Wendy Stryker
Wendy Stryker is Co-Chair of the Employment Group at Frankfurt Kurnit.
She represents marketing services agencies, media and entertainment companies, tech startups, and other sophisticated corporations and individual executives in New York State and Federal courts and before administrative agencies and self-regulatory organizations. She is recognized by Best Lawyers in America in the 2025-2026 editions for her expertise in Employment Law.
Ms. Stryker also effectively plays the role of outside general counsel. She advises on a wide variety of employment issues as they arise, including discrimination and harassment, employee classification, wage and hour, employee discipline, employee use of social media, background checks, interview questions, and requests for disability accommodations. She regularly helps clients manage litigation risk through expert guidance and the design and implementation of compliance and training programs.
A frequent public speaker, Ms. Stryker has presented at the New York City Bar Association Employment Law Institute, the New York State Bar Association Women on the Move Conference, the Producers Guild of America East, the International Association of Young Lawyers’ HNW Same Sex Family’s Going Global Conference, the South-by-Southwest Conference, and Social Media Week in New York. The Society for Human Resource Management frequently quotes Ms. Stryker on employment law topics, and she has been interviewed on employment law matters by Forbes, Variety and SiriusXM. She is editor of the MLRC Employment Survey: New York Libel Law.
Ms. Stryker is President of the Board of Directors of the New York Civil Liberties Union and is a member of the New York City Bar Association Labor and Employment Law Committee and the Media Law Resource Center Employment Law Committee. She has successfully represented two New York City tenant advocacy groups on a pro bono basis, helping them to defeat on First Amendment grounds a landlord’s attempt to ban their community service efforts. Prior to joining Frankfurt Kurnit, Ms. Stryker was a law clerk to the Honorable Michael H. Dolinger, United States Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of New York. She is admitted to practice in New York.
Areas of Expertise
Recent Recognition
Best Lawyers in America (2025-2026)
Lawyers of Color: Law Firm Diversity Professionals 2023
City & State “Responsible 100” Award (2021)
Super Lawyer in New York-area for Employment & Labor and Business Litigation (2016 – 2025)
Urban Justice Center Community Development Project Award for her pro bono contributions
Education
New York University School of Law (J.D.)
University of Pennsylvania (B.A.)
Contact
- P 212.705.4838
- F 347.438.2148
- wstryker@fkks.com
Events
Inside or Outside the Room? Law, Public Service and Power
12.06.23
Wendy Stryker is a panelist during the event, "Law, Public Service and Power" hosted by the Downtown Alliance. Details here.
AI Use in Employment
11.29.23
The draw of artificial intelligence has led to a surge in the development and use of AI-driven tools. Now employers must ensure compliance with state and local privacy laws, and regulatory guidance affecting usage of these tools. Wendy Stryker and Maria Nava share important updates for employers when using AI technology.
When is it OK to Regulate Employee Speech?
06.15.23
In this webinar, Employment Group Co-Chair Wendy Stryker will focus on the laws that impact an employer’s ability to regulate employee speech at work or online, as well as recent legal changes that provide employees with greater protections.
Frankfurt Kurnit’s 2023 Litigation Ethics Summit
05.11.23
Join us in person at our New York City office for our Litigation Ethics Summit -- a complimentary CLE event on current hot topics in ethics and professional responsibility.
Employment Law and Social Media: What Every PR Agency Should Know About Respecting and Managing Employee Speech
05.09.23
Wendy Stryker presents "Employment Law and Social Media: What Every PR Agency Should Know About Respecting and Managing Employee Speech” during the Public Relations Society of America's 2023 Counselors Academy Conference in New Orleans.
Under the Influence: Employment Law Considerations Influencing Influencer Agreements Part 2
04.20.23
Jesse Klinger, Khasim Lockhart, Wendy Stryker, and Alycia S. Tulloch discuss some of the major employment law issues to be aware of when engaging Influencers for projects in New York and California.
Under the Influence: Employment Law Considerations Influencing Influencer Agreements
03.15.23
Over the last few years Influencers have become some of the most sought after “talent” in entertainment, advertising, marketing, and other industries. This webinar discusses some of the major employment law issues to be aware of when engaging Influencers for projects in New York and California.
Employment Law Institute 2023
03.03.23
Wendy Stryker presents, “Section 7 Rights-The Process Explained” during the New York City Bar Association’s Employment Law Institute. Details here.
Preventing & Addressing Sexual Harassment Post-Cuomo
05.31.22
Wendy Stryker speaks on the panel, “Preventing & Addressing Sexual Harassment Post-Cuomo,” hosted by the New York City Bar Association.
New York City Bar: Employment Law Institute
03.04.22
Wendy Stryker participates on the panel, “Employee Handbooks,” as part of the New York City Bar’s Employment Law Institute.
