceedings, civil service, merit board, and personnel board proceedings and appeals, as well as mediations and arbitrations, and provides practical, day-to-day guidance on the full spectrum of employment law matters. He is known for combining deep legal knowledge with a practical, solutions-oriented approach designed to help clients achieve their business and operational goals while reducing risk.
Employers turn to Read for strategic advice on personnel policies, employee handbooks, employment agreements, grievance and appeal procedures, dispute resolution programs, and non-compete and trade secret issues. He also develops and delivers customized management and employee training on workplace harassment prevention, internal investigations, whistleblower protections, and other compliance topics.
A trusted advisor to cities, counties, sheriffs and other constitutional officers, regional commissions, water and sewerage authorities, library systems, housing authorities, pension boards, and other state and local governmental entities, Read co-chairs the firm’s Public Sector Industry Group and is a member of the Litigation and Trials Practice Group. His track record includes numerous appellate victories – several before the Georgia Supreme Court – on issues ranging from the enforceability of employment agreements to constitutional questions affecting public employers.
Before joining Fisher Phillips, Read was a partner at Elarbee Thompson, an Atlanta-based firm known for its excellence in labor and employment.