F. Curt Kirschner Jr.
Partner

Contact

(T) +1.415.875.5769
(F) +1.415.875.5700

Education

  • University of Michigan (J.D. cum laude 1985; Clara Belfield Fellowship); University of California, Berkeley (B.A. with distinction 1982; Phi Beta Kappa)

Bar Admissions

  • California

In practice for more than 25 years, Curt Kirschner focuses his practice on the resolution of complex labor and employment disputes, with a particular concentration on addressing employers' rights and obligations relating to disputes arising in a unionized environment.

Curt has extensive experience in the defense of "corporate campaigns" brought against employers by labor unions, including the pursuit of litigation against unlawful union activities arising from corporate campaigns. Curt has been designated by the American Hospital Association as its outside counsel for labor matters affecting the hospital industry. He has negotiated more than 100 collective bargaining agreements, handled numerous proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board and similar state agencies, advocated on behalf of employers in grievance and interest arbitrations, and provided advice and litigation representation during labor disputes. He has substantial experience managing complex and overlapping negotiations involving several bargaining units and related employers, including the simultaneous negotiation of 46 open labor contracts.

Curt's employment litigation experience is similarly extensive. Defending scores of employment lawsuits in state and federal courts and in private arbitration proceedings, Curt has obtained favorable decisions from juries, judges, and arbitrators in difficult employment cases in many industry sectors, including health care, broadcasting, technology, investment banking, and the public sector. Curt also has extensively litigated the right of employers to enforce mandatory arbitration agreements against employment claims filed in court.

Curt regularly speaks and writes about a variety of labor and employment topics, including corporate campaigns, organizing agreements, strikes and lockouts, and interest arbitration. He is a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Attorneys.


Honors & Distinctions

  • "Top Labor Attorneys in U.S.," HR Executive Online (2011)

    Recommended attorney, employment litigation, Legal 500 (2011)

    Recommended attorney, labour and employee benefits, PLC Which lawyer? (2011)

    "Top 6 California Labor Attorneys," Daily Journal (2010)

    Northern California Super Lawyers (2004-2011)

    Early neutral evaluator and mediator, Northern District of California

    Board of Governors, San Francisco Symphony
F. Curt Kirschner Curt