Avi Kumin is a founder and partner at Katz Banks Kumin. For over 20 years, Mr. Kumin has been successfully advising employees, resolving difficult situations with employers, and litigating employment and whistleblower claims.

Mr. Kumin’s practice focuses on whistleblower protection, sexual harassment and assault, contractual disputes, discrimination, retaliation, among other areas of employment law. He also represents employees in filing whistleblower reward tips with the federal government, such as award tips submitted to the SEC and CFTC. Mr. Kumin notably represented Curtis Ewbank, a Boeing engineer who filed an internal ethics complaint regarding the design process and safety of the 737 MAX plane, which was grounded worldwide following deadly crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia. He also successfully led a multi-plaintiff suit against Exxon-Mobil for religious and racial discrimination, which was later resolved, and achieved a total judgement over a million dollars in an arbitration lawsuit against a large restaurant corporation. 

Mr. Kumin is President-Elect of the Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association and serves on both the Executive Board and Board of Directors. For his outstanding legal work, he is regularly included in the annual rankings of The Best Lawyers in America® and Super Lawyers, and since 2021 he has been recognized by Chambers and Partners in Band 1 of employment plaintiff attorneys in Washington D.C.

Mr. Kumin received his J.D. from Yale Law School in 2000.

Curtis Ewbank

Mr. Kumin represents Curtis Ewbank, a Boeing engineer who filed an internal ethics complaint regarding the design process of the 737 MAX plane, which has been grounded worldwide following tragic crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia.  As originally reported in the New York Times and Seattle Times, Mr. Ewbank’s complaint reported that the company rejected adding potentially critical safety systems during the development of the 737 MAX jet due to a focus on cost and pilot re-training concerns. Mr. Ewbank worked on the cockpit controls and displays design of the airplane, which pilots use to monitor and control the plane.
In his complaint, Mr. Ewbank reported that Boeing did not implement a synthetic airspeed system that uses software to provide an indirect calculation of airspeed.  This system would serve as a check on the plane’s “angle of attack” sensors that measure the plane’s angle in the sky, and could prevent incorrect data from being distributed to other systems if the sensors’ readings disagreed with one another.  In both of the crashes of the 737 MAX flights, it is believed that the angle of attack sensors sent incorrect data to the plane’s automated MCAS system, contributing to irrecoverable nose dives.
Three of Mr. Ewbank’s former colleagues interviewed by the Seattle Times concurred that the synthetic airspeed system could have potentially prevented the tragedies in Ethiopia and Indonesia.  The news coverage further noted that Mr. Ewbank’s complaint also reported concerns that Boeing’s corporate culture promoted fear over raising concerns and a lack of transparency with government aviation safety regulators.

AAA Arbitration

Mr. Kumin and firm associate Harini Srinivasan represented a former restaurant manager in an arbitration lawsuit against a large restaurant corporation.  The lawsuit alleged that the company terminated the plaintiff, ostensibly for missing several days of work, despite having received notice and medical confirmation from the plaintiff that the reason he had missed work was because he had just suffered a type of stroke.  After litigation and trial, the arbitrator ruled in favor of the plaintiff, finding the company liable for violation of both the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act.  The arbitrator awarded the plaintiff $600,000, as well as a separate award of attorneys’ fees, for a total judgment of over a million dollars.

Romdhani et al. v. Exxon-Mobil Corp.

Mr. Kumin led a team of Katz Banks Kumin attorneys in this multi-plaintiff suit against Exxon-Mobil Corporation, the largest company in the world.  In their lawsuit, filed in Delaware federal court, plaintiffs Sofiene Romdhani, Michelle Maloney, and Bobbijo Zeller alleged that their supervisors at Exxon subjected them to religious and racial harassment and discrimination, and then retaliated against them once they complained about that harassment. When Exxon filed a motion for summary judgment seeking to dismiss the case, Mr. Kumin convinced the court to deny the motion. Exxon ultimately resolved the case with the plaintiffs.

Oscarson v. U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms

Mr. Kumin, along with Katz Banks Kumin partner Lisa Banks, filed suit against the U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms on behalf of longtime employee Wendy Oscarson, who alleged that the Senate had for years failed to accommodate her physical disabilities in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. When the Senate repeated several motions seeking to dismiss the case, Mr. Kumin drafted oppositions which convinced the judge to deny them all. Mr. Kumin then successfully argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, obtaining a ruling dismissing the Senate’s attempt to appeal the matter. Following this ruling, the Senate then resolved the matter with Ms. Oscarson.

