A nationally recognized employment lawyer, and one of the leading attorneys of the #MeToo movement, Lisa Banks has been successfully litigating employment discrimination, sexual harassment, and whistleblower protection cases at the trial court and appellate level for nearly 30 years.
Ms. Banks is a founding partner of Katz Banks Kumin LLP, where she concentrates her practice on employment discrimination, sexual harassment, and whistleblower retaliation, as well as Title IX and contractual employment disputes. Ms. Banks notably represented Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, who came forward with allegations of sexual assault against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearings, and Dr. Rick Bright, a former official at the Department of Health and Human Services, who was removed from his position in retaliation for blowing the whistle about the Trump Administration’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Ms. Banks also recently represented over 40 former employees of the NFL’s Washington Commanders, who came forward to expose the organization’s long-time toxic work environment and financial misconduct under owner Daniel Snyder, ultimately leading to the team’s sale.
Ms. Banks is recognized as a leader in employment, sexual harassment, and whistleblower law, and has offered commentary in numerous print and television outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, ESPN, and CNN. She has received numerous honors, including being listed in Forbes Magazine’s list of “America’s Top Lawyers”, and Washingtonian Magazine’s lists of “Top Lawyers”, “Most Powerful Women in Washington”, and “500 Most Influential People”. In 2019, she was honored by Ms. Magazine with the “Wonder Woman Award” and in 2023 by the National Women’s Law Center with the “Trailblazer Award”.
Ms. Banks has served since 2004 as an arbitrator for the Employment and Commercial panels of the American Arbitration Association (AAA). She is also a member of the governing council of the American Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Section, and is the co-author of Whistleblower Law: A Practitioner’s Guide, a comprehensive treatise on federal and state whistleblower law. Prior to entering private practice, Ms. Banks was an appellate attorney in the Office of General Counsel of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and an Attorney Advisor in the Office of Counsel to the President in the White House.
Publications
- Lisa Banks and Debra Katz “The Rot at the Heart of Boeing” Seattle Times (June 2024)
- Lisa Banks, “Uncovering a culture of cover-up: Seeking accountability for US Coast Guard survivors of sexual harassment, sexual assault. Stars and Stripes (December 2023).
- Lisa Banks and Michael Filoromo, “The CFTC Whistleblower Practice Guide: 2021 Edition,” Katz Banks Kumin (April 2021).
- Lisa Banks and Michael Filoromo, “The SEC Whistleblower Practice Guide: 10th Edition,” Katz Banks Kumin (April 2021).
- Lisa Banks and Debra Katz, “Bloomberg nondisclosure agreements controversy misses why victims can want them.” NBC News (February 22, 2020).
- Lisa Banks and Debra Katz, “Banning confidentiality agreements won’t solve sexual harassment.” Washington Post (December 10, 2019).
- Lisa Banks and Debra Katz, “Setting the Record Straight: Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s Legal Team Speaks Out.” Ms. Magazine (October 9, 2019).
- Lisa Banks and Matthew Stiff, “Congress Must Fill The Gaps in SEC Whistleblower Protection” Law360 (July 8, 2019)
- Lisa Banks, Barbara T. Lindemann, Paul Grossman, et al., “Employment Discrimination Law, Fifth Edition, with 2017 Cumulative Supplement,” Bloomberg BNA (November 2017)
- Lisa Banks and Hannah Alejandro, “Understanding The Americans with Disabilities Act,” D.C. Bar (August 17, 2017)
- Lisa Banks and Hannah Alejandro, “Changing Definitions of Sex under Title VII,” ABA Journal of Labor and Employment Law (Apr. 25, 2017).
- Lisa Banks and Mehreen Rasheed, “Wells Fargo Complaints Show Flaws in Federal Whistleblower Program.” CCI (Dec. 9, 2016).
- Lisa Banks and Michael Filoromo, “The SEC’s Increasing Focus on Employer-Employee Confidentiality Agreements.” CCI (Aug. 1, 2016).
- Lisa Banks and Sam Kramer, “The Increased Prominence and Maturation of SEC and CFTC Whistleblower Programs,” CCI (July 6, 2016).
- Lisa Banks and Matthew LaGarde, “Scope of Whistleblower Protection Under Dodd-Frank Remains to Be Seen,” Law.com (June 23, 2016).
- Lisa Banks and Hannah Alejandro, “Changing Definitions of Sex under Title VII,” ABA: National Conference on Equal Employment Opportunity Law (Apr. 2, 2016).
- Lisa Banks and Jason C. Schwartz, “Whistleblower Law: A Practitioner’s Guide,” American Legal Media (Mar. 31, 2016).
- Lisa Banks and Sam Kramer, “Emerging Issues in Anti-Discrimination Law,” ALI-CLE: Advanced Employment Law and Litigation (Mar. 17, 2016).
- Lisa Banks et al., “Developing Law on LGBT Rights in the Workplace,” ABA-CLE: Labor and Employment Law Section (Nov. 4-7, 2015).
