Biography

Mary-Jo Rebelo is Burns White’s Chief Executive Officer, Co-Chair of the firm’s Employment Practices Liability and Complex and Commercial Litigation/Dispute Resolution practice groups, and a senior member of the Business Practices and Litigation groups. A seasoned litigator and business advisor with more than 30 years of experience, Ms. Rebelo has successfully represented manufacturers, distributors, retailers, property owners, business owners, boards of directors and other governing bodies, physicians, physician practices, health systems, and other medical service providers in a broad range of matters. From violations of federal and state securities laws and business fraud to misappropriation of trade secrets, unfair competition, contract disputes, employment discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge, and labor relations.  Ms. Rebelo has the insight and experience to deliver positive outcomes in the most difficult cases.

In the area of labor and employment law, Ms. Rebelo regularly defends actions involving claims for race, sex, age, religious and disability discrimination, as well as claims for harassment, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge, retaliation and breach of employment-related contracts, including but not limited to employment agreements, non-compete agreements, non-solicitation agreements and confidentiality/non-disclosure agreements. Ms. Rebelo also counsels employers regarding obligations under federal and state employment statutes and assists clients in implementing human resources policies concerning recruitment, employee evaluation and discipline, termination, severance, and employee handbooks. Ms. Rebelo also regularly negotiates and drafts employment-related contracts. In addition, Ms. Rebelo regularly assists employers with labor relations matters, including collective bargaining and labor arbitrations.

In the areas of business practices and litigation, Ms. Rebelo’s practice spans a variety of industries and involves both risk management (i.e., litigation avoidance) and litigation in state and federal courts, as well as in arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution proceedings. Ms. Rebelo regularly represents clients on corporate governance issues, officers and directors liability, insurance coverage, family business disputes, shareholder and partner disputes, contract disputes, trade secrets, restrictive covenants and non-compete/non-solicitation issues, and unfair competition.

Ms. Rebelo has been appointed as both a Special Master and a Special Discovery Master by the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, is a Member of the Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County, a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, and is a Past Chairperson of the Judiciary Committee of the Allegheny County Bar Association (ACBA). Additionally, she serves on the ACBA’s Board of Governors and Federal Court Section Council.

Prior to joining Burns White, Ms. Rebelo was a shareholder and Director in the litigation and employment groups at a mid-size Pittsburgh-based law firm. She is a graduate of Duquesne University School of Law, and was recognized as Woman of the Year by the Women’s Law Association at the University for her professional, moral and ethical integrity, and commitment to the community. She received her undergraduate degree from Elms College.