Davies v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Mr. Kumin filed this lawsuit under the federal Whistleblower Protection Act to vindicate the rights of longtime federal employee Art Davies, who alleged that he was retaliated against after he reported legal violations and waste of federal funds at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Mr. Kumin first filed a complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, which agreed that Mr. Davies had been retaliated against; Mr. Kumin was able to settle that portion of the case for a cash payment of $265,000. Mr. Kumin then filed an appeal of another portion of the case to the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, ultimately convincing the Corps of Engineers to settle the second portion of the case for benefits worth additional hundreds of thousands of dollars, including cash, attorneys’ fees, backpay, promotion to a higher pay band, and retroactive retirement pay.

Publications

  • Avi Kumin and Andrew Schroeder, “Protection from Retaliation: Not Always Guaranteed for HR,” SHRM (April 18, 2017).
  • Avi Kumin, “The Scoop On LA Times Employment Decision,” Law360 (Nov. 9, 2015).
  • Avi Kumin, “Taking Aim at Section 1981?,” The Legal Times (Oct. 29, 2007).
  • Debra Katz and Avi Kumin, “‘Meritor’ at 20: Ills persist,” The National Law Journal (Jun. 26, 2006).
  • Debra Katz and Avi Kumin. “Family Leave Lives On,” The National Law Journal, (Jun. 24, 2002).
  • Debra Katz and Avi Kumin, CLE Course Materials: “Family and Medical Leave Act Issues Post – 9/11, Including PTSD, Requests for Flexible Leave Schedules and Work From Home,” ALI-ABA (2002).
  • P. Friere and Avi Kumin, “El Rostro Oculto de la Deuda Externa: El Desafio de los Derechos Humanos” (The Hidden Face of the External Debt: The Challenge for Human Rights), Un Continente Contra La Deuda (A Continent Against the Debt), (2000).

Speaking Engagements

January 27, 2020
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin taught a DC Bar CLE course, “How to Fire People and How Not To.”
April 8, 2019
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin taught a DC Bar CLE course, “Nuts and Bold of Employment Discrimination Law 2019.”
November 9, 2018
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin presented a course on “Whistleblower Retaliation Law” through the Clear Law Insitute’s CLE program.
April 23, 2018
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin chaired and moderated a D.C. Bar CLE, “Thorny Issues in Employment Law and Litigation.”

2018 Outlook: Top Issues Facing HR Professionals in the Year Ahead
February 14, 2018
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin was a panelist for the Bloomberg Law Webinar, “2018 Outlook: Top Issues Facing HR Professionals in the Year Ahead.”

​Avi Kumin Presents CLE on Ending the Employment Relationship
March 7, 2017
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin presented a D.C. Bar Continuing Legal Education program titled, “Ending the Employer Relationship.”

Avi Kumin Presents CLE on Litigating Employment Discrimination Cases
September 27, 2016
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin presented for the Taxpayers Against Fraud (TAF) annual conference, giving a presentation entitled, “E-Discovery and the Amendements to the Federal Rules Regarding Discovery.”

Avi Kumin Presents on E-Discovery at TAF Annual Conference
September 16, 2016
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin presented for ahe Taxpayers Against Fraud (TAF) annual conference, giving a presentation entitled, “E-Discovery and the Amendements to the Federal Rules Regarding Discovery.”

Avi Kumin Presents CLE for ALI on Discrimintation in Law Practices
July 27, 2016
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin presented for an ALI Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program entitled, “We’re Being Sued for What? When Law Firms Face Discrimination Charges.”

Avi Kumin Presents CLE for DC Bar on Ethics Issues in Employment Law
July 14, 2016
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin presented for a DC Bar Continuing Legal Education (CLE) webinar program entitled, “Thorny Ethics Issues in Employment Law and Litigation.”

Avi Kumin Presents CLE on Employment Discrimination Law​
June 9, 2016
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin joined a panel of speakers on June 9, 2016, at the D.C. Bar to present a seminar entitled “Nuts and Bolts of Employment Discrimination Law.”

Avi Kumin Joins Panel Discussion on What to Do After a Layoff
November 19, 2015
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin participated in a panel discussion presented by the Producers Guild of America entitled “What To Do After a Layoff.”

