Stuart Davidson

Stuart W. Davidson has represented labor unions and employee benefit plans since graduating from Harvard Law school in 1982. Stuart began his legal career by successfully defending the pension rights of state employees in a case that was ultimately decided by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Resident in the firm’s Philadelphia office, Stuart also counsels unions in the Chicago area.

During Stuart’s legal career, he has been involved in representing a wide range of union workers, including musicians, longshoremen, university faculty, firefighters, film and television casting directors, teamsters, police officers, food and commercial workers and NFL players. His work for both public and private-sector unions includes leading contract negotiations, presenting interest and grievance arbitrations, representing employee benefit funds and advising clients on internal union matters. Stuart has also played key roles in the development of new and progressive benefit structures with the pension and health and welfare plans he represents.

Stuart W. Davidson

In addition to his work as chief counsel to large regional and local unions along the East and Gulf coasts, Stuart is a frequent lecturer, teacher and author on issues such as ERISA, fiduciary responsibilities, labor law, employment discrimination, drug and alcohol testing and other labor and employment concerns. He regularly speaks at programs sponsored by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, and has taught at the Pennsylvania State University Union Leadership Academy, the Pennsylvania State Occupational Safety and Health Institute, the Harvard Trade Union Program and Harvard Business School.

He is committed to community service. Johns Hopkins University elected him to its board of trustees in 1979. As a trustee, he helped generate private-sector support for the extraordinary work being performed by the University’s School of Hygiene and Public Health by aiding in the establishment of the Advisory Council for Occupational and Environmental Health, on which he served for nearly a decade. Stuart is a Fellow of he College of Labor and Employment Lawyers and has served as a commissioner of the Delaware River Port Authority. He has also served as Chair of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plan's Professionals Committee; Chair of the Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners, an appointment made by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania; and Chair of the American Friends of the Yitzhak Rabin Center. He now serves on the Board of Advisors for the Workshop Shool located in Philadelphia and "Our Generation Speaks", a fellowship program and incubator creating cohorts of young Israeli and Palestinian community leaders who cooperate across ethic and political lines to build shared prosperity within the region.

Stuart has been consistently selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® in the fields of Labor and Employment Law (Copyright 2012 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.) since 1995. Since 2004, he has also been consistently named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters, published annually in Philadelphia magazine. Stuart hasalso received the Jewish Labor Committee’s Humanitarian Award.

Stuart is AV® rated by LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell® a registered certification mark of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies.

Education

• Harvard Law School, J.D., Cum Laude, 1982
• The Johns Hopkins University, B.A., Phi Beta Kappa, 1979

Experience

• Willig, Williams & Davidson, Partner, 1987-Present
• Willig, Williams & Davidson, Associate, 1982-1986

Court Admissions

• Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, 1982
• United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 1982
• United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, 1984

Professional Affiliations

• National Advocates: Top 100, 2017
• Board Of Advisors, Our Generation Speaks, 2017 - Present
• Chair of the Professionals Committee of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 2016 - Present
• Board of Advisors, Workshop School, 2014-Present
• Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, 2013
• Chair, Board of Law Examiners, 2013
• School Transition Committee, The Sustainability Workshop, Philadelphia, 2012-Present
• Graduation Coach, The Sustainability Workshop, Philadelphia, 2011-Present
• AFL-CIO Lawyers Coordinating Committee, 1982-Present
• American Bar Association, 1982-Present
• American Friends of the Yitzhak Rabin Center, President, 2007-Present
• Delaware River Port Authority Board of Commissioners, 2004
• Development Corporation for Israel Board of Directors & Executive Committee, 1998-2006
• International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Attorneys’ Committee, 1997-2000
• Pennsylvania Bar Association, 1982-Present
• Pennsylvania Board of Bar Examiners, 2008-Present
• Pennsylvania State University Labor Advisory Board, 1987-2004
• Philadelphia Bar Association, 1982-Present
• State of Israel Bonds Labor Advisory Board, Co-chairman, 1996-2006
• The Johns Hopkins University, Advisory Council for Occupational and Environmental Health, Founding Board Member, 1979-1989
• The Johns Hopkins University, Trustee, 1979-1984
• Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society, 1978

