Education
University of Virginia School of Law, J.D., 1987
University of Virginia, 1983
—High Honors
—Phi Beta Kappa
—Echols Scholar
Bar Admissions
State
District of Columbia (1994)
Virginia (2016)
Maryland (1987)
Federal
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals
— 3rd Circuit
— 4th Circuit
U.S. District Court
— Eastern District of Virginia
— Western District of Virginia
— District of the District of Columbia
— District of Maryland
Partner
Email: Epaltell@islerdare.com
Eric Paltell is a Partner at IslerDare PC.
Eric Paltell has practiced law since 1987, concentrating in the representation of private and public sector employers in all aspects of labor and employment law. He obtained his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Virginia.
Eric’s practice includes general advice and counseling in employment matters, NLRB proceedings, collective bargaining negotiations, and grievance arbitrations. as well as the defense of employment discrimination and sexual harassment suits, ADA and FMLA litigation, wrongful discharge suits, and wage and hour cases. He has particular expertise in public sector labor relations, representing local governments in Maryland and Virginia in collective bargaining negotiations and the drafting of enabling legislation.
Eric also spends a substantial portion of his time mediating employment law disputes throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Eric has been mediating since 1997 and is now recognized as one of the leading employment mediators in the region. More information about Eric’s mediation practice, including references and fee arrangements, can be found on our Mediation Page.
Eric is a guest lecturer at the University of Virginia School of Law, where he teaches classes on employment law and mediation. He is also on the faculty of the National Public Employers Labor Relations Association Labor Relations Academy, where he teaches programs on collective bargaining and grievance arbitration.
Eric is the Past President of the Industrial Relations Research Association (now “LERA”), Maryland Chapter. He has also served on the Boards of the American Red Cross-Chesapeake Region, the Carver Center for Arts & Technology, the Stoneleigh Community Association, and Jewish Family Services of Maryland. Outside of work, Eric spends his free time driving his tractor, hiking, and cycling and is gradually chipping away at section hiking the 554-mile Virginia portion of the Appalachian Trail.
HONORS
Named the Best Lawyers® Employment Law – Management “Lawyer of the Year” in Baltimore, MD (2020, 2018, 2015, and 2014)
Ranked Among Top Five Virginia Labor Lawyers by Chambers USA (2024)
Named “Top 100 Maryland Super Lawyers” in Super Lawyers Magazine
(2013-2023)
Fellow, College of Labor & Employment Lawyers (Inducted 2014)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®
(2006 to Present)
PUBLICATIONS
FMLA: After Six Years, a Bit More Clarity
HR Magazine (September 1999)
Wages & Hours Manual for Managers and Supervisors
CCH Incorporated (1997)
Intermittent Leave Under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993: Job Protection for the Chronically Absent Employee?
The Labor Lawyer, Vol. 10, No. 1 (Winter 1994)
“Wages and Salaries” chapter of the Employment Law Handbook
Published by Government Institutes, Inc. (1993)