Legal Department

The SMWIA Legal Department is headed by Counsel Patrick Riley who has several broad areas of responsibility:

• Advises the General President, the General Secretary-Treasurer and the General Executive Council on all litigation and other legal matters affecting the SMWIA and its members
• Supports and assists the work of the Directors of the other SMWIA Departments
• Provides legal support to the SMWIA's International staff in the field on jurisdictional, organizing, and other particular issues.
• Assists Sheet Metal Worker Local Unions with legal issues relating to their representation of SMWIA members
• Teaches labor law concepts at seminars sponsored by the SMWIA Education Department at the George Meany Center and at legal workshops during annual conferences

The Legal Department relies on local union business representatives and local stewards to handle most workplace problems. In the event legal advice is required, the appropriate business representative or business manager will contact the SMWIA's Legal Counsel.