Obama Nominates Johnson to National Labor Relations Board

Palisadian Harry I. Johnson III has been nominated by President Barack Obama to fill one of two Republican vacancies on the National Labor Relations Board.
Johnson, whose Senate confirmation hearing is today, told the Palisadian-Post that if he is confirmed, “It will be a great privilege to serve on the Board. I look forward to answering any questions that the Senate may have.”
The NLRB is an independent federal agency vested with the power to safeguard employees’ rights to organize and determine whether to have unions as their bargaining representative. This board acts to prevent and remedy unfair labor practices committed by private sector employers and unions. The Board consists of five members—three Democrats (three members of the President’s party) and two Republicans.
Johnson, who has lived in Pacific Palisades since 2003 with wife Monica Christie, was nominated along with Republican Philip A. Miscimarra of Morgan Lewis & Bockius. All five of the nominees will undergo Senate scrutiny today.
President Obama said in a press release: “By enforcing workplace protections, upholding the rights of workers and providing a stable workplace environment for businesses, the NLRB plays a vital role in our efforts to grow the economy and strengthen the middle class. With these nominations, there will be five nominees to the NLRB, both Republicans and Democrats, awaiting Senate confirmation. I urge the Senate to confirm them swiftly so that this bipartisan board can continue its important work on behalf of the American people.”
Johnson, who has 19 years of experience in labor and employment law, is currently a partner in the labor employment and OSHA practice group at Arent Fox, a national law firm. His practice covers the full range of management-side labor and employment law. Johnson’s experience also spans wage-hour class action cases and general employment law defense litigation.
“This appointment is a testament to Harry’s national reputation, integrity, hard work, legal talent, and comprehensive understanding of labor rules and regulations,” Arent Fox Chairman Mark M. Kat, said in a statement by the firm. “Harry has been a great colleague and we are confident he will serve the country well as a NLRB board member.”
In July 2011, Johnson was recognized by the Daily Journal as one of the “Top 75 Labor and Employment Attorneys in California.”
He is also the creator and host of “After Hours,” a video podcast that focuses on developments in labor and employment law, providing insight to business owners, human resources departments and in-house counsel, so that companies are better informed on how to comply with the law.
Johnson received his B.A. in international studies from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Arts in law and diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. Concurrently, he earned his J.D. at Harvard Law School, where he met his fellow student and future wife.
Monica Christie told the Post that, if Johnson is confirmed, the couple will move temporarily to Washington, D.C. for the duration of Obama’s term in office. They are both parishioners at Corpus Christi, where their children, Sophia and Natalia, attend school.