- Lisa Banks and Adam Herzog, “Strategic Thinking on Selected Issues in the Employment Relationship,” NELA 2015 Annual Conference (July 2015).
- Lisa Banks and Matthew Stiff, “The Federal Arbitration Act,” ALI-CLE: Advanced Employment Law and Litigation (Feb. 2013, 2014, and 2015).
- Lisa Banks, “ADA Law and Litigation Update,” D.C. Bar (Jun. 2014).
- Lisa Banks, “Leave, Pay and Promotion Bias,” ABA National Conference on Equal Employment Opportunity Law (Apr. 2014).
- Lisa Banks and Abigail Cook-Mack, “Pregnancy, Parenting and Careers: Leave, Pay and Promotion Bias,” ABA National Conference on Equal Employment Opportunity Law (Apr. 2013).
- Lisa Banks, “Enhanced OSHA Whistleblower Protection,” Law Seminars International Telebriefing (Apr. 2013).
- Lisa Banks and Julie Zibulsky, “Whistleblower Claims Enforced by OSHA: Recent Developments,” ABA Annual Labor and Employment Conference November 2012.
- Lisa Banks and Debra Katz, “Surprisingly Pro-Worker,” The National Law Journal (Aug. 6, 2008).
- Lisa Banks and Debra Katz, “The Legacy of “Ledbetter”,” The National Law Journal (Aug. 1, 2007).
- Debra Katz and Lisa Banks, “Victories for Workers,” The National Law Journal (Aug. 2, 2006).
- Lisa Banks, “Keeping the Employee Working: Reasonable Accommodations and Leave Requirements,” (Mar. 11, 2006).
- Lisa Banks and Debra Katz, “Employment Cases: ‘Constructive Discharge’,” The National Law Journal (Aug. 2, 2004).
- Lisa Banks and Debra Katz, 2003 Supreme Court Employment Law Review: “A Pro-Employee Trend,” The National Law Journal (Aug. 4, 2003).
- Debra Katz and Lisa Banks, Employment Cases: “Wins for Both Sides,” The National Law Journal (Aug. 5, 2002).
Speaking Engagements
June 29, 2016
March 30, 2016
Lisa J. Banks served as the Employee Co-Chair of the American Bar Association’s Equal Employment Opportunity Committee, which hosted its National Conference on Equal Employment Opportunity Law March 30–April 2, 2016. Ms. Banks also spoke at the conference during a panel entitled “What is ‘Sex’?”
December 7, 2015
Lisa J. Banks joined a panel of experts for a public meeting convened by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) Select Task Force on the Study of Harassment in the Workplace (STF).
November 4-7, 2015
Lisa J. Banks spoke at the American Bar Association’s 9th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference on November 4-7, 2015, in a panel discussion entitled “Recent Developments in LGBT Issues in Employment Law.”
June 8, 2015
Lisa J. Banks moderated a June 8, 2015 panel discussion for the D.C. Bar titled “ADA Employment Law and Litigation Update 2015.” The panel addressed recent issues and developments under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA). Panelists included Daniel B. Kohrman of the AARP Foundation Litigation and Jonathan R. Mook of DiMuro Ginsberg, PC.
May 28, 2015
Lisa J. Banks participated in a D.C. Bar presentation on “Summary Judgment Motions in the District of Columbia,” along with co-panelist Sara E. Kropf, and the Honorable Judith N. Macaluso, associate judge for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The panel discussed the effective use of summary judgment motions and oppositions in federal and local courts, as well as the legal standards, requirements, and practical considerations involved with these motions.
May 5, 2015
Lisa J. Banks moderated a panel entitled “Title IX: Addressing Sex Discrimination at Colleges & Universities” presented by the American Bar Association.
April 28, 2015
Lisa J. Banks presented at the “Arbitration Update” panel at the 2015 Advanced Employment Law and Litigation continuing legal education course, presented by the American Law Institute.
March 26, 2015
Lisa J. Banks presented at the “Arbitration Update” panel at the 2015 Advanced Employment Law and Litigation continuing legal education course, presented by the American Law Institute.
June 16, 2014
Lisa J. Banks participated a June 16 panel discussion for the DC Bar titled “ADA Employment Law and Litigation.”
April 28, 2013
Lisa J. Banks presented at a panel discussion on April 28, 2014, for the DC Bar entitled “Summary Judgment Motions in the District of Columbia 2014.”
April 4, 2014
Lisa J. Banks moderated a panel discussion on April 4, 2014, at the MWELA 2014 Annual Conference entitled “Proving Emotional Damages.”
March 27, 2014
Lisa J. Banks served as a panelist for a discussion on retaliation and whistleblowing on March 27, 2014, at the American Bar Association’s 2014 National Conference on Equal Employment Opportunity Law in Rancho Mirage, California.
March 18, 2014
Lisa J. Banks participated in a teleconference on March 18, 2014, for Law Seminars International entitled “Lawson v. FMR LLC: New Whistleblower Protections for Contractors.”
