Ogletree Deakins Expands Tampa Office; Adds Three New Attorneys

TAMPA, FL – December 9, 2008 – Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. (Ogletree Deakins), the nation’s third-largest labor and employment law firm, has significantly expanded its Tampa office by adding three new employment law attorneys. Tony B. Griffin is joining as a shareholder; Karen M. Morinelli is joining as a shareholder; and Guilène F. Theodore will be of counsel. All three attorneys previously served at Ruden, McClosky, Smith, Schuster & Russell, a Florida-based full-service firm with offices in Tampa.

Tony B. Griffin, formerly a partner at Ruden, McClosky, Smith, Schuster & Russell (Tampa), has represented private and public sector employers throughout the U.S. in labor relations and employment law matters exclusively, including: union avoidance, union organizing campaigns, unfair labor practice proceedings, strikes, collective bargaining negotiations, arbitrations, employment discrimination, harassment and retaliation issues, employment contracts including non-compete agreements, wage/hour law, employment policies and training, FMLA and ADA, administrative and court proceedings, and alleged wrongful discharge matters. He is recognized in Florida Super Lawyers 2006-2008 and has been listed in Who’s Who in American Law since the Tenth Edition. He was selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America for the past ten years. Mr. Griffin earned his B.B.A., with honors, from West Georgia College in 1973 and his law degree from the University of Georgia in 1976.

Karen M. Morinelli, who previously was a partner at Ruden, McClosky, Smith, Schuster & Russell (Sarasota), concentrates her practice in employer/employee relations, litigation and litigation management, and alternative dispute resolution. As a former General Counsel and Vice President of Human Resources for national and international corporations, and as Assistant County Attorney and Employee Relations Director in the public sector, she has extensive experience in labor contract negotiation and interpretation, grievance procedures and arbitrations, and employment-related litigation, including issues such as discrimination, civil rights, wrongful termination, and hiring. She also has experience in all aspects of employment relations, benefits, recruiting, development, and training. She earned her B.A., cum laude, from LaSalle University in 1976; her M.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame in 1985; and her law degree, cum laude, from Stetson University College of Law in 1989.

Guilène F. Theodore, who was of counsel at Ruden, McClosky, Smith, Schuster & Russell (Tampa), represents a wide array of public and private sector clients in issues including wage/hour law, labor relations, employment discrimination and employment contracts. She is certified by the Florida Bar in the practice of City, County and Local Government Law, and as a circuit court civil mediator by the Florida Supreme Court. She also has been trained in the mediation of governmental issues, in the design of alternative dispute resolution systems, and in arbitration of disputes. Ms. Theodore is an alumnus of Leadership Tampa and served as a member of the organization’s Board of Directors. She also is a past president of both the Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. and the Haitian Association Foundation of Tampa Bay, Inc. She earned her B.A. from the University of Florida in 1980 and her law degree from the University of Florida College of Law in 1983.

“We are delighted these three highly respected attorneys have joined our firm,” said Barnett Q. Brooks, managing shareholder of Ogletree Deakins’ Tampa office. “Each brings a superior legal ability that will augment our reputation as one of the nation’s top labor and employment law firms. Our clients and firm will significantly benefit from the skill and counsel of these three fine attorneys.”

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.