Ogletree Deakins Adds Class Action Litigator To Firm’s Los Angeles Office

LOS ANGELES, CA – July 5, 2011 – Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. (Ogletree Deakins), one of the nation’s largest labor and employment law firms, continues the growth of the firm’s Los Angeles office in welcoming Hardy Murphy as a shareholder. Prior to joining Ogletree Deakins, Murphy was a partner with Reed Smith LLP. Murphy is an accomplished employment litigator who has extensive experience in wage and hour class actions. Additionally, Murphy is a highly regarded and sought after presenter on employment and wage and hour matters affecting California employers, and has conducted numerous training sessions for employers regarding those matters.

Beyond his wage and hour experience, Murphy’s practice also includes litigating claims involving wrongful termination, employment torts, harassment, discrimination and retaliation under state and federal law. He advises and counsels employers and managers regarding employee benefits, independent contractor relationships, leave issues, compliance issues, employee misconduct, personnel policies, and executive compensation. Murphy’s practice encompasses a wide range of industries including education, finance, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, hospitality, entertainment, and insurance.

“California employment law presents a very unique landscape for companies, and – in particular – wage and hour class actions are a growing trend faced by those employers both located in California and those that do business with the State,” said Matt Effland, Managing Shareholder of Ogletree Deakins’ Los Angeles office. “Given his deep knowledge and experience, Hardy will be an immediate asset to our California-based clients as well as an exceptional resource for the firm’s Class Action Defense Practice Group.” 

Outside of his legal practice, Murphy is a member of the California Minority Counsel Program and the African American Attorneys in Downtown Law Firms. Murphy earned his J.D. from The UCLA School of Law where he was a member of the Pacific Basin Law Journal. Prior to law school, Murphy received a B.S. from University of Southern California.

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 550 lawyers located in 40 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 United States. For more information, please contact Ryan King, public relations manager, at (404) 870-1742.