Return to Work: COVID-19 Protocol Updates and Evolving DEI Issues
01.27.22
The Frankfurt Kurnit Employment Law Group kicks off 2022 with a hybrid of its Return to Work and DEI webinar series. The session will take lessons from the pandemic period and help employers create sensible and up-to-date reopening plans.
Walking the Talk on DEI: Recruitment and Hiring
10.28.21
Frankfurt Kurnit’s Employment Compliance, Training & Litigation Group is hosting Walking the Talk on DEI –– a series of complimentary webinars. Our second session, Recruitment and Hiring on October 28th, will examine best practices during the hiring process. This session will focus on DEI issues and opportunities that arise during the hiring process, particularly with respect to job postings and candidate interviews.
Walking the Talk on DEI: Planning and Implementing Your Company’s DEI Program
09.29.21
It’s one thing to envision a Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Program. It’s another thing to plan one. And it’s a third thing to plan one right –– meaning in compliance with federal, state and local rules. To help you develop a DEI program that serves the company, its workforce, and avoids legal pitfalls, Frankfurt Kurnit’s Employment Compliance, Training & Litigation Group is hosting Walking the Talk on DEI –– a series of complimentary seminars.
SoDA Webinar: Return to Office Planning
06.15.21
Tricia Legittino and Wendy Stryker present, "Return to Office Planning" during a webinar for SoDA.
COVID-19 and Employment Law: Lessons Learned and Planning for the Future
06.14.21
Wendy Stryker is the Program Chair & Panel Leader for the New York City Bar’s webcast, “COVID-19 and Employment Law: Lessons Learned and Planning for the Future.”
Vaccine Mandates and Return to Work Protocols
06.11.21
Tricia Legittino and Wendy Stryker present, "Vaccine Mandates and Return to Work Protocols" during the 4A's Business as Unusual webinar series.
Navigating the “New Normal” in the Workplace
05.25.21
Join us for an in-depth discussion of the new laws, policies and legal developments that New York and California employers will need to know to set up a compliant workplace in the “new normal” of a post-vaccination world.
New York City Bar’s 7th Annual Employment Law Institute
03.06.21
Wendy Stryker presents, “NLRB/Section 7 Rights — Bounds of ‘Appropriate’ Workplace Behavior” during the New York City Bar’s 7th Annual Employment Law Institute Webcast.
A New Hope: COVID-19 Vaccines in the Workplace and other Employment Law Developments for 2021
01.20.21
COVID vaccines have arrived, giving the world and employers hope that things may finally get “back to normal.” But if you’re like many media and technology executives, you’re struggling to figure out how the vaccine fits in to your policies and procedures and makes employees and clients safer. This complimentary webinar presented by Tricia Legittino and Wendy Stryker can help.
Politics in the Workplace: When Free Speech and Company Policy Collide
10.15.20
Tricia Legittino and Wendy Stryker present “Politics in the Workplace: When Free Speech and Company Policy Collide” during a webinar for HR Roundtable.
Two Places at Once: Employment and Tax Law Issues Raised by Remote Workers
10.07.20
Whether by stay-at-home order or by choice, remote work has become a lifeline for many employees and employers. But remote offices can raise difficult questions with huge financial consequences. When the “real” office is in one state and the remote work in another, which state’s employment laws apply? Which state's tax laws apply? The answers affect business owners, managers and executives in all industries.
SoDA: Returning Staff, Remote Teams and MSA Negotiations
10.02.20
Tricia Legittino, Wendy Stryker and Hannah Taylor present "Returning Staff, Remote Teams and MSA Negotiations" during a webinar for the Society of Digital Agencies.
Amendments to NYS Employment Discrimination and Harassment Laws: Taking Stock One Year Later
09.23.20
Wendy Stryker presents “Amendments to NYS Employment Discrimination and Harassment Laws: Taking Stock One Year Later” during a panel for the New York City Bar Association.
Diversity & Inclusion for Communicators
08.13.20
Wendy Stryker speaks during Ragan’s Diversity & Inclusion for Communicators virtual workshop.
More Than Just Hand Sanitizer: Employment Law and the Return to Work (Part 3)
08.12.20
If you're like many media, entertainment and technology executives, you're struggling with how to safely reopen your business. One threshold requirement is a written Safety Plan -- and the leadership to implement it. In part III of our ongoing return-to-work webinar series, we'll focus on safety plans and procedures for New York and California.
More Than Just Hand Sanitizer: Employment Law and the Return to Work (Part 3)
08.12.20
If you're like many media, entertainment and technology executives, you're struggling with how to safely reopen your business. One threshold requirement is a written Safety Plan -- and the leadership to implement it. In part III of our ongoing return-to-work webinar series, we'll focus on safety plans and procedures for New York and California
Politics and Employment Law
06.24.20
With COVID-19 transforming the workplace, protests changing the world, and a presidential election coming – our firm created a presentation focusing on the intersection of politics and workplace rights.
