Bonnie J. Thomas

Member

Biography

Bonnie focuses her practice in labor and employment as well as general civil litigation. With a business and public relations background, Bonnie is passionate about the intersection of legal strategy and human dynamics that is inherent in employment litigation. She understands how legal strategies impact her clients’ business operations and the dynamics of high-stakes employee relations issues. Because of this, she takes a thoughtful approach with each client, where she deeply considers their unique needs, goals, employees, and challenges. From developing strategic HR policies to resolving high-risk labor relations issues, Bonnie helps clients navigate legal obstacles in ways that protect their interests, consider their people, and minimize disruption.

Outside of work, Bonnie is actively involved in community service work through Kiwanis and volunteers on various not-for-profit boards.

Bonnie has successfully tried cases to verdict in state courts in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Representative Experience

Defended employers across a variety of industries such as food service, healthcare, manufacturing, energy, and nonprofit from claims of employment discrimination in violation of West Virginia and federal laws/regulations, including race, age, disability, and sex discrimination
Provided employer counseling on employment best practices, risk avoidance, and human resources guidance, including drafting of handbooks and other policies
Served as interim chief human resources director for an employer of a 300+ employee union bargaining unit
Conducted complex and sensitive investigation for healthcare provider regarding various sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and hostile work environment claims
Assisted employers during union organizing efforts, union campaigns and elections, and related NLRB proceedings
Represented national retailer in high stakes civil litigation arising from a workplace accident
Successfully defended employers in labor arbitrations in a variety of industries including healthcare, manufacturing, public utilities, and more
Successfully represented employers in unfair labor practice proceedings, nationally
Provided counsel to employers regarding issues arising under labor agreements and under the NLRA
Bargained collective bargaining agreements
Assisted national manufacturing client in strike planning and preparation
Defended youth residential facility from multiple class action wage claims while securing summary judgment on claims of disability discrimination and retaliatory discharge
Represented large publishing and media company in matters involving alleged defamation and libel

Show All

Licensed In

Pennsylvania
West Virginia

Education

J.D. Loyola University New Orleans College of Law

M.S. West Virginia University
B.S. West Virginia University

Memberships

Board of Directors, Job Squad, Inc. (2019-2025 ; 2026-Present)
Board of Directors, United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties (2025-Present)
Board of Governors District Representative, West Virginia State Bar (2026-2030)
West Virginia State Bar Young Lawyer District Representative, Harrison, Doddridge, and Lewis Counties (2022-2026)
Board of Directors, Associated Businesses of Bridgeport (2026-Present)
Board of Directors, Maple Lake Club, Inc. (2020-Present)
Harrison County Bar Association
President, Bridgeport Kiwanis Club (2020-Present)
Leadership Harrison, Class of 2022
Harrison County Chamber of Commerce

Achievements

The Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch- Labor and Employment Law – Management (2025-Present)
Generation Next: 40 Under 40, The West Virginia State Journal (2025)
Outstanding Law Clinic Student, New Orleans Association for Women Attorneys

Speaking Engagements

“From Complaint to Conclusion: Lessons from Real Harassment Cases,” WV SHRM Conference (November 12, 2025)
“Constructive Coaching in the Workplace,” West Virginia Healthcare Human Resources Association Annual Conference (September 2025)
“Employment Law Compliance 101: Common Wage and Hour Mistakes and Recommended Policies,” Tygart Valley United Way (September 2025)
“How to Handle Unique Disciplinary Issues When Your Employees’ Social Media, Social Justice, and Social Lives Impact the Workplace,” WV State SHRM Conference (November 2024)
“Navigating Disciplinary Situations,” WV Healthcare Human Resources Association Webinar (October 2024)
“Holding Employees Accountable When the Law Seems to Work Against You,” State WV Healthcare Human Resources Association Conference (October 2024)
“Managing the Ever-Changing Social Media Landscape in The Workplace,” WV State SHRM Conference (November 2023)
“Hot Topics in Labor & Employment: Internal Investigation Post-COVID,” WV Healthcare Human Resources Association Webinar (August 2023)
“Drug Testing and Navigating the Medical Cannabis Act,” WV Childcare Association (July 2023)

Show All