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Overview
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Experience
Introduction
Adrienne counsels clients on traditional labor and employment matters.
Adrienne Paterson helps employers, from major manufacturers and tech companies to small retailers, develop labor relations strategies and respond to union-organizing efforts. She also negotiates collective bargaining agreements, advises on compliance with the National Labor Relations Act, and helps clients address National Labor Relations Board charges.
In her employment practice, Adrienne advises employers in all aspects of the employment relationship, including hiring; discipline; termination; employee handbooks and policies; whistleblower claims; and compliance with discrimination statutes, leave laws, and wage-and-hour laws.
As part of her pro bono practice, Adrienne has helped nonprofits supporting the arts with labor relations issues, including grievance resolution and contract bargaining. She also assists veterans with discharge upgrades.
*Admitted in the District of Columbia and Virginia only
Education & credentials
- Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., 2014
- University of Virginia, B.A., Philosophy, 2011
- District of Columbia
- Virginia
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
- McGuire Woods LLP, Richmond, VA, Associate, 2017-2019
- LeClairRyan, Richmond, VA, Associate, 2015-2017
- Public Defender Services for the District of Columbia, Washington, D.C., Legal Intern, 2013
- Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria, VA, Legal Intern, 2012
- Richmond Circuit Court, Richmond, VA, Hon. Richard D. Taylor, Judicial Intern, 2012
Professional recognition
Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Labor and Employment Law, 2026
Impact
- Richmond Bar Association, 2016-present
- Successfully helped with hearing before the National Labor Relations Board regarding a union’s effort to organize a micro-unit at an American multinational aviation corporation.*
- Advised numerous companies, including a Fortune 100 company while on secondment and a large American power and energy company, regarding reformation of their internal leave policies.*
- Successfully helped organize and execute campaign for major automotive manufacturer before the National Labor Relations Board regarding the United Auto Workers petition seeking to represent mechanics at a large manufacturing facility.*
*Prior experience
Latest thinking
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Legal development
Labor Law Today—2025 Year in Review
February 12, 2026
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Legal development
DOL Clarifies Compensability of Mandatory Roll Call Time Negotiated Under a CBA
January 21, 2026
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Legal development DOL Opinion Letters Provide Insight on Family and Medical Leave and Fair Labor Standards Requirements
January 21, 2026
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Event
Fall 2025 Labor and Employment Law Program
November 19, 2025
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Legal development
Divided Ninth Circuit Panel Upholds NLRB’s Enhanced Remedial Powers
February 10, 2025
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Legal development
Labor Law Today—2024 Year in Review
January 27, 2025
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