More Than Just Hand Sanitizer: Employment Law and the Return to Work (Part 2)
05.21.20
In Part 2 of our “More Than Just Hand Sanitizer” series we'll help you learn how to implement the policy and procedural changes, as well as the physical changes, necessary for a return to the workplace.
More Than Just Hand Sanitizer: Employment Law and the Return to Work (Part I)
05.13.20
Rehiring considerations. How to test for COVID-19. How to schedule work. Which accommodations to grant. How to safeguard a gigabyte of new confidential information. These are just some of the difficult issues employers will face in the gradual return to work. In this one-hour webinar we'll help you identify the policy and procedural changes you need to make to comply with fast-changing new rules while reducing health and financial risk.
Practical Tips for Art Market Participants in the COVID-19 Era
05.07.20
COVID-19 has caused extraordinary shifts in how business is conducted in the art market. Join three members of Frankfurt Kurnit’s Art, Employment, and Litigation Groups to discuss the main issues facing art market participants today, and to provide practical tips on how to successfully navigate through these uncharted waters.
Employment During a Pandemic: COVID-19 and the Major Issues Affecting New York Workplaces
05.06.20
Wendy Stryker presents “Employment During a Pandemic: COVID-19 and the Major Issues Affecting New York Workplaces” during a webinar for the New York City Bar Association. Register here.
Employment Issues in a Pandemic
04.24.20
Wendy Stryker presents “Employment Issues in a Pandemic” during a webinar for AIGA.
eMarketing Association Program
03.25.20
Wendy Stryker presents “2020 Online Advertising Legal Issues: Employment Law - Work-From-Home, CCPA, Ad Fraud, and more” during an online program for the eMarketing Association.
No upcoming events.
News
39 Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to New York Metro Super Lawyers List for 2025
10.30.25
This list inlcudes: S. Gregory Boyd, Christopher Chase, Marcie Cleary, Victoria Cook, Lisa Davis, Caren Decter, Catherine Farrelly, Melissa Georges, /people/hayden-goldblatt/Hayden Goldblatt, Jeffery Greenbaum, John Harris, Richard Heller, Richard Hofstetter, Nicole Hyland, Sean Kane,Candice Kersh, Richard Maltz, Jeffrey Marks, Kimberly Maynard, Gavin McElroy, Mark Merriman, Ronald Minkoff, Brian Murphy, Edward Rosenthal, Terri Seligman, Barbara Shiers, Wendy Stryker, Hannah Taylor, Linda Wank, S. Jean Ward, Michael Williams, and Maura Wogan.
Additionally, Aaron Deitsch, Christina Jenkins, Jesse Klinger, Khasim Lockhart, Jordyn Milewski, Katelyn Patton, and Molly Rothschild are listed as Rising Stars.
The Best Lawyers in America 2026
08.21.25
We are pleased to announce that Best Lawyers — the oldest and one of the most respected peer-reviewed lawyer recommendation services — continues to recommend Frankfurt Kurnit. 56 Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys are recognized in the 2026 edition.
X Can’t Escape Unjust Firing Claim in Severance Suit
04.29.25
Law360 mentions Wendy Stryker and Kristen G. Niven as counsel to former Twitter executives who filed a lawsuit against the company and Elon Musk for unjust firing, owing them millions in severance benefits. In the case Personette et al. v. Musk et al., a federal judge denied X (formerly known as Twitter) its motion to dismiss the claim citing an order she issued that same day against X, in a similar matter also alleging unpaid severance pay. View Article. (Behind paywall)
Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to New York Metro Super Lawyers List for 2024
10.24.24
Super Lawyers magazine lists 42 attorneys in its 2024 edition.
X Corp. Shorted 3 Execs Millions In Severance, Suit Says
09.09.24
Law360 mentions Wendy Stryker and Kristen G. Niven as counsel to Sarah Personette, James Sullivan and Dalana Brand, who claim that Elon Musk prevented them from collecting millions in severance benefits following his takeover of X by falsely claiming they were fired for failing to cooperate in investigations. (Behind paywall)
The Best Lawyers in America 2025
08.15.24
Best Lawyers in America recognizes 48 Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in the 2025 edition.
39 Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers New York Metro List for 2023
09.14.23
Super Lawyers magazine lists 39 Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2023 NY-metro edition.
Lawyers of Color: Law Firm Diversity Professionals
07.24.23
Lawyers of Color included Lisa E. Davis, Khasim Lockhart, Terri Seligman, and Wendy Stryker as 2023 Law Firm Diversity Professionals. Law Firm Diversity Professionals is a comprehensive directory of diversity legal professionals and law firm BIPOC affinity group chairs/co-chairs. Diversity professionals recognized may be of any race or ethnic background.
