Ben Johnson, Esq.

Partner

bjohnson@piercejewett.com
O (804) 223-8494, ext. 8494
M (804) 413-4021

Overview

Ben is a partner at Pierce Jewett with a practice focused on representing both employers and individuals on variety of workplace issues. Ben has litigated extensively in state and federal court on cases ranging from traditional discrimination and civil rights claims to complex wage disputes and whistleblower litigation. Ben also counsels clients on statutory and regulatory compliance and has made multiple media appearances discussing topics touching on employment law.

Ben graduated magna cum laude from the University of Richmond School of Law, during which he interned for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Richmond. Before joining Pierce Jewett, Ben completed two federal clerkships, where he drafted dozens of opinions for federal judges on a diverse range of legal issues, many related to employment law. Ben is a published author for the University of Richmond Law Review and was rated a “Top Lawyer” by Coastal Virginia Magazine and a “Rising Star” by Virginia Super Lawyers.

Outside of work, Ben enjoys photography, tennis, and hiking. He is also an avid runner and has so far completed three marathons.  Ben lives in Richmond with his wife and three daughters. He and his family love exploring the city, participating in local events, and interacting with the Richmond community.

Recent Experience

    • Secured a large civil fraud settlement as part of FCA qui tam whistleblower litigation flowing out of a multi-agency fraud investigation that included the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and the DOD Office of Inspector General.

    • Served as lead counsel on federal FCA whistleblower retaliation litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia against a national federal defense contractor.

    • Represented physician against a large regional medical practice in a state whistleblower retaliation claim concerning a report of illegal conduct to the state medical board.

    • Served as lead counsel in state whistleblower retaliation litigation by senior official of a large federal IT contractor.

    • Secured a federal judgment against an international military defense contractor based on claims of disparate treatment and retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and 42 U.S.C. § 1981.

    • ·Served as defense counsel for a large regional hospital system against federal civil discrimination claims in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

    • Served as lead counsel on numerous federal Title VII religious discrimination claims spanning multiple jurisdictions.

    • Secured favorable settlement, including reinstatement of employment, on behalf of former Chief of Cardiology for large national hospital system.

    • Served as counsel representing plaintiffs’ classes in FLSA collective action litigation in multiple U.S. District Courts in Virginia, yielding favorable resolutions in each case. 

    • Served as defense counsel for regional service provider against FLSA collective action litigation in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

    • Represented and advised numerous businesses and organizations on wage practices under state and federal law, including employee classification and FLSA coverage.  

    • Served as lead counsel on appeal of decision by the Merit Systems Protection Board before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on behalf of the Chief Engineer for the Department of the Navy’s Commander Undersea Surveillance.

    • Served as lead counsel on appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board on behalf of NASA Electronics Engineer. 

    • Represented, advised, and defended numerous federal and state employees as part of disciplinary proceedings, investigations, and civil rights litigation, including, among others, medical providers, educators, and military personnel.  

    • Served as primary defense counsel for the former director of a multi-state hospitality company against claims of breach of contractual confidentiality obligations. 

    • Advised and represented the former director of a large healthcare information management company in negotiations over threatened breach of confidentiality claims.

    • Served as lead counsel for the former VP of a domestic technology development corporation in federal district court in Florida concerning contractual wage dispute. 

    • Advised numerous employers or 1099s, both domestic and international, on policy formation, wage structuring, and regulatory compliance. 

let’s connect

We would love to hear from you.