Honors

• Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Employment Lawyer, 2018
• Best Lawyers in America, Labor and Employment Law, 1995-present
• Jewish Labor Committee Humanitarian Award, 2000
• Martindale Hubbell, Rated AV
• Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, 2004-present

Publications

• "Determining Employment Discrimination Case Merits under State and Federal Law" Inside the Minds: Representing Employees in Discrimination Cases, Aspatore Books, 2012 (Co-Authored by Stuart W. Davidson)
• “Union and Employee Access to Employer E-mail Systems Under Federal Labor Law,” The CyberUnion Handbook: Transforming Labor Through Computer Technology, 2002 (with Eric M. Fink, Esq.)
• Overview of the Family and Medical Leave Act:, (Authored by Stuart W. Davidson and Catherine Merino Reisman), International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 1995
• ERISA Update, (Authored by Stuart W. Davidson and Louise F. Pongracz) International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, publication pending, 1993
• Ethics Laws: Impact on Fiduciary Decisions, Public Employee Benefit Plans (Authored by Stuart W. Davidson and Caren Litvin), International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans., 1993
• Are State and Local Governments Jeopardizing Your Pension Plans, Employee Benefit Issues - The Multi Employer Perspective (Authored by Stuart W. Davidson and Louise F. Pongracz) Volume 34, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 1992
• Private and Public Sector Benefit Plans: Differences and Similarities, Employee Benefit Issues - The Multi Employer Perspective (Authored by Stuart W. Davidson and Caren Litvin) Volume 33, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 1991.
• The Riffing of Brown: De-integrating Public School Faculties, Harvard Civil Rights, Civil Liberties Law Review, (Authored by Scott J. Davidson, Stuart W. Davidson and Judith Hall Howard) Volume 17, No. 2, 1982.

Speaking Engagements

• Panelist, (Labor) 34th Annual FMCS Arbitration Symposium, Atlantic City, NJ, 2013
• Panelist, "Collective Bargaining in the Brave New World: Exploring the Continuing Impact of Electronic Media on Negotiations, Protected Activity and Privacy in the Modern Workplace," 39th Annual National Conference, National Center for the Study of Collective Bargaining in Higher Education and the Professions, New York, NY, 2012
• Panelist, “Collective Bargaining in the Brave New World: Exploring the Impact of Electronic Media on Negotiations, Protected Activity and Privacy in the Modern Workplace”, 38th Annual National Conference, National Center for the Study of Collective Bargaining in Higher Education and the Professions, New York, NY, 2011
• Annual Conference, International Foundation of Employe Benefit Plans, 2009
• “Ethical Issues in Labor Arbitration and Fact Finding,” Mediation/Labor Relations Board Conference, PA Department of Labor & Industry, Harrisburg, Pa., 2008
• Faculty, Certificate of Achievement and Public Plan Policy, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. Topic: Legal Environment (Pension and/or Health & Welfare) Presented semi-annually since 2003 to the present.
• Benefits Conference for Public Employees, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 1990
• Annual Conference, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 1990
• Annual Conference, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 1991
• Benefits Conference for Public Employees, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 1992
• Annual Conference, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 1992
• Advanced Trustees Institute, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 1993
• Advanced Trustees Institute, (Administrators Institute, Joint Session International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans), 1993
• Benefit Plan Professionals Institute, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 1993
• Fundamentals of Public Sector Benefits Management, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 1994
• Annual Conference, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 1994
• Fundamentals of Public Sector Benefits Management, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 1995
• Annual Conference, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 1995
• Essentials of Public Sector Benefits Management -International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 1996
• Annual Conference, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 1996
• Essentials of Public Sector Benefits Management -International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 1997
• Annual Conference, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 1997
• Benefits Conference for Public Employees, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 1999
• Annual Conference, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 1999
• Annual Conference, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 2003
• Annual Conference, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 2006