Frankfurt Kurnit Represents Prodject LLC in its Sale to The Independents Group, Inc.
04.06.23
New York-based Prodject LLC (“Prodject”), the renowned creative agency specializing in brand strategy, design and execution for events and content in fashion, music, art, and popular culture, was acquired by The Independents Group, Inc., a global marketing and communications company.
Thirty-four Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers New York Metro List for 2022
09.29.22
The list includes: Christopher R. Chase, Victoria Cook, Lisa E. Davis, Caren Decter, Catherine M.C. Farrelly, Michael P. Frankfurt, Hayden Goldblatt, Jeffrey A. Greenbaum, John B. Harris, Richard B. Heller, Richard Hofstetter, Nicole Hyland, Candice Kersh, Brian E. Maas, Richard Maltz, Jeffrey Marks, Kimberly Maynard, Mark Merriman, Ronald C. Minkoff, Brian G. Murphy, Edward H. Rosenthal, Terri Seligman, Barbara E. Shiers, Wendy Stryker, Hannah Taylor, Linda Wank, S. Jean Ward, and Maura Wogan. Aaron Deitsch, Christina Jenkins, Sasha Levites, Tyler Maulsby, Jordyn Milewski, and Adam Osterweil are listed as “Rising Stars.”
City & State: 2021 Responsible 100
12.13.21
Wendy Stryker is recognized by City & State as one of New York’s “Responsible 100” honoring a select group of New Yorkers who exemplify what it means to be a socially responsible citizen.
Thirty-four Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers New York Metro List for 2021
09.30.21
The list includes: Christopher R. Chase, Victoria Cook, Lisa E. Davis, Caren Decter, Catherine M.C. Farrelly, Michael P. Frankfurt, Hayden Goldblatt, Jeffrey A. Greenbaum, John B. Harris, Richard B. Heller, Richard Hofstetter, Nicole Hyland, Candice Kersh, Rick Kurnit, Brian E. Maas, Richard Maltz, Jeffrey Marks, Kimberly Maynard, Mark Merriman, Ronald C. Minkoff, Brian G. Murphy, Edward H. Rosenthal, Terri Seligman, Thomas D. Selz, Barbara E. Shiers, Wendy Stryker, Linda Wank, S. Jean Ward, and Maura Wogan. Marcie Cleary, Christina Jenkins, Sasha Levites, Tyler Maulsby, and Adam Osterweil are listed as “Rising Stars.”
United States: Employers Must Implement NY HERO Act Safety Plans Now
09.16.21
One News Page shared Wendy Stryker’s article, "Employers Must Implement NY HERO Act Safety Plans Now."
United States: New York HERO Act Imposes New Health and Safety Rules on Employers
05.10.21
One News Page shared Wendy Stryker’s article, “New York HERO Act Imposes New Health and Safety Rules on Employers.”
Thirty-four Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers New York Metro List for 2020
10.15.20
The list includes: Christopher R. Chase, Victoria Cook, Lisa E. Davis, Catherine M.C. Farrelly, Michael P. Frankfurt, Hayden Goldblatt, Jeffrey A. Greenbaum, John B. Harris, Richard B. Heller, Richard Hofstetter, Nicole Hyland, Candice Kersh, Rick Kurnit, Brian E. Maas, Richard Maltz, Jeffrey Marks, Kimberly Maynard, Mark Merriman, Ronald C. Minkoff, Brian G. Murphy, Edward H. Rosenthal, Terri Seligman, Thomas D. Selz, Barbara E. Shiers, Wendy Stryker, Linda Wank, S. Jean Ward, and Maura Wogan. Marcie Cleary, Christina Jenkins, Sasha Levites, Tyler Maulsby, Adam Osterweil and Rachel Santori are listed as “Rising Stars.”
Super Lawyers – New York Metro Top Women for 2020
03.28.20
The New York Times distributed the Super Lawyers list of the New York Metro Area's Top Women for 2020. Fourteen Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys made the list: Wendy Stryker (Employment Law), Victoria Cook, Lisa Davis & Jean Ward (Entertainment Law), Barbara Shiers (Estate Planning & Probate), Catherine Farrelly (Intellectual Property), Kim Maynard & Maura Wogan (Intellectual Property Litigation) Candice Kersh & Terri Seligman (Media and Advertising). Marcie Cleary & Sasha Levites (Entertainment Law), and Rachel Santori (Intellectual Property Law) are listed as "Rising Stars."
Frankfurt Kurnit Law Firm Elects New Partners
01.02.20
January 2, 2020, New York, N.Y. - Frankfurt Kurnit Klein + Selz, PC has elected Kimberly Maynard and Wendy Stryker as partners effective January 1, 2020. They are both based in the firm’s New York office.