Leo T. Ernst

Leo T. Ernst is an associate in the New York City, New York, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. His practice focuses on representing employers in all aspects of employment law, including employment litigation and advice and counseling.

Leo’s employment litigation practice is primarily dedicated to defending employers against claims of discrimination and retaliation under federal, state, and city law, as well as alleged violations of the New York Labor Law and breach of contract claims.  Leo has significant experience litigating in federal and state court—at the trial court and appellate levels—as well as in the arbitration context including full hearings.

Leo originally joined Jackson Lewis in 2021, and then served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Sarah L. Cave in the Southern District of New York for one year before returning to Jackson Lewis in 2024.

Prior to joining Jackson Lewis, Leo was an assistant corporation counsel for three years in the Labor & Employment Law Division of the New York City Law Department. At the Law Department, Leo represented the City of New York in a broad range of employment matters, with a focus on discrimination and retaliation cases in federal and state court.  

While working for the Jackson Lewis and the City, Leo has successfully moved to dismiss and for summary judgment on behalf of his clients in various discrimination and retaliation cases brought under Title VII, the ADA, the ADEA, the FMLA, the Equal Pay Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Equal Protection Clause, as well as the New York State and City Human Rights Laws.

Honors and Recognition

• Super Lawyers, “Rising Star” (2023)