February 28, 2014
Lisa J. Banks was a presenter at two panels at the recent Advanced Employment Law and Litigation 2014 continuing legal education course, presented by the American Law Institute.
June 3, 2013
Lisa J. Banks participated in a panel for a D.C. Bar continuing legal education seminar entitled “Summary Judgment Motions in the District of Columbia 2013″ at the D.C. Bar Conference Center.
April 11, 2013
Lisa J. Banks participated in a CLE hosted by Law Seminars International entitled “Enhanced OSHA Whistleblower Protection: Practical Tips For Preventing And Defending Whistleblower Claims.”
April 4, 2013
Lisa J. Banks participated in a panel entitled “Pregnancy, Parenting & Careers” at the American Bar Association National Conference on Equal Employment Opportunity Law in Savannah, Georgia.
March 15, 2013
Lisa J. Banks will present a continuing legal education seminar on the Federal Arbitration Act at the American Law Institute Conference for Advanced Employment Law and Litigation on March 15, 2013.
June 25, 2012
Lisa J. Banks served as a panelist for a continuing legal education course entitled “Summary Judgment Motions in the District of Columbia” on Monday, June 25, 2012, at the D.C. Bar Conference Center.
February 15, 2012
Lisa J. Banks served as a co-presenter on the topic of “Sexual Harassment in the Workplace” during a continuing legal education presentation to the D.C. Office of the Attorney General on February 15, 2012.
January 23, 2012
Lisa J. Banks served as moderator of a panel discussion during the 2012 Government Liaison Program, hosted by the American Bar Association’s Section of Labor and Employment Law.
May 31, 2011
Lisa J. Banks gave a presentation on “EEOC’s Final Regulations Implementing the ADA Amendments Act: Navigating New Territory” at the District of Columbia Bar Association in Washington, DC.
April 8, 2011
Lisa J. Banks served as a panelist of a discussion entitled “Advancing Equality in Employment” during the 2011 Women Money Power Summit.
October 26, 2010
Lisa J. Banks presented the paper “Trends in Disability Litigation under the ADA Amendments Act” to the D.C. Bar’s Continuing Legal Education program.
Testimonials
“Lisa Banks focuses on the client and provides expert analysis and legal counsel that is customized to fit the client’s specific situation and needs…”
–– Chris McEntee, Executive Director/CEO, American Geophysical Union
Testimonials Listing
“When I was looking for a law firm to represent me in a discrimination against working mothers case, the name Katz Banks Kumin was the firm that everyone downright insisted I work with, and I soon learned why. Lisa Banks, Debbie Katz, Dan Edelman, and the rest of the team at Katz Banks Kumin handled my case with incredible expertise, professionalism and compassion, which resulted in a settlement that was victorious for me on many levels. Before I engaged with Katz Banks Kumin, I felt victimized, somewhat helpless and very intimidated. They quickly became a powerful advocate for me, and they championed my case in such a way that left me feeling confident and empowered.”
— Executive with a leading public relations firm
“Lisa Banks focuses on the client and provides expert analysis and legal counsel that is customized to fit the client’s specific situation and needs. Whether it is employment contracts or employee law matters, the Lisa and other firm members are savvy, persistent and successful in obtaining favorable and reasonable outcomes for their clients. I have used them several times and have recommended them often to colleagues who are as equally satisfied with their approach and services.”
— Chris McEntee, Executive Director/CEO, American Geophysical Union
“Debra Katz and Lisa Banks represented me in a whistleblower lawsuit involving contractor fraud at a U.S. Embassy. In handling my case, they were clear in their strategy, uncompromising with regard to the law, and demonstrated a zeal for justice. They were in constant contact with me regarding status updates, and aggressive in filing a lawsuit on my behalf moving my case along in negotiations with opposing counsel. I could not have had finer attorneys handling my case.”
— Jim Sauer, defense contractor whistleblower who served as a project manager for a Department of State contract
“I can’t thank Lisa Banks and Debra Katz enough for their expertise, thoroughness and dedication in handling and prevailing on my SOX whistleblower complaint. They are by far the most knowledgeable attorneys on laws protecting individuals subject to workplace retaliation. More importantly, they are compassionate attorneys who provide support and make themselves available for you whenever you have a concern. Katz, Marshall Banks recognition as a top employment and whistleblower law firm is well deserved!”
— Financial services SOX whistleblower
“Lisa Banks and Mike Filoromo did more than represent me during my sexual harassment case. They supported me. They acknowledged how stressful the situation was and validated my feelings by pursuing my former employer for justice. I knew I was in good hands the entire time. I recommend this firm to anyone needing good, strong, intelligent representation.”
— Former project manager in a Texas-based electrical energy equipment company
“Lisa Banks was the ultimate professional in handling my breach of employment contract case. She was firm in the negotiations, yet always professional with opposing counsel. At the same time, she provided me with needed reassurance throughout the process. I highly recommend her and her firm.”
— M.B., former President of a non-profit public policy organization