Overview

Luke C. MacDowall represents employers in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies, handling a diverse array of employment law matters.

Luke is board certified in labor and employment law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Luke represents and counsels employers in cases arising under federal and state laws, including:

  • Discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, religious, sex, age, or disability
  • Harassment in the workplace
  • Retaliation, including workers' compensation retaliation
  • Claims for unemployment insurance benefits
  • Wage and hour claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
  • Unfair competition and trade secrets

He further assists employers with responding to administrative charges of discrimination before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and with abiding by best practices in:

  • Reviewing and drafting employee handbooks and policies
  • Hiring, performance management, and termination
  • Assessing employee accommodation requests to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

While his practice includes advice and counsel work as described above, Luke focuses on litigation matters at the pre-trial and trial stages. Luke has extensive trial and oral advocacy experience, handling single and multi-plaintiff actions in state and federal courts. He also regularly carries matters to conclusion on appeal. 

During law school, Luke was an editorial staff member for the Wake Forest Business & Intellectual Property Law Journal. He also competed on the school’s National Moot Court and National Trial teams.

Prior to joining Littler, Luke was an associate in the employment and workers’ compensation practice group of a well-respected firm in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Selected Matters

  • In 2023, Luke argued before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and prevailed in a case involving claims of disability discrimination, retaliation, and failure-to-accommodate on behalf of an energy sector client.
  • In 2023, Luke prevailed in a federal jury trial against the EEOC involving allegations of disability discrimination on behalf of a healthcare client.
  • In 2023, Luke achieved complete summary judgment in an arbitration of claims of alleged pregnancy and sex discrimination against an oil and gas drilling company.
  • In 2022, Luke achieved complete summary judgment in a case alleging retaliation, disability discrimination, failure to accommodate, and breach of contract against a pump, valve, and seal supplier.
  • In 2022, Luke achieved complete summary judgment in a case alleging race discrimination and retaliation against a medical supplies manufacturer.
  • In 2020, Luke prevailed in a federal jury trial regarding claims of age discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against an energy company and its convenience store subsidiary.
  • In 2020, Luke achieved complete summary judgment and dismissal of a case alleging age discrimination with respect to a reduction-in-force decision against a health system client.
  • In 2019, Luke achieved complete summary judgment and dismissal of a lawsuit alleging age discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against a healthcare client.
  • In 2019, Luke prevailed in the arbitration of a race discrimination, harassment, and retaliation case against an industrial construction services company.

Professional & Community Affiliations

Board Member

Labor and Employment Law Section

Houston Bar Association

Member

Young Professional Council

Houston Urban Debate League

Member

Labor and Employment Law Section

North Carolina Bar Association

Member

Labor and Employment Law Section

Texas State Bar Association

Former Barrister

The Chief Justice Joseph Branch Inn of Court

Former Officer

Forsyth County, North Carolina Young Lawyers Association

Recognition

Named, Ones to Watch

The Best Lawyers in America®

2021-2025

Order of the Barristers

Named, Champion

Zeliff Trial Competition

2011

Recipient, “Best Oralist” Award

George K Walker Moot Court Competition

2009

Qualifier

Collegiate National Debate Tournament

2005-2006

Speaking Engagements

2024 Houston Regional Employer Conference

Houston, TX

September 26, 2024

Texas Quarterly Webinar Series - Holiday Horrors: Tales from the Office Holiday Party Crypt!

Houston, TX

December 7, 2023

2023 Houston Regional Employer Conference

Houston, TX

October 18, 2023

2023 Houston Regional Employer Conference

Houston, TX

October 18, 2023

2022 Houston Regional Employer Conference

Houston, TX

October 6, 2022

2021 Houston Employer Conference

Houston, TX

October 26, 2021

Riding the Paid Sick Leave Wave: An Update on Texas Paid Sick Leave Ordinances

27th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference, The University of Texas School of Law

May 7, 2020

Coming August 1, 2019: Preparing for the Texas Paid Sick Leave Wave

July 17, 2019

Education

  • J.D., Wake Forest University School of Law, 2011cum laude
  • B.A., Trinity University, 2007magna cum laude

Bar Admission

Texas
North Carolina

Courts

  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of North Carolina