Elizabeth Ebanks Named Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Fellow

RICHMOND, Va. – March 20, 2014 – Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. (Ogletree Deakins), one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, has chosen Elizabeth Ebanks to represent the firm as a member of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) 2014 class of Fellows. The LCLD Fellows program, which is one of most comprehensive legal talent development programs in the country, was created to empower a new generation of lawyers and increase diversity at the leadership levels of the nation’s law firms and corporate legal departments.

Ebanks focuses her practice in all areas of employment litigation and counseling, including litigating discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims in federal and state courts and before various administrative agencies across Virginia and the District of Columbia metropolitan area. She counsels employers, conducts harassment and discrimination investigations and trainings, and drafts and reviews employment contracts and handbooks. She also represents employers in matters involving claims of breach of contract, non-compete, trade secret, business conspiracy, and breach of loyalty. Ebanks also assists clients in navigating the Fair Labor Standards Act and prepares them for Department of Labor audits and investigations.

Ebanks was selected as a Super Lawyers “Rising Star” (2010-2013) and listed in Virginia Business magazine’s “Legal Elite” (2010-2011). Active in her community, she serves on the board of HomeAgain, a Virginia nonprofit organization that provides emergency and transitional shelter, as well as programs that build skills for self-sufficiency, to local homeless families and individuals. She was part of the Legal Aid Justice Center’s Pro Bono Housing Dispute Project from 2006 through 2011 and on the American Red Cross’ Leadership Development Council in 2008 and 2009. She earned dual Master of Business Administration and law degrees from the University of Richmond. In 2013, the Robins School of Business at the University of Richmond honored Ebanks by naming her one of the “MBA 35 Under 35”.

“Elizabeth is a talented attorney with a very bright future,” said Michelle Wimes, director of Ogletree Deakins’ Professional Development & Inclusion group. “We are delighted that she will represent Ogletree Deakins in the LCLD’s 2014 class of Fellows.”

“Already recognized as high achievers within their own organizations, the Fellows will experience a year of intensive professional development,” said Robert Grey, Executive Director of LCLD. “Our Fellows program is unique in the nation, as it focuses on equipping participants with the advanced skills they need to play larger and more responsible roles in our Member organizations.”

Founded in 2009, the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity is a growing organization of more than 200 corporate chief legal officers and law firm managing partners dedicated to creating a truly diverse legal profession. Its goal is to help its member organizations attract, inspire, and nurture the best talent, helping a new and more diverse generation of attorneys ascend to positions of leadership.

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. The firm has 700 lawyers located in 45 offices across the United States and in Europe. Ogletree Deakins is the “Law Firm of the Year” in both the Employment Law – Management and Labor Law – Management categories in the 2014 edition of the U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” list. 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, from small businesses to Fortune 50 companies.