Ogletree Deakins Partners with Habitat For Humanity to Rebuild New Orleans

ATLANTA, GA – May 19, 2008 – On May 7, one hundred Ogletree Deakins attorneys and firm clients rolled up their sleeves and strapped on their tool belts to help Habitat For Humanity rebuild four homes in New Orleans. The building event, which kicked off Ogletree Deakins’ annual Workplace Strategies program in the Big Easy, took place in the city’s Upper Ninth Ward. All of the homes in this area were destroyed or sustained heavy damage in 2005 after six feet of water flooded the region from levee breaches due to Hurricane Katrina.

With tools in hand, the group of volunteers spent the day sawing boards and framing walls in preparation for the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in New Orleans on May 11-16, 2008. The Work Project helped build 7 homes, frame and dry-in 20 houses, and dedicate up to 25 more in the Upper Ninth Ward. 

“This was a very humbling experience for our group,” said Gray Geddie, managing shareholder of Ogletree Deakins. “It’s hard to envision the magnitude of Katrina’s destruction until you see firsthand the deserted neighborhoods and abandoned homes that were once part of a vibrant community. It’s very rewarding to know that in some small way we were able to lend a helping hand to rebuild the Upper Ninth Ward and give the community a fresh start. “

Prior to Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans had an estimated population of 455,000. As of December 2007, 300,000 people now reside in the city and roughly 3,000 to 4,000 people return to New Orleans each month. 

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 250,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.

About Ogletree Deakins

Ogletree Deakins is the nation’s third largest labor and employment law firm, representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. The firm has more than 400 lawyers located in 33 offices from Miami to Los Angeles. In addition to handling labor and employment law matters, the firm has thriving practices focused on business immigration, employee benefits, and workplace safety and health law.  Ogletree Deakins represents a diverse range of clients, including more than half of the Fortune 50 corporations in the U.S.

For more information, please contact Karen Gonzales, communications manager, at 210-277-3606.