The recent explosive growth in the gig economy has profoundly affected workers nationwide, typically eliminating the stability and benefits offered by traditional full-time jobs and leaving “self-employed” workers with low pay, uncertain work schedules, and few rights.
Jordan Lewis takes on these challenges directly, fighting back in class-action suits against the misclassification of workers as “independent contractors.” Many of these workers are independent in name only, effectively under the control of employers but without the protections required for employees. He focuses primarily on two types of cases, both involving systemic employment practices that benefit employers to the detriment of workers:
- Cases involving employers that misclassify their workforce as independent contractors instead of employees, saving significant costs for themselves while dropping unfair financial burdens on the shoulders of their workforce.
- Cases involving employers that concede their workers are employees but do not pay them overtime, arguing the employees are exempt from the protections of state and federal overtime laws.
A litigator for more than 30 years, Jordan has secured significant victories for his class-action clients. Cases in which he has acted as either lead or supporting counsel have returned more than $100 million to class members over the years.
He has represented thousands of FedEx drivers challenging their status as independent contractors, and also has represented several thousand Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) drivers in wage disputes. He was one of six lawyers presiding over one of the largest Multi-District Litigation class cases involving claims of employment misclassification, the majority of which successfully resolved in favor of the plaintiffs.
Jordan also has litigated employee benefits class-action cases involving health insurance, pioneering cases involving claims for insurance coverage under the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.
Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Jordan’s law firm, Jordan Lewis, P.A., specializes in class action, employment, and commercial litigation. He partners with Willig, Williams & Davidson on cases involving employment issues.
WHAT INSPIRES ME ABOUT MY WORK
“I deeply respect and admire my clients, who often are taking on multi-billion-dollar companies with deep pockets. My clients never have any doubt that I represent them zealously, in cases that change the landscape of employment in this country.”
AWAY FROM WORK
“I enjoy open water swimming and exercise such as spinning and CrossFit, as well as world travel.”