Jackson Lewis has added to its Philadelphia office, bringing on partner Gary Tocci from Reed Smith.

Tocci joined the labor and employment firm after more than 15 years at Reed Smith, Jackson Lewis announced Monday. He works primarily on labor arbitration, matters before the National Labor Relations Board, and employment-related litigation including wrongful discharge and discrimination claims. One of Tocci's major clients is United Parcel Service, federal court records show.

Tocci has known several partners at Jackson Lewis for more than two decades, he said, and he knew the firm through some clients. He said the firm provides a better environment for his practice to grow, given its niche focus.

“Some of the larger firms' labor and employment groups are shrinking. Not to say anything disparaging about those firms, including my former firm, but it is great to go into a firm where you have such a tremendous backup,” Tocci said.

Some full-service firms in Philadelphia have made their own moves in the labor and employment space in recent months, in an attempt to stay competitive with national boutiques like Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, Fisher Phillips and Littler Mendelson. But others have stepped away from the practice to focus on higher-end work, recruiters and firm leaders have said.

The move to Jackson Lewis may allow him to expand his practice geographically as well, he said. The firm has more than 50 offices, and is a founding member of L&E Global, an alliance of independent law firms across the world. Tocci is the firm's 16th lawyer in Philadelphia, according to its website.

“Gary brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in all aspects of workplace law, and we are excited to add him to our growing Philadelphia team,” Philadelphia office managing principal John Nolan said in a statement. “His extensive practice representing Fortune 100 companies made him a natural choice as we continue to expand our service offerings for our clients.”

Tocci joined Reed Smith in 2002, coming from Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, in the midst of a growth spurt when Reed Smith doubled in size in five years.

Reed Smith declined to comment on Tocci's departure.