David B. Monks

Of Counsel

David helps employers solve workplace problems.  With a practical, efficient approach, and an understanding of their business, he counsels clients on a wide variety of issues.

David provides sound advice on issues that include wage-and-hour problems; employee discipline and termination; attendance and leaves of absence; disability accommodation protocols; workplace safety, independent-contractor classification; layoffs and furloughs; employment agreements; severance agreements; and misconduct investigations. In partnering with a business, he explains the reasoning for his advice, always looking to help the client achieve its business goals while minimizing legal risk.

With a passion for helping employers prevent problems, David is an avid proponent of proactive training and compliance. He presents seminars, webinars, and trainings on wage-and-hour compliance; preventing harassment, discrimination, and retaliation; disability management and accommodation; workplace investigations; and other topics. 

A seasoned and successful trial lawyer, David provides strong advocacy and objective advice in responding to settlement demand letters and defending employers and managers against all kinds of litigation and administrative complaints. In the rare case when a matter goes to trial, he combines meticulous preparation with an ability to connect with jurors to present a persuasive defense that eliminates or drastically reduces the plaintiff’s claims.

Throughout his long career, David has helped a variety of employers resolve workplace challenges:  religious organizations, construction/maintenance companies, staffing companies, credit unions, homeowner associations, school districts, restaurants, hotels, franchisors, franchisees, retail markets, professional-services providers, manufacturers, and medical, dental, and veterinary practices.

In law school, David served on the editorial board of the Maryland Law Review. After law school, he clerked for the Honorable Glenn T. Harrell, Jr., on the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland. David enjoys spending time with his wife and children, hiking, rooting for the Padres, baseball history and trivia, playing basketball, and reading.