Christopher M. Cascino

How Chris Helps Clients

Chris Cascino, a Shareholder in Buchanan’s Tampa Bay office, has over 15 years of experience representing his clients in labor and employment matters. Nationally recognized and one of fewer than 200 Florida board-certified L&E attorneys, Chris dedicates himself to protecting his clients' most valuable asset—their employees.

Leveraging world-class legal acumen and a thorough understanding of each client’s unique business environment, Chris guides organizations toward optimal and strategic outcomes. A seasoned legal advisor and litigator, he focuses on navigating workplace class actions, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) collective actions, and California Private Attorney General Act litigation.

In addition to his active litigation and class-action practice, he advises clients on a wide range of related labor and employment concerns, including:

• Wage and hour compliance
• Employee terminations
• Disciplinary actions
• Workforce reductions
• Leave and time-off policies
• Compensation matters
• Discrimination claims under Title VII and Title IX
• Age discrimination
• Issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Whether it involves crafting comprehensive legal protections, executing effective defense strategies, or facilitating resolution in disputes, Chris’s strategic insights empower clients to navigate challenges with confidence and foresight.

I love litigating class actions, but there is nothing better than convincing the other side to drop one before it gets off the ground because of the protections my clients have put into place.

While Chris is located in Florida, many of his clients also have California presences. As employers in California are subject to the requirements of California’s unique and extensive Labor Code, and the lawsuits that result, Chris regularly advises clients regarding the requirements of the California Labor Code and litigates class actions and California Private Attorneys General Act actions brought pursuant to the Labor Code.

What Clients Can Expect

Chris understands that employers face an increasingly difficult legal landscape, not only with regular lawsuits from the plaintiffs’ bar but also regular changes to state and local law.  He thus works with clients to establish gold standard employment policies and procedures that can withstand attack, while also keeping employers informed of changes to the legal landscape.

Chris understands that employers facing litigation not only deal with immediate financial risks, but reputational risks as well.  When clients are faced with litigation, Chris works to make sure that they put their best face forward both in court and with the public.

Chris understands that to best defend a company, mitigate future risk, and reduce litigation expenses in potential future actions, he needs to have an intimate understanding of the company’s operations. In representing new clients, he devotes himself not only to learning about the company’s particular matter, but also the company itself.

Outside the Office

In his free time, Chris enjoys reading history, cooking, and spending time with his wife and four young children. Chris also either enjoys or does not enjoy, depending on how his teams are playing, watching Chicago (Bears, Cubs, and Blackhawks) and Notre Dame sports. 

Proof Points 

• Successfully defended a client against a collective action complaint alleging employee misclassification by uncovering evidence from the plaintiff’s hidden LinkedIn profile, contradicting previous claims and securing dismissal.
• Litigated and secured summary judgment in related race discrimination cases, securing complete victory on claims brought by two plaintiffs. Furthermore, secured dismissal of collective action claims in a separate matter brought by the same plaintiffs. 
• Advised a client with previous wage-and-hour issues in implementing a comprehensive California wage-and-hour compliance system. This proactive approach was rewarded as the client settled a punitive PAGA action on an individual basis before litigation escalated.
• Secured a victory in arbitration for a retaliatory discharge claim, showcasing effectiveness in alternative dispute resolution settings.
• Defended a client against a nationwide collective action where a key issue was employer status. Strategic motions to dismiss were filed, ultimately resulting in an individual settlement agreement.
• Successfully managed three putative class action cases in California such that they resulted in individual settlements.