Jean Abreu brings more than a decade of experience litigating complex employment and labor matters at the highest levels. Prior to joining Barrett & Farahany, she served as a Supervisory Counsel for the United States Department of Labor, where she litigated and oversaw hundreds of cases involving federal employment laws and regulations.
In her role with the Department of Labor, Jean led high stakes litigation and advised agency leadership on critical enforcement initiatives. Her work spanned a wide range of employment law issues, including whistleblower protection, workplace safety, retaliation, wage and hour compliance, and the enforcement of employee benefit protections. She played a key role in shaping litigation strategy and ensuring that employers were held accountable for violations of federal law.
Jean’s career has been defined by both results and purpose. Among her notable achievements, she successfully recovered more than one million dollars in misappropriated retirement funds on behalf of workers. Her experience has given her a deep understanding of how employers operate, how cases are built and defended, and what it takes to achieve meaningful outcomes for employees whose rights have been violated.
After years of public service focused on government enforcement, Jean has shifted her practice to personal advocacy. At Barrett & Farahany, she now represents employees across the Southeast who have experienced discrimination, retaliation, unpaid wages, and other unlawful workplace practices. Her transition from federal enforcement to private representation allows her to bring a unique and powerful perspective to her advocacy on behalf of workers.
Jean’s extensive litigation background, regulatory insight, and commitment to protecting vulnerable employees align seamlessly with Barrett & Farahany’s mission. As a partner, she will continue to play a key role in advancing the firm’s efforts to secure justice for employees and promote fair and lawful workplaces.
Outside of work, I’m a bird watcher, a Duke and UNC grad (it’s possible!), and an adventurer at heart with my husband and two kids.
