One of the first law firms in the country devoted exclusively to the representation of management in labor and employment matters, Shawe Rosenthal was founded in 1947 by Earle K. Shawe. From its inception in 1947, Shawe Rosenthal decided to remain small (15 labor attorneys), select and centralized rather than expand into regional offices. This philosophy has contributed to a professional excellence that has attracted clients from across the Nation. The firm has for decades represented many Fortune 500 companies, including some of the country's largest manufacturing, public utility, retail, health care and insurance concerns. The firm has handled two labor cases in the United States Supreme Court (Allentown Mack v. NLRB, 118 S.Ct. 818 (1998) and Kolstad v. American Dental Association, 527 U.S. 526 (1999)). Shawe Rosenthal is a compact well-managed organization, and is therefore able to provide clients with uniform and consistent advice, greater efficiencies in rendering services, and greater capabilities in providing short and long-term strategic planning. All the firm's clients are represented in their general business affairs by other law firms, indeed some of the largest law firms in the country. Many of these other law firms have their own labor law sections. The firm's clients have, nonetheless, continued to turn to Shawe Rosenthal for advice and counsel in the labor and employment field because of the firm's specialized knowledge and experience, and capability to provide advice quickly and efficiently. Members of the firm have written many publications in the employment field, including the "Employment Law Deskbook" (1989) and two chapters in "NLRA Law & Practice" (1991), both published by Mathew Bender. The firm also wrote the "Maryland and Federal Employment Law Manual" (2001), published by the American Chamber of Commerce Publishers. Shawe Rosenthal's practice involves both traditional labor and employment law matters, including claims brought under the Civil Rights Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The firm defends claims involving employment discrimination, wrongful termination, defamation, ERISA, wage and hour, and occupational safety and health matters. It represents management in NLRB hearings, representation campaigns and collective bargaining negotiations. The firm provides advice and assistance in the formulation of covenants not to compete and trade secret protection commitments, and is active in litigation associated with disputes over restrictive covenants and trade secrets. The firm also provides advice and counsel in the creation of affirmation action plans and compliance with OFCCP regulations.