Education

J.D. 1979, University of Arizona (Co-Chairperson, Moot Court Board

B.A. 1976, Loyola University Chicago (double major in political science and economics)

Experience

Gerald Barrett joined the firm in 2025. Previously, he had been a partner in the Phoenix law firm of Ward, Keenan & Barrett.

He represents the Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council, several Arizona construction unions along with private sector unions in a variety of other industries. He appears regularly in federal and state courts, before the NLRB and EEOC and before arbitrators. He has represented unions in organizing campaigns, collective bargaining compliance matters and employer decertification efforts. He has extensive collective bargaining experience in both single and muti-employer units including first contracts and PLAs.

He has defended unions against unfair practice charges including secondary boycott and hiring hall allegations. He has defended unions in LMRDA lawsuits including issues arising from internal union elections and allegations of violations of members’ rights.

He also represents Taft-Hartley benefit funds including retirement and health plans. He advises Board of Trustees on day-to-day matters, benefit enhancements and regulatory compliance. His litigation experience includes collection cases involving lien rights, Miller Act claims, alter egos and fraudulent transfers. He has litigated ERISA fiduciary breach claims against investment managers.  He has brought state law claims against non-fiduciary service providers for contractual breaches and common law negligence claims.

He has litigated claims challenging the Constitutionally anti-union Arizona state laws.

He has represented individuals on severance agreements, employment discrimination and wage claims.

He is a Fellow in the College or Labor and Employment Lawyers. He has been listed in Best Lawyers of America and Super lawyers. He has an AV Preeminent rating with Martindale-Hubbell.

Memberships

• State Bar of Arizona

• AFL-CIO Union Lawyers Alliance

• International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans