Experience
With over two decades of experience in labor and employment law and litigation, Colleen Flynn brings a unique blend of big firm training and local insight to her practice at Johnson Pope. After launching her legal career in Chicago, Colleen returned to Clearwater, where she has since built a reputation as a pragmatic and business-oriented advisor to both public and private sector clients. Her practice spans employment counseling, litigation, and government investigations—touching everything from day-to-day HR matters to high-stakes wage and hour class actions.
Colleen represents businesses of all sizes, from startups and family-owned enterprises to large corporations. She routinely defends employers in cases involving alleged discrimination, harassment, FMLA violations, ADA accommodation issues, and whistleblower claims under state and federal law. A trusted advisor on employment policies, Colleen also drafts and negotiates employee handbooks, severance agreements, restrictive covenants, and executive contracts.
In addition to employment litigation, Colleen has extensive experience in defending ADA accessibility claims, particularly Title III lawsuits targeting property owners. She understands the broader implications of these cases and works closely with clients to manage risk and reduce exposure. Her hybrid litigation/advisory practice gives her a deep understanding of the evolving workplace and allows her to provide strategic guidance tailored to her clients’ industries and goals.
Colleen also devotes a third of her practice to representing public sector clients with a focus on Special Districts. This includes navigating the unique regulatory frameworks and operational challenges that Florida public entities face and helping them comply with complex legal issues including, but not limited to, Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Act and Florida’s Public Records Act.
Representative Matters
- Wage and Hour Class Action Defense. Defended a large hospitality industry client in a complex wage and hour class action lawsuit, achieving a favorable resolution and helping the company implement proactive FLSA compliance measures to mitigate future risk.
- ADA Public Accommodation Claims. Successfully defended numerous property owners against Title III ADA access claims brought in federal court, securing dismissals or favorable settlements while counseling clients on physical accessibility improvements.
- Employment Discrimination Litigation. Represented employers in state and federal lawsuits and arbitrations involving claims of pregnancy discrimination, disability discrimination under the ADA, and violations of the FMLA, including obtaining dismissals and favorable settlements.
- Special District Representation. Serves as legal counsel for multiple Florida Special Districts, advising on all aspects of governance matters.
- Employment Policy and Handbook Development. Advises private employers across various industries on drafting and updating employee handbooks, severance agreements, restrictive covenants and wage and hour compliance.
Bar Admissions:
- Florida, 1999
- Illinois, 1997 (Inactive)
- United States District Courts (Middle & Southern Districts of Florida), 2002
- United States District Court (Northern District of Illinois), 1997
- United States Courts of Appeals (Seventh & Eleventh Circuits), 2002, 2006
Education:
- University of Illinois College of Law, J.D., 1997
- Vanderbilt University, B.A., Political Science & Sociology, 1994
Awards & Recognition:
- The Best Lawyers in America©, Litigation – Labor and Employment, 2018 – Present
- Super Lawyers®, Employment Litigation Defense, 2018 – Present
- Leadership Pinellas
- Class of 2006
Community & Professional Organizations
- The Florida Bar
- Member, 1999 – Present
- Clearwater Bar Association
- Chair of Labor and Employment Section, 2012 – 2014
- Junior League of Clearwater | Dunedin
- Member
- Florida Bar Grievance Committee
- Member
Outside the Office
Outside of her legal work, Colleen enjoys traveling, exercising, and spending time with her husband and daughter Whether it’s skiing the slopes in Colorado or exploring new international destinations—Greece is a favorite—she prioritizes adventure and quality time with family.
A firm believer in balance, Colleen also values a good night’s sleep and recharging after a demanding workweek. Her time away from the office reflects the same thoughtful, energetic approach she brings to her clients.
Colleen joined Johnson Pope after practicing for 5 years in Chicago. Colleen practices in the labor and employment group and the commercial litigation group. Colleen has experience representing businesses and individuals in all types of disputes. She also has successfully represented businesses and individuals in employment related matters including discrimination and harassment claims involving age, race, sex, religion, marital status, national origin, and disability under local, state and federal laws as well as claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act and both the state and federal whistle-blower statute.
