John Bielski is an experienced litigator before state and federal trial and appellate courts, including in matters outside the traditional realm of labor law. John served as advocate for some of the firm’s most important cases, including writing appellate briefs on behalf of the firm’s clients. These cases include statutory and constitutional challenges to Pennsylvania’s photo identification law, the Pennsylvania Legislature’s gerrymander of the state’s congressional districts, the School Reform Commission’s unilateral decision to cancel the collective bargaining agreement of Philadelphia teachers, Pennsylvania’s deficient public school funding scheme, and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s improper access and release of police officers’ confidential personnel information. John also has defended union clients against constitutional challenges to Pennsylvania’s public sector labor statute. Through these efforts, John has become proficient in a wide range of legal issues, such as state and federal constitutional law, voting rights, and election law. He has served as election counsel for candidates seeking public office.
Since starting at the firm in 2003, John has fought for the rights of working people through his representation of unions and employees before labor arbitrators, labor boards, and state and federal judges. His tireless advocacy has resulted in workers’ reinstatement, removal of suspensions, recovery of lost pay, and securing unemployment compensation benefits. John also has represented individuals suing for employment discrimination in both federal and state courts. On behalf of his union clients, John has negotiated collective bargaining agreements, secured statutory or contractual rights for their members in civil litigation, defended lawsuits brought against them and sought injunctions on their behalf in response to an employer’s violation of a collective bargaining agreement. .
WHAT INSPIRES ME ABOUT MY WORK
“The goal of my practice and that of our law firm is to bring about positive change for working people through effective advocacy. At Willig, Williams & Davidson, I have been fortunate to achieve such goals for my clients as well as my colleagues’ clients.”
AWAY FROM WORK
"I am a huge Philadelphia sports fan, and follow our teams religiously. I love movies and reading about history, politics, and the law. Most importantly, I love spending time with my wife and two daughters."