Thomas E. Green

Shareholder | OSBA-Certified Specialist in Labor and Employment Law

Tom helps employers navigate complex workplace challenges to stay compliant and avoid trouble. Before becoming an attorney, he worked as a blue-collar employee, giving him a grounded, relatable perspective on labor and employment law.

Tom’s practice spans a wide range of issues, including disability accommodation, family and medical leave management, wage/hour compliance, and workplace restructuring. 

Employers often seek Tom’s expertise for training on topics like harassment and workplace conduct, disability compliance, and leave management. His approachable style resonates with management teams, HR professionals, and entire workforces alike.

Tom is also well-versed in labor relations for both private and public sector unionized employers. He provides guidance on grievance administration, arbitration, collective bargaining, and representation in matters before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Ohio State Employment Relations Board (SERB).

When disputes arise, Tom is a seasoned litigator, representing employers in state and federal courts across the Midwest and beyond. He has extensive experience with FLSA collective actions, multi-employer fringe benefit plan disputes, trade secret litigation, and restrictive covenants. Some of the matters that Tom has successfully handled involved significant financial stakes, with matters well into seven figures in potential damages. He has also defended hundreds of administrative claims filed with agencies such as the EEOC, Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC), and others.

Tom is certified by the Ohio State Bar Association as a Specialist in Labor and Employment Law – a distinction only around 100 lawyers in Ohio hold. He maintains this certification by completing rigorous continuing legal education requirements.

Tom combines a deep understanding of employment law with practical, real-world insights, giving his clients confidence in managing their workforce challenges.

Other Personal Background Information and Interests

Tom’s spouse, Manju Gupta, is also an attorney. The couple met in law school and reside in Cleveland Heights. They enjoy the nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park, travel, wine, craft cocktails, dining, cooking, movies, and a little golf. In addition, Tom spends time playing tennis and wondering if this could possibly be the year for the Cleveland Browns.

Education
  • Youngstown State University, B.S., Education, 1993
  • Cleveland State University College of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, 2002
Bar Admissions
  • Supreme Court of Ohio
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
Professional Activities and Recognition
  • Certified as a Specialist in Labor and Employment Law by the Ohio State Bar Association
  • Rated by SuperLawyers, 2022 – 2025
  • Rated by Best Lawyers, 2024
  • Cleveland State University College of Law Hall of Fame inductee, 2023
  • Crain’s Cleveland Business “Notable Leaders in Employment and Labor Law”, 2023
  • Rated by SuperLawyers Rising Stars, 2011 – 2012
  • Member, Ohio State Bar Association and its Labor and Employment Law Section
  • Member, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and its Labor and Employment Law Section
Publications and Presentations
  • 25 Takeaways for 2025 (co-presenter), K|W|W Client Seminar, January 2025
  • Compliance and Employee Relations Tips for Small Businesses, Master Classes for Small Business Owners, Cuyahoga Community College / Huntington Bank Entrepreneur-in Residence Initiative, September 2022, April 2023, May 2023, September 2023, March 2024, October 2024
  • 10 Ways To Be More Inclusive (And Lawful) In Your Hiring And Retention Strategies, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal, May 2023
  • Employment Law Update, Portage County SHRM, May 2022, April 2023
  • Harassment in Chambers: What You Need to Know, National College of Probate Judges, Spring 2022 Journal
  • Interactive Case Studies: Maintaining a Professional Workplace, Wayne County SHRM, September 2020
  • COVID 19 Panel, Subcontractors Association of Northeast Ohio, Spring 2020
  • Legal Update Transgender & Workplace Issues, Portage County SHRM, April 2017
  • Commencement Address, McDonald (Ohio) High School, May 2016
  • How to Avoid Harassment and Discrimination Liability for Managers, Subcontractors Association of Northeast Ohio, January 2016
Civic/Charitable Activities and Associations
  • Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park:
    • Chair, Board of Directors/Executive Committee, 2014-2016
    • Board of Directors, 2010-2017, 2023-Present
    • Executive Committee, 2012-2017
    • Various Other Committees, 2007-Present
  • Fairlawn Area Chamber of Commerce:
    • Past President, 2015-2016
    • President, 2014-2015
    • Board of Directors, 2011-2016, 2018-2020
  • Leadership Akron:
    • Class 28, 2011-2012
    • Parks and Environment Program Committee, 2013-2018
    • Alumni Association, 2012-Present
  • Cleveland State University College of Law:
    • Board of Visitors (formerly Visiting Committee), 2011-Present
    • ​Career Planning Work Group, 2017-Present
    • 1L Student Mentor, 2018-Present
    • Dean’s Leadership Fellow Coach, 2022-Present