Avi Kumin Presents on Changes to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
November 9, 2015
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin joined a panel for a D.C. Bar Continuing Legal Education presentation entitled “Changes to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Effective December 1, 2015.”

Avi Kumin Presents on Retaliation Law
June 9, 2015
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin participated in a panel presentation for the American Law Institute (ALI) titled “Retaliation: The Latest Tidal Wave of Employment Litigation.”

Avi Kumin and Alexis Ronickher Give Presentation on the “Nuts and Bolts” of Employment Law
June 2, 2015
Katz Banks Kumin partners Avi Kumin and Alexis Ronickher participated in a panel presentation for the D.C. Bar Association entitled “Nuts & Bolts of Employment Law.”

Avi Kumin and Alexis Ronickher Give Presentation on the “Nuts and Bolts” of Employment Law
June 2, 2015
Katz Banks Kumin partners Avi Kumin and Alexis Ronickher participated in a panel presentation for the D.C. Bar Association entitled “Nuts & Bolts of Employment Law.”

Avi Kumin Gives Presentation on Short-Term Disabilities and Reasonable Accommodations under the ADA
October 21, 2014
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin participated in a presentation for the D.C. Bar Association titled “Short-Term Disabilities and Reasonable Accommodations under the ADA.”

Avi Kumin Gives Presentation about Current EEOC Enforcement Trends
September 23, 2014
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin participated in a panel presentation for the American Law Institute (ALI) titled “EEOC Hot Topics and Trends: Leave, Reasonable Accommodation, Recommended Policy Revisions, and More.”

Avi Kumin Presents about Employment Law & Litigation Ethics
August 19, 2014
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin served as course chair and panelist for a presentation to the D.C. Bar Association titled “Thorny Ethics Issues In Employment Law and Litigation.”

Best Practices for Effective Court Complaints
August 5, 2014
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin participated in a panel presentation for the Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association (MWELA) titled “Best Practices for Effective Court Complaints.”

Nuts & Bolts of Employment Law
June 3, 2014
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin participated in a June 3 panel presentation for the D.C. Bar Association titled “Nuts & Bolts of Employment Law.”

Dealing with Annoying and Sometimes Abusive Discovery Tactics
July 24, 2013
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin joined a panel presentation at the D.C. Bar Association entitled “Dealing with Annoying and Sometimes Abusive Discovery Tactics.”

Employment Leave: Practitioner Perspectives
June 11, 2013
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin participated in a panel presentation sponsored by the Labor and Employment Law Section of the D.C. Bar entitled “Employment Leave: Practitioner Perspectives.”

The Rising Tide of Whistleblower Claims: Tips for Representing Employee and Employers
April 17, 2013
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin participated in a panel for the 19th Annual Employment Law Institute on April 17, 2013, entitled “The Rising Tide of Whistleblower Claims: Tips for Representing Employee and Employers.”
Nuts and Bolts of Employment Discrimination Law With Recent Case Updates
March 12, 2013
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin moderated a panel for the D.C. Bar on March 12, 2013, entitled “Nuts and Bolts of Employment Discrimination Law With Recent Case Updates.”

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
April 17, 2012
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin served as a co-presenter on the topic of “Sexual Harassment in the Workplace” during several continuing legal education presentations to the D.C. Office of the Attorney General on February 22, February 29, March 7, April 12, and April 17, 2012.

Dealing with Annoying and Sometimes Abusive Discovery Tactics
March 8, 2012
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin served as a co-presenter on the topic of “Dealing with Annoying and Sometimes Abusive Discovery Tactics” before the District of Columbia Bar Association.

Drafting Severance Agreements and Related Issues
August 30, 2011
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin gave a presentation on “Drafting Severance Agreements and Related Issues” at the District of Columbia Bar Association in Washington, DC.

Religious Accommodation & Discrimination in the Workplace
July 1, 2011
Katz Banks Kumin partner Avi Kumin presented on “Religious Accommodation & Discrimination in the Workplace” at the National Employment Lawyers Association annual convention in New Orleans, LA.

Still Nickled & Dimed? Current Developments in Gender Discrimination and Equal Pay
April 8, 2011
Katz Banks Kumin Partner Avi Kumin gave a presentation on “Still Nickled & Dimed? Current Developments in Gender Discrimination and Equal Pay” at the American Bar Association National Conference on Equal Opportunity Law.

