EEOC v. Morgan Stanley
My Legal Practice
My clients are savvy and hardworking, and work is typically a big part of their lives. Despite that, their employers often take advantage of them, in ways that are subtle, and not so subtle.
My clients work across several industries, including technology, logistics, and professional services. I show them how the law protects them, and I give them the guidance they need to address their employers’ conduct – for themselves and their colleagues.
When we begin our work together, I make sure to explain the law in an approachable way. That’s important because the law uses a specialized language, within a complex system skewed towards employers with power. My approach helps my clients clearly visualize the road ahead and harness the power of the legal system.
I consider myself a formidable advocate, one who fights for employees with creativity and determination. Over my career, I’ve litigated many high-stakes cases that have led major employers to change their ways, including cases that have advanced the rights of older workers and women seeking equal pay. In total, I’ve secured more than $100 million in lost compensation for employees in wage and hour cases.
My clients are my partners, and the driving force behind this work.
Notable Cases
- Secured $11.6 million for a nationwide group of PwC job applicants who alleged the company engaged in systematic hiring discrimination against older accountants.
- Obtained a $14.5 million settlement for employees at a software company who alleged they performed uncompensated work “off-the-clock”.
- Recovered $9.5 million for employees of a third-party logistics firm who alleged they were misclassified as exempt and denied proper overtime pay.
Credentials
- B.A., University of Pennsylvania, magna cum laude
- J.D., Fordham University School of Law
- Admitted to practice law in New York and the District of Columbia
- Board Member, the New York Affiliate of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA/NY)
- Member, American Bar Association Section of Labor and Employment Law, Federal Labor Standards Legislation Committee
- Member, Federal Bar Council, Employment Litigation Committee
- Member, National Employment Lawyers Association
- Member, New York City Bar Association
- Member, American Association for Justice
- Super Lawyers (2017-2025)
- Best Lawyers Ones to Watch (2024)
“I fight for employees with creativity and determination. My clients are my partners, and the driving force behind my work.”
Melissa Lardo Stewart
My Story
As the daughter of an immigrant, I was keenly aware of the headwinds many people face in our society. In my first summer of law school, I worked in a legal services organization, securing visas for political refugees. Work came up often in my conversations with my clients. In fact, work was central to my clients’ identities, and their need for safe and fair workplaces was pressing and personal. That’s when I decided to focus my career on advocating for employees.
After law school and clerkships, I dove into my work. In two of my earliest cases, I secured millions in unpaid wages for satellite dish installers and national fast-food workers. There were thousands of employees in total, and they were all working long hours and not being paid properly. This is a frequent theme in corporate America, where companies try to lower their labor expenses at scale and shortchange employees.
My clients deserve every dollar they’ve earned, and every protection they’re due under the law. That’s why I fight hard for my clients, using every resource available to me.
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