Experience
Joan Vecchioli has dedicated her career to helping employers, business leaders, and institutions navigate the complex landscape of labor and employment law. As a Board-Certified Labor and Employment Lawyer, Joan has spent more than three decades advising clients on everything from high-stakes discrimination claims to day-to-day compliance and risk management. Clients value her practical problem-solving approach and her commitment to finding balanced, workable solutions that support their business goals.
Joan’s practice encompasses labor and employment counseling and litigation, commercial real estate transactions, and alternative dispute resolution. Over the years, she has guided clients through issues involving harassment, discrimination, wage and hour compliance, and employee benefits. She frequently drafts and negotiates employment agreements, handbooks, and policies, and advises on regulatory requirements across industries such as hospitality, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, and financial institutions.
An experienced mediator and certified circuit civil and federal mediator, Joan has helped resolve complex workplace and business disputes without the expense and uncertainty of litigation. She is also trained in collaborative law, bringing a constructive, solutions-oriented mindset to negotiations and conflict resolution.
Throughout her career, Joan has remained committed to education and service. She has taught employment discrimination and legal writing courses at Stetson University College of Law and St. Petersburg College, and she frequently lectures and writes about emerging labor and employment topics.
Representative Matters
- Employment Law Counseling. Advised businesses and nonprofit organizations on drafting and implementing employment policies, handbooks, and agreements to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, including the FLSA, FMLA, and ADA.
- Discrimination and Harassment Defense. Successfully defended employers in claims involving age, race, sex, religion, marital status, national origin, and disability discrimination under local, state, and federal laws.
- Workplace Investigations and Training. Conducted internal investigations of harassment and discrimination claims and provided training for managers and employees on compliance and best practices.
- Commercial Real Estate Transactions. Represented developers in acquisitions, leasing, and development of residential and commercial properties, drafting and negotiating purchase and sale agreements, construction contracts, and financing documents.
- Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Served as mediator in complex employment, commercial, and real estate disputes, helping parties achieve resolution outside of litigation.
Bar Admissions
- Florida, 1986
- United States District Courts, Middle & Southern Districts of Florida
- United States Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
Education
- Stetson University College of Law, J.D., with honors, 1986
- College of William & Mary, B.A., Economics, 1982
Awards & Recognition:
- Board Certified in Labor & Employment Law
- Certified Circuit Civil Mediator
- Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year”
- Litigation, Labor & Employment, 2016, 2019, 2022 & 2024
- Employment Law, Management, 2017, 2022 & 2024
- Management, Labor Law, 2024
- AV® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
- Super Lawyers®, 2006, 2008 – 2025
- Leadership Pinellas, Class of 1993
Community & Professional Organizations
- The Florida Bar – Member, 1986 – Present
- Saint Paul’s School Board of Trustees – Chair, 2009 – 2011
- Clearwater Bar Foundation – President, 2007 – 2009
- The Florida Bar Labor & Employment Law Certification Committee – Chair, 2004 – 2005
- Keystone Prep High School Board of Trustees – Board Member
- Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees – Board Member
- Pinellas County Unified Personnel Board – Member
- International Academy of Collaborative Professionals – Member
Outside the Office
Outside of her practice, Joan is passionate about community involvement and mentorship. She has served as board chair for Saint Paul’s School in Clearwater, where she helped lead initiatives to strengthen the school’s educational programs and community partnerships. As a mentor in the Pinellas County Doorways Program, she has guided students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, offering support and encouragement to help them succeed academically.
Joan also founded and served as an advisor to the North Pinellas County Law Explorer Post, a division of the Boy Scouts of America that introduced high school students to potential careers in law through hands-on learning experiences. She is active in professional and civic organizations that promote leadership development and access to legal education.
When she’s not working, Joan enjoys traveling and exploring new destinations, spending time with her family, and supporting causes that champion education, diversity, and opportunity. She finds purpose in helping others discover their strengths and create meaningful paths forward—whether in the courtroom, the classroom, or the community.
- “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 Rehired 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, May 2021
- “The Future of the Workplace Under the Biden Administration,” Johnson Pope, Co-authored, February 2021
- “COVID-19 Update: What Employers Need to Know for 2021,” Johnson Pope, Co-authored, January 2021
- “Employment Webinar Series Invitation 2020,” Johnson Pope, Co-authored, October 2020
- “COVID-19 Update: Department of Labor Revises FFCRA Regulations,” Johnson Pope, Co-authored, September 2020
- “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,” Johnson Pope, Co-authored, September 2020
- “Landmark Ruling: Gay and Transgender Individuals Protected by Title VII,” Johnson Pope, Co-authored, June 2020
- “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, Co-authored, October 2018
- “Shielding Employers from Liability: Tips for Maintaining Your Armor,” Johnson Pope, Co-authored, August 2018
- “Fair Labor Standards Act Update,” Johnson Pope, Co-authored, May 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, Authored, September 2016
- “Countdown to Compliance: Are You Prepared for the New Overtime Regulations?” Johnson Pope, Authored, June 2016
- “Fifty Shades of Gray: Employment Discrimination is Not Black and White,” Johnson Pope, Authored, October 2015
- “Orange is the New Trap: Considering Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions,” Johnson Pope, Authored, July 2014
- “Employee Handbooks: Shields or Swords?,” Johnson Pope, Authored, July 2014
- “Facebook Firings: Disciplining Employees for Social Media Posts,” Johnson Pope, Co-authored, August 2013
- “Structuring Group Medical Practices: Labor and Employment Issues,” The Medical Staff Counselor, 1993 (co-authored)
- “Securities Regulation: The Sale of a Closely-Held Business in Light of Landreth Timber v. Landreth,” Stetson Law Review, 1986
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’s 2023 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Recognizes 22 Johnson Pope Attorneys
- Florida Enacts E-Verify Requirements for Employers
- 2023 Employment Law Watchlist
- Best Employment Practices 2022
- COVID-19: Updated CDC and EEOC Guidance
- Florida’s 2022 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Recognizes 18 Johnson Pope Attorneys
- 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
- Joan M. Vecchioli Elected Chair of the Pinellas County Unified Personnel Board
- 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
- Fair Labor Standards Act Update
- Labor and Employment Law Watch 2018
- Best Employment Practices: Conducting Self Audits and Protecting Trade Secrets.
- Countdown to Compliance: Are You Prepared for the New Overtime Regulations?
- Fifty Shades of Gray: Employment Discrimination is Not Black and White
- Supreme Court Update
- Joan Vecchioli speaks to myLawCLE about Facebook Firings
- Orange is the New Trap: Considering Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions
- Employee Handbooks: Shields or Swords?
- Facebook Firings: Disciplining Employees for Social Media Posts
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
- Florida’s 2023 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Recognizes 22 Johnson Pope Attorneys
- 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
- Florida’s 2022 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Recognizes 18 Johnson Pope Attorneys
- 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
- Joan M. Vecchioli Elected Chair of the Pinellas County Unified Personnel Board
- 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
- Florida Super Lawyers Recognizes 23 Attorneys from Johnson Pope
- 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
- 30 Lawyers from Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP Recognized in “The Best Lawyers in America®” 2018 and Two Partners as “Lawyer of the Year” in Their Areas of Practice
- Johnson Pope Lawyers Named 2017 Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year”
- Best Lawyers 2016
- ‘Florida Super Lawyers’ Recognizes 17 Attorneys from Johnson Pope
- Joan Vecchioli Receives Award
- 14 JP Lawyers Listed as “Best Lawyers 2014”
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