Colleen counsels clients on employment policies including terminations, leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act, reasonable accommodations under the ADA and has drafted employee handbooks, employment contracts, non-compete agreements and severance agreements.
Colleen has extensive experience defending property owners in ADA access cases in federal court.
Representative Publications & Presentations:
- “Key Employment Law Developments to Monitor under the Trump Administration,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, March 2025
- “Important Update: Employers Are No Longer Required To Comply With The DOL’s 2024 Increased Salary Thresholds,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, December 2024
- “The Laws, They Are a Changing, Part IV: What Employers Need to Know about the EEOC’s Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, September 2024
- “The Laws, They Are a Changing, Part III: What Employers Need to Know about the EEOC’s Final Rule Implementing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, July 2024
- “The Laws, They Are a Changing, Part II: Increased Minimum Salary Requirements Begin July 1, 2024,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, June 2024
- “The Laws, They are a Changing, Part I: The FTC’s Ban of Post-Employment Non-Competes,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, May 2024
- The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Creates New Obligations for Employers,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, September 2023
- “Florida Enacts E-Verify Requirements for Employers,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, June 2023
- “2023 Employment Law Watchlist,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, March 2023
- “Best Employment Practices 2022,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, September 2022
- “COVID-19: Updated CDC and EEOC Guidance,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, September 2022
- “The Stop W.O.K.E. Act Affects Employers Too,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, June 2022
- “Florida Enacts New Law Affecting Mandatory Vaccine Policies in the Workplace,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, December 2021
- “Employers – Are You Properly Reporting Your Newly Hired or Re-Hired Employees and Independent Contractors?,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, December 2021
- “Labor and Employment Update: Path Out of the Pandemic,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, September 2021
- “COVID-19 Summer Update: OSHA and EEOC Guidance and Vaccine Litigation,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, July 2021
- “COVID-19 Update: Masks, Vaccines, and COBRA Guidance,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, June 2020
- “The Future of the Workplace under the Biden Administration,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, February 2021
- “COVID-19 Updates: Reopening Guidance from the CDC for Employers in Office Buildings and DOL Developments,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, June 2020
- “Considerations for Preparing to Return to the Workplace,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, May 2020
- “Updated COVID-19 Guidance for Employers: Week Ending April 17, 2020,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, April 2020
- “Important Government Covid-19 Updates Affecting Employers,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, April 2020
- “Employer Updates on Stay-at-Home Orders and Implementation of the Paid Leave Provisions of the FFCRA,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, April 2020
- “DOL Issues Further Guidance On The FFCRA Paid Provisions,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, March 2020
- “Federal And Local COVID-19 Developments Affecting Employers,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, March 2020
- “An Employer’s Guide to Frequently Asked Questions about Reductions in Force and Unemployment Compensation Related to COVID-19,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, March 2020
- “What Employers Need to Know About The Families First Coronavirus Response Act,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, March 2020
- “Breaking Workplace Developments On The COVID-19 Pandemic,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, March 2020
- “Don’t Be Caught Red Handed: Be Aware of New Wage Theft Rules and Pay Perils,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, March 2020