Articles & News

• 14 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named 2019 PA Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
• May 9, 2019
• 15 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named Among 2019 'Best Lawyers in America'
• August 15, 2018
• Willig, Williams & Davidson Partners Named in Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Guide
• August 14, 2018
• 14 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named 2018 PA Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
• May 18, 2018
• 14 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named Among 2018 'Best Lawyers in America'
• August 15, 2017
• 13 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named 2017 PA Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
• May 12, 2017
• Stuart W. Davidson Joins Advisory Board of Our Generation Speaks
• March 31, 2017
• Willig, Williams & Davidson Labor Lawyer Stuart W. Davidson adds context to SEPTA Strike for The Philadelphia Inquirer
• November 2, 2016
• 12 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named Among 2017 'Best Lawyers in America'
• August 15, 2016
• 12 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named 2016 PA Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
• May 13, 2016
• Philadelphia Labor and Employment Lawyer Stuart W. Davidson Appointed to Chair IFEBP Committee
• January 5, 2016
• 12 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named to 2016 'Best Lawyers in America'
• August 17, 2015
• 11 Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorneys Named 2015 PA Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
• May 15, 2015
• 6,000 UPS Teamsters Ratify Strong 5-Year Contract
• March 3, 2015
• Partner Stuart Davidson Appointed to Board of Workshop School
• January 13, 2015
• Stuart W. Davidson Appointed to Board of Advisors for Workshop School
• December 30, 2014
• Partner Stuart Davidson Writes for Huffington Post on the University of California's Student Workers Union Vote
• December 29, 2014
• 10 Willig, Williams & Davidson Lawyers Named to 2015 'Best Lawyers in America'
• August 18, 2014
• 11 Willig, Williams & Davidson Lawyers Named as 2014 PA Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
• May 23, 2014
• Knowledge@Wharton Quotes Stuart Davidson on Student Athlete Controversy
• March 27, 2014
• Willig, Williams & Davidson Partner Appointed to International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Committee
• January 6, 2014
• Willig, Williams & Davidson Partner Stuart W. Davidson Receives City of Hope's Spirit of Life Award
• October 1, 2013
• Ten Willig, Williams & Davidson Lawyers Included in U.S. News & World Report Best Lawyers in America 2014
• August 15, 2013
• College of Labor and Employment Lawyers Elect Stuart Davidson of Willig, Williams & Davidson as a Fellow
• July 23, 2013
• Nine Willig, Williams & Davidson Lawyers Named to 2013 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers List
• May 30, 2013
• Philadelphia Labor and Employee Benefits Lawyer Stuart Davidson of Willig, Williams & Davidson Appointed Chair of Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners
• May 9, 2013
• Pennsylvania Labor Law Attorney Stuart Davidson Featured in Politics PA Article
• December 5, 2012
• Willig, Williams & Davidson Attorney Stuart Davidson Co-Authors Chapter of Employee Discrimination Legal Guide
• November 9, 2012
• Nine Willig, Williams & Davidson Lawyers Included in U.S. News & World Report Best Lawyers in America 2013
• October 3, 2012
• Pennsylvania Voters Beware You Will Not Be Allowed to Vote in the Presidential Election Unless You Have A Valid Photo I.D.
• May, 2012
• Pennsylvania Courts Continue to Protect Post-Retirement Employee Benefits
• March 12, 2012
• Willig, Williams & Davidson Successfully Advances Worker 'Occupational Disease' Claims
• March 9, 2012
• Nine Willig, Williams & Davidson Lawyers Included in U.S. News & World Report Best Lawyers in America 2012
• September 13, 2011
• Philadelphia Labor and Employee Benefits Lawyer Stuart Davidson of Willig, Williams & Davidson to be Honored by UFCW Local 1776
• August 9, 2011
• Nine Willig, Williams & Davidson Lawyers Named to 2011 List of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
• May 24, 2011
• Philadelphia Labor and Employee Benefits Lawyer Stuart Davidson of Willig, Williams & Davidson Reappointed Vice-Chair of Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners
• May 3, 2011
• Eight Willig, Williams & Davidson Lawyers Included in U.S. News & World Report Best Lawyers in America 2011
• March 3, 2011
• Stuart Davidson Speaks to WTXF-TV FOX 29 About Labor Unions
• September 6, 2010
• Highlights on Health Care Reform Legislation
• May 20, 2010
• Willig, Williams & Davidson Partner Stuart Davidson Elected Chairman of the American Friends of the Yitzhak Rabin Center Board of Directors
• March 20, 2010

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• Stuart Davidson Discusses the Firm's Union Representation, Labor Relations Law
• Labor Lawyer Stuart Davidson Speaks to WTXF-TV FOX 29 About Labor Unions