David Rothfeld
David Rothfeld
David Rothfeld is a New York City attorney specializing in labor and employment law. He represents management in virtually all aspects of employee relations, from collective bargaining agreements and grievance proceedings through to compliance advice regarding state, federal, local employment discrimination laws such as wage-hour laws and non-compete regulations and litigation of numerous employment claims.
Early Life and Education
David Rothfeld was a pioneering Australian medical biochemist who made an impressionful move from London. A true enthusiast in all things olfactory and an eager learner who continually broadened his horizons through travel and experience, he eventually settled down there permanently in 1967.
Early adopter of technology and passionate enthusiast of all things mechanical, David was an early adaptor and avid gadget collector who wore many hats – engineer, computer consultant, tinkerer when necessary and dedicated sports fan alike – making him a natural candidate to undertake triathlon events as an avid participant. While in his formative years David was also voracious reader and avid collector of curiosities. Most rewarding of his accomplishments was his philanthropy that helped transform families and communities around him into more inclusive environments.
Professional Career
David Rothfeld has dedicated his practice to labor and employment issues. He regularly represents management in negotiating collective bargaining agreements and litigating labor disputes ranging from discrimination claims, wage-hour issues and Family Medical Leave Act matters.
He also advises employers on compliance with state and federal employment discrimination, wage-hour and employee benefits laws and regulations, regularly conducting seminars for employers, trade associations and industry groups on a range of employment-related issues.
He currently serves as trustee and consultant to UNITE-HERE National Retirement Fund, a $2B Taft-Hartley pension fund, as well as REACH Prep of Stamford Connecticut which helps Latino and Black students access top independent schools as well as highly competitive colleges through REACH Prep services. In addition, he’s active member of Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration Round Table as well as its Labor and Employment Law Round Tables.
Achievement and Honors
David Rothfeld ’69, ’71J, ’71SIPA and ’71Business has made great strides in pathology over his lifetime. His contributions range from encouraging Royal College of Pathologists (RCPA) and National Association of Testing Laboratories (NATA) to create a laboratory accreditation scheme, to his efforts at providing top-quality education to young scientists.
He was an integral member of Columbia College community, serving as trustee and director for its Alumni Association as well as being a member of its Emerson Club, International Fellows Association, School of Information and Public Affairs as well as receiving their 2010 Alexander Hamilton Medal award from them.
Personal Life
David Rothfeld was a partner at Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP and Chair of its Labor and Employment Law practice group. He specialized in representing management in all aspects of labor and employment law, such as negotiating collective bargaining agreements, representing employers in grievance and arbitration proceedings, contract interpretation and compliance advice as well as advice regarding employment discrimination laws such as wage-hour rules or benefits regulations.
He represents clients across multiple businesses, with an emphasis in hospitality. Additionally, he handles labor and employment issues for employers in real estate, manufacturing, service industries, schools and not-for-profit organizations. Mr. Johnson serves on Cornell Institute for Hospitality and Labor Relations Board and regularly takes part in events held at Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration and Law School Labor and Employment Law Round Tables.
Net Worth
According to his Form 4 filing with the SEC, David Rothfeld is estimated to have an estimated net worth of at least $11.1 million. He currently owns 61,155 units of Choice Hotels International stock. In recent years he has sold these shares worth an estimated total of approximately $4.6 million; as well as exercising 56,935 CHH stock for $597,818 on 16 February 2006. Over that time period he has completed 11 trades of Choice Hotels stock with his largest transaction being on 16 February 2006 when exercising 56,935 CHH for $597,818 exercised 56,935 CHH shares were exercised and traded every 41 days since 2004 – totalling 61155 units on 16 February 2006 being exercised; overall trading 13,408 units every 41 days since 2004 and trading 13,408 units every 41 days since 2004!