Crowell Hires Labor Lateral from Vedder Price in Washington

Crowell & Moring has picked up a new labor and employment lawyer, Sadina Montani, who joins the firm as a partner in the nation’s capital from Vedder Price.

Montani has defended companies like Cushman & Wakefield, Marriott, and Sears in court and before administrative agencies in cases involving a range of employment issues including discrimination, harassment, and wage and hour violations. She’s represented government contractors as well as nonprofits and public employers and conducted internal investigations for clients on issues such as sexual harassment.

Like other labor and employment attorneys, her practice recently has evolved to encompass some of the unique labor and employment issues posed by coronavirus.

“Employers across the spectrum are managing such a variety of unexpected issues during the pandemic, from professional services companies who suddenly were forced to manage OSHA and safety issues to retailers working to equip their in-store managers with safety protocols for employees and customers.” she told Bloomberg Law in an email. “In the months since the pandemic struck, I have been working with employers to solve these unexpected problems and establish protocols and best practices that balance employee safety and operational concerns.”

Outside her employer-side Big Law practice, Montani is president of the Women’s Bar Association of the District of Columbia, which has been billed as one of the oldest and largest bar associations in the U.S., and serves as pro bono counsel for several nonprofits.

“Crowell’s reputation for quality client service and commitment to pro bono service drew me to the firm,” she said. “The truly collegial and supportive culture at the firm and its focus on diversity and inclusion made it an obvious choice as I looked to move my practice.”

“Sadina’s labor and employment practice, bar and community leadership positions and client service commitment align well with our firm and the needs of our clients,” said Philip T. Inglima, chair of Crowell & Moring. “Her experience providing strategic counsel to employers on the unique and often complex legal issues presented by the COVID-19 pandemic is a great example of the value she offers.”

Washington-founded Crowell has around 550 lawyers globally and has been expanding in 2020. Montani is the 17th partner to join Crowell since January, according to the firm.

Crowell’s most recent lateral hires include international trade lawyer Vassilis Akriditis in Brussels, who the firm said would be coming from DWF. Crowell said Lorenzo Di Masi, a former Crowell senior associate, would return to the firm along with Akriditis.