Partner
Rachael Wood is an experienced employment and litigation attorney who helps clients navigate the full spectrum of workplace challenges, from everyday personnel decisions to complex litigation. A partner in Johnson Pope’s Labor & Employment Group, Rachael represents businesses and individuals in federal and state courts, as well as before administrative agencies, bringing both strategic perspective and practical advice to every engagement.
Her practice covers a wide range of employment matters, including discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims; wage and hour disputes; trade secret protection; and enforcement of noncompete and nonsolicitation agreements. Rachael frequently advises on drafting and negotiating employment contracts, severance agreements, and workplace policies that help clients minimize risk and maintain compliance in a constantly evolving legal landscape.
Clients turn to Rachael for her direct, solution-focused approach. Over her career, she has guided clients through government investigations, helped clients translate complex regulations into actionable policies, and resolved sensitive disputes through litigation and negotiation alike.
Rachael’s path to the law was shaped by resilience and adaptability. While pursuing her master’s degree in criminology, she began working in an employment law firm and discovered a deep interest in helping people solve workplace problems. She earned her law degree with honors from Stetson University College of Law.
Whether she is preparing a case for trial, resolving a challenging personnel matter, or advising a growing company on best practices, Rachael is committed to helping clients protect their businesses and move forward with confidence.
Representative Matters
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Trade Secret and Noncompete Enforcement. Successfully enforced restrictive covenants and pursued claims involving theft of confidential business information, including securing injunctions and negotiated settlements to protect client goodwill.
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Wire Fraud Arbitration. Arbitrated and investigated a complex wire fraud matter, uncovering critical evidence by analyzing email headers and message logs to trace the scheme to a bad actor who infiltrated the opposing side’s systems.
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Discrimination and Retaliation Claims. Defended employers against claims of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation under Title VII and the Florida Civil Rights Act, achieving favorable resolutions in both court and administrative proceedings.
- Employment Policy and Contract Drafting. Drafted and negotiated employment agreements, severance packages, and workplace policies for businesses across industries, helping clients proactively manage risk and maintain compliance with evolving regulations.
Bar Admissions
- Florida, 2008
- United States District Courts (Northern, Middle & Southern Districts of Florida)
Education
- Stetson University College of Law, J.D., cum laude, Honors Program Graduate, 2007
- University of South Florida, M.A., Criminology, 2004
- University of Texas at Arlington, B.A., Criminology & Criminal Justice, magna cum laude, 2002
Awards & Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America©, Litigation & Labor and Employment, 2019 – 2025
- The Best Lawyers in America© “Lawyer of the Year”, Litigation & Labor and Employment, 2022
- Super Lawyers, Employment & Labor, 2025
- Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2016 – 2017
- Stetson College of Law, Edward D. Foreman Most Distinguished Student Award
Community & Professional Organizations
- The Florida Bar
- Member, 2008- Present
- Dunedin Fine Arts Center
- Board of Directors, 2020 – Present
- Leadership Pinellas
- Class Member, 2019
- St. Petersburg Bar Association, Employment Section
- Co-Chair, 2016 – 2018
- Clearwater Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division
- President, 2013 – 2014
Outside the Office
Rachael is an avid photographer who finds balance behind the camera, capturing everything from landscapes to everyday moments. When she isn’t working or editing photos, she enjoys playing Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon with her son, exploring nature, and spending time with her husband and their talkative husky.
Workplace Compliance Counseling. Advised employers on day-to-day personnel matters, internal investigations, and responses to government inquiries, including Department of Labor audits and EEOC charges.
- “Navigating Employment Law in 2025: What Employers Need to Know,” LAW, Presenter, April 9, 2025
- “Future of Employment Law,” Florida Bar Advanced Labor Topics Conference, Presenter, April 24 – 27, 2025
- “Project 2025 and the Future of Employment Law,” Authored, March 24, 2025
- “Key Employment Law Developments to Monitor under the Trump Administration,” Johnson Pope, Co-authored, March 2025
- “What to Expect in Employment Law in 2025,” Florida Bar, Hillsborough Bar & Clearwater Bar Joint Event, Presenter, February 27, 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 Beginning July 1, 2024,” Johnson Pope, Co-authored, June 2024
- “The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Creates New Obligations for Employers,” 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-presented, October 25, 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, 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
- “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,” 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
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
- 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
- Rachael Wood Named Partner at Johnson Pope
- 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
- Rachael Wood Named to Board of Directors of The Dunedin Fine Art Center
- 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
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
- Rachael Wood Named Partner at Johnson Pope
- Rachael Wood Named Board Chair of the Dunedin Fine Art Center
- 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
- Rachael Wood Named to Board of Directors of The Dunedin Fine Art Center
- 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
- Rachael L. Wood Joins Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP
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