- “Best Employment Practices 2019,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, September 2019
- “Lions and Tigers and Miniature Horses, Oh My!,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, September 2019
- “Wage and Hour Update,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, April 2019
- “EEOC Enforcement Priorities,” Johnson Pope, October 2018
- “Shielding Employers from Liability: Tips for Maintaining Your Armor,” Johnson Pope, Co-Authored, August 2018
- “Labor and Employment Law Watch 2018,” Johnson Pope, Co-authored, January 2018
- “Best Employment Practices: Conducting Self Audits and Protecting Trade Secrets.,” Johnson Pope, September 2016
- “What Employers Need to Know About the Defend Trade Secrets Act,” Johnson Pope, July 2016
- “Countdown to Compliance: Are You Prepared for the New Overtime Regulations?,” Johnson Pope, June 2016
- “Fair Labor Standards Act Regulations Are Changing,” Johnson Pope, October 2015
- “Employment issues in the event of a hurricane,” Johnson Pope, July 2014
Articles
- CHOICE Act Gives Florida Employers New Protections for Garden Leave and Noncompete Agreements
- 26 Johnson Pope Attorneys Named to 2025 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
- Key Employment Law Developments to Monitor under the Trump Administration
- Important Update: Employers Are No Longer Required To Comply With The DOL’s 2024 Increased Salary Thresholds
- The Laws, They Are a Changing, Part IV: What Employers Need to Know about the EEOC’s Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace
- The Laws, They Are a Changing, Part III: What Employers Need to Know about the EEOC’s Final Rule Implementing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
- Florida’s 2024 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Recognizes 28 Johnson Pope Attorneys
- The Laws, They Are a Changing, Part II: Increased Minimum Salary Requirements Begin July 1, 2024
- The Laws, They are a Changing, Part I: The FTC’s Ban of Post-Employment Non-Competes
- The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Creates New Obligations for Employers
- Florida Enacts E-Verify Requirements for Employers
- 2023 Employment Law Watchlist
- Best Employment Practices 2022
- COVID-19: Updated CDC and EEOC Guidance
- The Stop W.O.K.E. Act Affects Employers Too
- Florida Enacts New Law Affecting Mandatory Vaccine Policies in the Workplace
- Employers – Are You Properly Reporting Your Newly Hired or Re-Hired Employees and Independent Contractors?
- Labor and Employment Update: Path Out of the Pandemic
- Save the Date – Best Employment Practices 2021
- COVID-19 Summer Update: OSHA and EEOC Guidance and Vaccine Litigation
- COVID-19 Update: Masks, Vaccines, and COBRA Guidance
- The Future of the Workplace under the Biden Administration
- COVID-19 Update: What Employers Need to Know for 2021
- Employment Webinar Series Invitation 2020
- COVID-19 Update: Department of Labor Revises FFCRA Regulations
- No Summer Break for the Department of Labor: Tracking Hours Worked by Teleworking/Remote Employees; FFCRA Eligibility when Schools are Open; and DOL Guidance Documents
- Landmark Ruling: Gay and Transgender Individuals Protected by Title VII
- COVID-19 Updates: Reopening Guidance from the CDC for Employers in Office Buildings and DOL Developments
- Considerations for Preparing to Return to the Workplace
- Updated COVID-19 Guidance for Employers: Week Ending April 17, 2020
- Important Government Covid-19 Updates Affecting Employers
- Employer Updates on Stay-at-Home Orders and Implementation of the Paid Leave Provisions of the FFCRA
- DOL Issues Further Guidance On The FFCRA Paid Provisions
- Federal And Local COVID-19 Developments Affecting Employers
- An Employer’s Guide to Frequently Asked Questions about Reductions in Force and Unemployment Compensation Related to COVID-19
- What Employers Need to Know About The Families First Coronavirus Response Act
- Breaking Workplace Developments On The COVID-19 Pandemic
- Don’t Be Caught Red Handed: Be Aware of New Wage Theft Rules and Pay Perils
- Best Employment Practices 2019
- Lions and Tigers and Miniature Horses, Oh My!
- Wage and Hour Update
- EEOC Enforcement Priorities
- Shielding Employers from Liability: Tips for Maintaining Your Armor
- Labor and Employment Law Watch 2018
- Best Employment Practices: Conducting Self Audits and Protecting Trade Secrets.
- What Employers Need to Know About the Defend Trade Secrets Act
- Countdown to Compliance: Are You Prepared for the New Overtime Regulations?
