OKLAHOMA CITY – January 17, 2017 – Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. (Ogletree Deakins), one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, is pleased to announce that it has entered the Oklahoma market with an office in Oklahoma City. Ogletree Deakins is the first Am Law 100 firm to have an office in Oklahoma. The office opens today with two well-established Oklahoma City-based shareholders, Sam Fulkerson and Vic Albert, and is expected to grow swiftly. The Oklahoma City office is Ogletree Deakins’ 51st office internationally and the second office the firm has opened in 2017. The firm opened an office in Sacramento on January 9.
“Oklahoma City is a burgeoning metropolitan area where many of our clients have business operations, and it’s become clear over recent years that our presence in Oklahoma would be beneficial for these clients,” said Matt Keen, managing shareholder of Ogletree Deakins. “Sam and Vic are exceptional labor and employment attorneys who have practiced law in Oklahoma City for many decades. We are excited to work with Sam and Vic, as they lead our transition into Oklahoma City and assist our clients with their labor and employment matters in the state and across the region.”
Sam Fulkerson, who joins Ogletree Deakins from McAfee & Taft, will serve as the Oklahoma City office’s managing shareholder. Fulkerson has more than 25 years of experience representing management in all areas of employment law. He regularly counsels clients on best practices in the workplace, including the resolution of issues arising from reorganizations, reductions-in-force, mergers, sales, acquisitions, and board disputes. Fulkerson also routinely conducts training for management and hourly employees and workplace investigations. In his litigation practice, Fulkerson represents employers in all phases of litigation before federal and state trial and appellate courts as well as federal and state agencies.
Fulkerson has been recognized for his accomplishments throughout his career, including listings in Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America, and Oklahoma Super Lawyers. He was named the Best Lawyers® Oklahoma City Labor Law – Management “Lawyer of the Year” in 2015 and 2017. Fulkerson serves on the boards of the Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City, NewView Oklahoma, and Cristo Rey OKC. Fulkerson earned his J.D., with honors, from the University of Oklahoma.
Vic Albert joins Ogletree Deakins from Conner & Winters. He has more than 30 years of experience representing employers in all aspects of federal and state labor and employment litigation, as well as administrative investigations including OSHA, DOL, and EEOC matters. Albert also focuses his practice on advising employers in policy development, training, hiring and firing, and investigation of employee complaints.
Albert is a regular feature columnist for the Daily Oklahoman, writing on emerging employment law issues. He also regularly speaks at employment seminars for clients and civic groups such as the OKC Metro Employers’ Council and Oklahoma Bar Association. Albert has been recognized by Chambers USA and The Best Lawyers in America. Albert earned his J.D. from Oklahoma City University.
About Ogletree Deakins
Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. Premier client service, as outlined in the firm’s Client Pledge, is one of the firm’s top priorities and a cornerstone of its core values. U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” has named Ogletree Deakins a “Law Firm of the Year” for six consecutive years. In 2017, the publication named Ogletree Deakins its “Law Firm of the Year” in the Labor Law – Management category. Ogletree Deakins has 800 attorneys located in 51 offices across the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, from small businesses to Fortune 50 companies.