Edward G. Melvin, II

Partner

p: 315.425.2783

f: 315.703.7328

Syracuse Office

Barclay Damon Tower
125 East Jefferson Street
Syracuse, New York 13202

Edward (Buster) concentrates his practice in labor and employment and has extensive experience representing clients in state and federal court at the trial and appellate levels. He has represented clients before the New York State Division of Human Rights, the Equal Opportunity Commission, the Public Employment Relations Board, the National Relations Labor Board, and in labor arbitration hearings.

Buster is admitted to practice in New York and Connecticut. He is a member of the New York Bar Association, the Onondaga County Bar Association, and the Federal Court Bar Association for the Northern District of New York. He often lectures and provides training sessions for clients that deal with a wide array of labor and employment issues. Buster has been named a Super Lawyer for Labor and Employment Law from 2008-2017.

Buster received his undergraduate degree from Holy Cross College and his law degree from Syracuse University College of Law. While in law school, he was the executive editor of the Syracuse Law Review and an associate editor of the American Bar Association's Labor Lawyer. He is currently very active in his community, serving on various boards and committees.

Representative Experience

Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a manufacturer in racial discrimination and retaliation action in federal court.
Obtained injunctive relief on behalf of a large regional bank in non-competition/non-solicitation action against two former bank employees in state court, resulting in a favorable resolution.
Successfully represented an international aluminum manufacturer in obtaining the dismissal of Section 10(j) action brought in federal court by Region 3 of the National Labor Relations Board.
Successfully represented one of the Northeast’s largest trucking companies in obtaining the dismissal of Section 10(j) action brought in federal court by Region 3 of the National Labor Relations Board.
Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a medical supplies corporation in False Claims Act action brought in state court.
Obtained summary judgment on behalf of county and municipal defendants in Section 1983 action involving first amendment and false arrest claims in federal court.
Successfully defended a client in a preliminary injunction hearing held in federal court involving non-disclosure and non-solicitation issues in action brought by a national professional recruiting company.
Defended a large hospital in wage and hour-meal break class and collective action in federal court, which resulted in class-wide resolution.
Represented municipalities in binding arbitration proceedings involving local police unions.

Practice Areas

Education

Syracuse University College of Law, J.D., 1996
Holy Cross College, 1993

Admitted To Practice

New York, 1997
Connecticut, 1997
U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit
U.S. District Court, Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of New York
U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut

Memberships & Affiliations

New York State Bar Association
Onondaga County Bar Association
Federal Court Bar Association for the Northern District of New York

Civic Activities

L'Arche Syracuse, Board Member
Onondaga County Assigned Counsel Program, Board Member
Vera House, Inc., Board Member and Vice President
St. Lucy's Church, Former Parish Council President
Catholic Lawyers Guild, Former President
McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Site, Former Board Member

Speaking & Publications

"Demystifying Employee Classifications," Barclay Damon Webinar, June 6, 2018
"Northeast Zone: Syracuse Employment Practices Liability & Excess Casualty," AIG, May 16, 2018
"Fair Labor Standards Act Higher Education Employee Classification and Pay Issues," August 31, 2016
"Workplace Policies Redefined for 2016," June 7, 2016
"Putting the Pieces Together: What Every Employer Needs to Know About FMLA and the ADA,” March 23, 2016
"Recent Amendments to the NY Human Rights Law and NY Equal Pay Act – What Every Employer Needs to Know," November 17, 2015
“Wage and Hour Update,” St. Lawrence Valley Human Resources Management Association, October 13, 2015
“Representing Your Client in the Northern District of New York,” Northern District of New York Federal Court Bar Association CLE, March 24, 2015
"Other Employment Laws You Need to Know," NBI Seminar: Human Resource Law From Start to Finish, November 19, 2014
"FLSA Compliance/Hot Issues," Public Sector Labor Relations 2014, June 12, 2014
"Human Resources Update," Healthcare Financial Management Association CNY Chapter, February 27, 2014, and January 24, 2013
Panelist, "Impeach Justice Douglas," NDNY Federal Court Bar Association, November 29, 2012
"Federal Court Practice 201: Filing Dispositive Motions," NDNY Federal Court Bar Association, March 15, 2012

Honors

Selected to Super Lawyers Upstate New York: Labor & Employment and Higher Education, 2008-2018
Martindale-Hubbell “AV” Peer Review Rated for Very High to Preeminent Ethical Standards and Legal Ability

Prior Experience

Hiscock & Barclay, LLP, Partner
Costello, Cooney & Fearon, Partner
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, clerkship for the Hon. Frederick J. Scullin, Jr.