Texas law firm

The Employers Counsel Network is proud to include law firms in all 50 states that advise and represent employers in workplace-related issues and disputes. In addition, attorneys at each of these firms write their state's Employment Law Letter, a monthly newsletter for HR professionals and in-house counsel. The member law firm in Texas is:

Ford & Harrison LLP
1601 Elm Street, Suite 4450
Dallas, TX 75201
214/256-4700

Michael P. Maslanka (Full bio) has 20 years of experience in labor and employment law and is board certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. His emphasis lies in counseling clients on employment and labor matters, representing management in federal and state court employment discrimination litigation, and representing management in union arbitrations and before the labor board.
Mike is the author of three books:

  • Human Resources Forms with Commentary (Warren Gorham & Lamont, 1998);
  • Guide to Employee Discipline and Termination (Warren Gorham & Lamont 1997); and
  • Texas Employers' Guide to Employee Handbooks and Personnel Policy Manuals (M. Lee Smith Publishers LLC 1996).

    He has written a handbook for Texas employers: How to Avoid Legal Pitfalls in Hiring & Firing in Texas (M. Lee Smith Publishers LLC 1995). He has also contributed to numerous books about employment law, including co-authoring a chapter for Texas Employment Law (James Publishing 1999) about the hiring process; has contributed several articles to the Texas Lawyer; and has published two articles in the Texas Bar Journal: The Complete Lawyer: A Balanced Approach to Life and the Law (1995) and The Top Ten Rules of Effective Client Communications (2000).

    In 1999, Mike was profiled in the Texas Lawyer. When asked "What has been your single most rewarding experience as a lawyer?" Mike replied, "The writer Harlen Ellison once said that he 'often cursed the lesson, but blessed the knowledge.' I've been fortunate in being able to take the lessons I've learned and share them with others through my newsletter, my speeches and articles, and my books. Being able to have this type of exponential impact is a privilege." Texas Lawyer, Labor of Love: A Q&A with Michael Maslanka (May 31, 1999).

    E-mail: mmaslanka@fordharrison.com



    Vista Lyons (Full bio) represents employers in multi-state employment litigation matters. Her litigation experience includes defending employers against state and federal employment-related claims involving alleged violations of Title VII, FMLA, and ADA; wrongful denial of ERISA benefits; wrongful discharge; and breach of employment contracts and non-compete agreements. She also counsels management on multi-state and international employment practice issues. Vista prepares and reviews harassment training programs for managers and employees, personnel handbooks, policies and procedures, reduction-in-force plans, and union avoidance plans. She also analyzes federal and multi-state wage and hour matters. Prior to joining Ford & Harrison, Vista served as counsel at a general practice firm in Dallas, Texas.

    E-mail: vlyons@fordharrison.com



    About the firm

    Ford & Harrison LLP
    1601 Elm St., Ste. 4450
    Dallas, TX 75201
    Phone: 214/256-4700
    Fax: 214/256-4701

    Firm Practice Areas: Labor and Employment Law representing Employers, including Employment Litigation, Discrimination, Harassment, Class Action Litigation, Affirmative Action, Wrongful Termination, Wage and Hour Law, ADA/FMLA, Airline Labor Law, Labor Union Acquisitions (Labor), Employment Contracts, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Business Immigration, Employee Benefits, Workplace Safety, and Environmental Law
    Number of Attorneys: 190
    Office Locations: Asheville, NC; Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Jacksonville, FL; Los Angeles, CA; Melbourne, FL; Memphis, TN; Miami, FL; Minneapolis, MN; New York, NY; Orlando, FL; Phoenix, AZ; Spartanburg, SC; Tampa, FL; Washington, DC

    The Texas members of the Employers Counsel Network also write Texas Employment Law Letter. Click here to learn more about the newsletter.

    Member firms of the Employers Counsel Network practice law independently and not in a relationship for the joint practice of the law.