Sexual Harassment Claims & Defenses in Federal Courts
April 1, 2011
Katz Banks Kumin Partner Avi Kumin gave a presentation on “Sexual Harassment Claims & Defenses in Federal Courts” for the Advanced Employment Law & Litigation Conference of the American Law Institute – American Bar Association.

Testimonials

“My experience as a client of Avi Kumin and Alison Asarnow at Katz Banks Kumin law firm was the best legal experience I could have ever imagined…”
–– MD, former employee of federal contractor, who faced sexual harassment and retaliation on the job

Testimonials Listing

“Anyone who has an employment problem know what it’s like when the company and their attorneys use the “employment at will” laws to make you feel small and powerless. I hired Avi Kumin to fight back. He was extremely professional and took the time to really listen to me. Avi was able to negotiate a very lucrative settlement for me in a very short period of time. This helped me to manage my apprehension during a difficult time and provide me with sufficient funds to comfortably transition to a new job. I strongly recommend that you contact Avi if you need help.”

— A senior-level executive and client in a wrongful termination case.

 

“Avi Kumin’s professionalism, expertise, commitment, and attention to details while handling my case were outstanding. Avi and Alison Asarnow stepped in and negotiated a settlement plan that not only kept me out of court, but also prevented any negative references or information being leaked out to possibly hinder my future growth as a professional. Avi spent one on one time with me explaining the entire legal process which fortunately resulted in the most positive outcome for my individual case. I would highly recommend Avi and the team at Katz Banks Kumin.”

— Director of Human Resources, client in an employment discrimination case

“Partner Avi Kumin and his associate Julie Zibulsky were exceptional in the strategic analysis, development, and implementation of my employment case. I was involved in a particularly challenging work environment and employment case and in knowing this, Avi and his team worked rapidly to collect and summarize the facts of my case. Avi then effectively implemented his strategy to come up with a highly successful resolution in a very short period of time. Their speed and efficiency in responding to any additional employment challenges I faced was magnificent as well. I am very happy with the results achieved by Avi and Julie. I would highly recommend Katz Banks Kumin to anyone who is engaged in or is considering an employment legal action.”

— Senior Director of Operations in the pharmaceutical industry, client in a whistleblower case

“I was represented by Debra Katz and Avi Kumin of Katz Banks Kumin and was very pleased with the legal counsel and services they provided. They are very effective and compassionate advocates who genuinely care for, and will protect and defend, their clients. Their focus on, and expertise in, employee rights and workplace fairness is exceptional. I strongly recommend the firm if you have the need for aggressive yet compassionate representation.”

— Non-profit executive and former U.S. Congressman, client in a whistleblower and breach of contract case

“Avi and his team were quick to respond to my concerns; offering various options to satisfy my claim of Age Discrimination. I was very pleased with the time and in-depth detail discussed as we moved forward in the case – and the ultimate successful resolution. He was considerate of my concerns; a willing advocate and made the process understandable and easy. I would highly recommend Avi and his team.”

— Pharmaceutical Sales Professional

“My experience as a client of Avi Kumin and Alison Asarnow at Katz Banks Kumin law firm was the best legal experience I could have ever imagined. The professionalism, high quality of work, efficiency, effectiveness, patience, quick responses and friendly collaboration were all by far superior. I was incredibly fortunate and grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such a top notch team, where the lawyers advocate for your rights and truly care about helping others and making the world a better place. My human rights were terribly violated, and they successfully advocated for my human rights. Words cannot describe what that feels like.”

— MD, former employee of federal contractor, who faced sexual harassment and retaliation on the job

“Avi Kumin and the rest of the folks at Katz Banks Kumin did their homework, which was pivotal to the successful outcome of my case. Attorneys and support staff were professional and buttoned down and comfortable to work with during a challenging time. They always kept all options at hand. In our town of attorneys, trusted counsel recommended the firm originally and I would strongly do the same.”

— Former trade association chief executive

“Avi Kumin and Michael A. Filoromo, III did outstanding job in summarizing facts and organizing legal arguments. They carefully crafted the strategy based on research & analysis of a very complex situation, and with multiple iterative modifications produced an elegantly written and compelling case. The outcome was very satisfactory. As one can imagine, this was an emotional and stressful period, however, due to Avi’s and Michael’s excellent professional work, it was more bearable than it would have been otherwise. I am very pleased with the results and would highly recommend hiring this firm with superb lawyers.”

— Chief Science and Technology Officer, pharmaceutical industry