Dr. Benjamin Shippen focuses his economic consulting practice on economic modeling and statistical analysis in the areas of labor and employment.

He has worked on engagements involving allegations of discrimination in compensation, hiring, termination, performance, promotion, and other employment decisions under Title VII, Equal Pay Act, and Americans with Disabilities Act claims. In wage-and-hour matters, Dr. Shippen has provided analysis and expertise addressing both Fair Labor Standards Act and state law issues of unpaid overtime pay claims, off-the-clock work, improper tip pooling, and employee misclassification. He has been retained as a testifying expert on matters ranging from large class actions to single-plaintiff cases in both federal and state courts.

In addition, Dr. Shippen has experience in building and managing large and complex employment data bases to analyze the effects of employment practices and policies. He has worked as a consultant to state agencies to analyze state employment data and trends and to statistically analyze agency budgets. He also provides economic loss valuations and damage estimates in employment matters involving claims of discrimination, wage-and-hour violations, and wrongful death or injury.

Dr. Shippen has published in academic journals such as the Journal of Labor Research, Atlantic Economic Journal, and Legal Applications of Data for Institutional Research. Since 2011 he has taught a class in economic data analysis in the Master’s in Applied Economics Program at Florida State University. He often makes presentations to legal and human resources professionals on labor and employment issues, including presentations before the National Industry Liaison Group, the Florida Bar Association Labor & Employment Law section, and HR Florida.

Employment History

Economist Incorporated
Vice president and managing director, 2014-2022

ERS Group
Economist and principal, 2000-2014

Areas of Expertise

Education

Florida State University
PhD, Economics, 1995
MS, Economics, 1992

Mercer University
BA, Economics, 1988