- Fair Labor Standards Act Regulations Are Changing
- Supreme Court Update
- Colleen Flynn speaks to myLawCLE about Breastfeeding in the Workplace
- Employment issues in the event of a hurricane
News
- 26 Johnson Pope Attorneys Named to 2025 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
- 55 Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns LLP Lawyers Recognized by Best Lawyers® 2025
- Florida’s 2024 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Recognizes 28 Johnson Pope Attorneys
- 48 Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns LLP Lawyers Recognized by Best Lawyers® 2024
- 48 Lawyers from Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2023—Four recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” In Their Respective Practice Area
- 46 Lawyers from Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP Recognized In The Best Lawyers In America® 2022—Five Recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” In Their Respective Practice Area
- Save the Date – Best Employment Practices 2021
- 47 Lawyers From Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP Recognized By Best Lawyers® 2021 – Four Recognized As “Lawyer of the Year” In Their Respective Practice Area
- 36 Lawyers From Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP Recognized In Best Lawyers In America® 2020 – Three Recognized As “Lawyer Of The Year” In Their Respective Practice Area
- Florida Super Lawyers Recognizes 24 Attorneys From Johnson Pope
- 32 Lawyers from Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP Recognized in “The Best Lawyers in America®” 2019 – Three Recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” in Their Respective Practice Areas
By JP Firm — June 2025
Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns LLP is proud to announce that 26 of our attorneys have been recognized in the 2025 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. This prestigious honor highlights attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional legal skill, peer recognition, and professional achievement across a wide range of practice areas. Super Lawyers is a trusted […]
By Joan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. Wood — September 2021
We know that the announcement of The White House: Path out of the Pandemic: President Biden’s COVID-19 Action Plan (the “Action Plan”) has left many of us with more questions than answers. We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide a more detailed summary when the applicable Occupational Safety […]
Categories: Articles, Blogs, COVID-19 task force, Labor & Employment
By Joan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. Wood — July 2021
With the rise in vaccination rates and the increased return of workers to the workplace, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (“OSHA”) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) have issued updated guidance for employers and employees relating to safety standards and vaccine policies. Specifically, on May 28, 2021, the […]
Categories: Articles, Blogs, COVID-19 task force, Labor & Employment
By Joan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. Wood — May 2021
The past few weeks have seen a flurry of activity at both the federal and state level relating to COVID-19. Most recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) issued updated guidance concerning the use of masks for fully vaccinated individuals. This article will provide you a brief overview […]
Categories: Articles, Blogs, COVID-19 task force, Labor & Employment
By Joan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. Wood — March 2020
At the end of January 2020, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners made significant amendments to the Wage Theft and Recovery Ordinance, which applies to any entity or person who employs a person (even just one person) within Pinellas County. These amendments became effective in February 2020. With […]
Categories: Articles, Blogs, Labor & Employment
By Joan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. Wood — September 2019
Joan M. Vecchioli, Esq., Colleen M. Fynn, Esq., Rachael L. Wood, Esq. invite you to attend their seminar series Best Employment Practices Topics will include Animals in the Workplace Department of Labor Developments Common Employer Mistakes Wednesday, October 23, 2019 8:30 a.m. – Noon Continental Breakfast served Ruth Eckerd Hall […]
Categories: Articles, Blogs, Labor & Employment
By Joan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. Wood — September 2019
Many of our clients have been inquiring about their obligations regarding animals in the workplace. For employers, these obligations may vary depending on whether the person wanting to bring an animal into the workplace is a customer or an employee. Customers If the person is a customer and the business […]
Categories: Articles, Blogs, Labor & Employment
By Joan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodColleen M. Flynn, Joan M. Vecchioli & Rachael L. Wood — April 2019
We have seen rapid developments in wage and hour laws over the past several months that will affect a wide range of industries and professions. These developments under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) include Opinion Letters issued by the United States Department of Labor (“DOL”) and proposed rules by […]
Categories: Articles, Blogs, Labor & Employment
By Joan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodColleen M. Flynn, Joan M. Vecchioli & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. Wood — October 2018
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has long required that its resources be targeted to ensure the strongest possible impact in its efforts to stop unlawful employment discrimination. In 2017, the EEOC revised its Strategic Enforcement Plan (“SEP”) for Fiscal Years 2017-2021 to identify six (6) substantive area priorities and […]
Categories: Blogs, Labor & Employment
By Joan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodColleen M. Flynn, Joan M. Vecchioli & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. WoodJoan M. Vecchioli, Colleen M. Flynn & Rachael L. Wood — August 2018
Welcome to our Labor and Employment Group blog where we will discuss legal issues and address questions that frequently arise in our practice and provide updates and analyses of statutory and case law developments in the area of Labor and Employment Law. Our Labor & Employment Group regularly represents employers […]
Categories: Blogs, Labor & Employment
Practice Areas
