Jonathan R. Maples
Counsel
Jonathan Maples oversees a diverse civil litigation practice with a focus on supporting clients in the areas of employment law, professional liability, commercial disputes, products and premises liability and construction litigation. Clients turn to Jonathan as an advocate and, equally as important, an adviser. He assists them in navigating issues in and out of the courtroom.
Jonathan handles all manner of employment claims, including claims for discrimination, harassment, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) interference and issues centered on employment contracts. Jonathan routinely represents employers before the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) from the initial charging phase to resolving the investigative process and litigation, if needed. In addition to defending clients from specific charges, he also advises employers on their decisions concerning employment issues generally, including workplace policies and procedures. Jonathan has experience defending employers and employees in matters of employment contracts, restrictive covenants and trade secrets litigation.
In addition to employment matters, Jonathan represents accountants, title agents and lawyers in claims for malpractice. He rounds out his robust civil defense practice advising clients in matters related to product liability, construction and other complex litigation.
A native of Mobile, Ala., Jonathan serves on the Board of Directors of the Dearborn YMCA, one of the last heritage YMCAs and Hope Boxing Academy, a leadership and boxing program for youth.
Experience
- Won summary judgment for an industrial contractor in an Americans with Disability Act (ADA) claim litigated in federal court concerning prescription opioid use. Argued the plaintiff was not disabled within the meaning of the ADA, and the client’s reason for rescinding the plaintiff’s offer of employment was legitimate and non-discriminatory.
- Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a local title company and closing agent in a multi-party dispute involving an alleged breach of the standard of care.
- Won summary judgment in favor of a local marina operator and yacht broker who were been sued under theories of actual and apparent agency related to the delivery of a sailing vessel.
- Successfully petitioned the Alabama Supreme Court to order the trial court to dismiss all claims against a roadway sweeping contractor client based upon the applicable statute of limitations. Argued the “relation back” doctrine did not save the plaintiffs’ claims against his client.
- Obtained summary judgment for an employee and employer concerning the enforceability of a non-compete and other restrictive covenants in a lawsuit filed by a former employer.