Scott James Preston

• In 2024, conducted workplace investigation into allegations of bullying by senior executive who, in turn, complained that the initial internal investigation was conducted with unfair bias. After interviewing the key participants and witnesses, the allegations of bullying were substantiated and that, while there was a deviation in the internal investigation process, the deviation was caused by the executive and did not impact the outcome of the investigation.
• Lead counsel in fair housing act case resulting in dismissal, with prejudice after the court granted our motion to dismiss in Dunnivan v. Mitchell et al., 2022 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 154898 (Aug. 29, 2022).
• In 2022, conducted extensive workplace investigation in Scottsdale, Arizona for a publicly traded company that received two anonymous hotline complaints about misconduct by a senior executive. After interviewing 25 current or former employees and related individuals and briefing the Board of Directors, The senior executive’s employment was terminated.
• Conducted an extensive workplace investigation into identify theft and 675 fraudulent expense reports that went undetected for 6 years resulting in a net loss of over $400,000. Investigation traced the deposit amounts and bank institutions. We prepared an extensive report and turned our findings over to the US Attorneys’ Office in 2021, resulting in criminal indictments.
• Lead Counsel defending race and age discrimination case resulting in dismissal, with prejudice, in exchange for a waiver of costs after filing motion for summary judgment in Meriweather v. Clarios LLC, Case No. 1:20-cv-000311 (N.D. Ind. April 20, 2021).
• Lead Counsel in national origin discrimination case in Indianapolis resulting in a dismissal with prejudice after finding of spoliation of evidence and awarded our client over $15,000 in attorneys’ fees in Nguyen v. Hamilton Exhibits, 2021 WL 57174 (S.D. Ind. Jan 8, 2021).
• Lead Counsel in adversary proceeding successfully excluding judgment for attorneys’ fees from being discharged in bankruptcy in In re Triano Williams, Case No.: 20-09047, Adv. Pro. No.: 20-00245, U.S. Bankruptcy Court (N.D.Ill. Dec. 1, 2020).
• Lead Counsel in appeal before the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit which reversed the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan and ordering Plaintiff’s case be dismissed with prejudice and directing plaintiff to pursue claims in arbitration as the appropriate forum in Solomon v. CARite Corporate, LLC, 837 Fed. Appx. 355 (6th Cir. Nov. 23, 2020).
• Lead Counsel in case where summary judgment was granted after Plaintiff alleged sexual harassment and gender discrimination in Stephanie Baxter v. CARite Corporate, LLC, 2020 WL 5204086 (S.D. Ind. August 31, 2020).
• Lead Counsel successfully defending client in EEOC Direct Investigation alleging systemic age discrimination with potential seven-figure exposure, resulting in no monetary penalties after two-year investigation by EEOC’s Indianapolis office (EEOC 470-2017-01043, July 1, 2020).
• Lead Counsel in case where summary judgment was granted after Plaintiff alleged race discrimination in Davidson v. Caravan Facilities Management, 2020 WL 333298 (N.D. Ind. Jan. 17, 2020).
• Lead Counsel in California class action and PAGA suit resulting in approved nominal settlement for client in Foster v. IMKO Enterprises Inc. et al. Case No. 34-2019-000252683 (Sac. Sup. Ct. Nov. 23, 2020).
• Lead Counsel in race discrimination case resulting in dismissal, with prejudice in exchange for waiver of costs after filing motion for summary judgment  in Bullock v. Trillium Construction Services, Case No. 2:18-cv-00216 (N.D. Ind. June 8, 2020).
• Lead Counsel in FMLA and race discrimination case dismissed with prejudice after filing motion for summary judgment in Turner v. Superior Essex, Case No. 1:18 cv 00278 (N.D. Ind. Feb. 12, 2020).
• Lead Counsel in race discrimination case in Chicago within three-day evidentiary hearing for spoliation of evidence resulting in finding that plaintiff committed perjury, dismissing case with prejudice and awarding our client over $250,000 in attorneys’ fees in Williams v. American College of Education, 2019 WL 4412801 (N.D. Ill. Sept. 9, 2019).
• Lead Counsel in case where summary judgment was granted after faculty member alleged discrimination and retaliatory discharge in McKown v. Butler University, 2019 WL 3387877 (S.D. Ind. July 22, 2019).
• Lead Counsel in case alleging racial discrimination and retaliation where case was dismissed in exchange for waiver of costs after summary judgment was filed in Hurley v. Caravan Facilities Management, Case No. 1:17-cv-00460 (N.D. Ind. April 30, 2019).
• Lead Counsel in case successfully enforcing settlement of race discrimination after Plaintiff refused to sign settlement agreement in Davidson v. Caravan Facilities Management, 2019 WL 450706 (N.D. Ind. Feb. 2, 2019).
• Lead Counsel in case where summary judgment was granted after Plaintiff alleged age discrimination and retaliation in Rogan v. Nachi America, Inc. Case No. 1:17-cv-01403 (July 31, 2018).
• Lead Counsel in case alleging racial discrimination, dismissed in exchange for waiver of costs after summary judgment was filed in Prosser v. Caravan Facilities Management, 1:17-cv-00095 (N.D. Ind. May 21, 2018).
• Lead Counsel in FLSA and state law class and collective action resulting in nominal settlement for owner of multiple restaurant locations after three of four claims were dismissed on motion to dismiss in Hueberger  v. My Try Glamma, 2017 WL 3923271 (N.D. Ind. Sept. 17, 2017).
• Member of litigation team obtaining dismissal with prejudice in FLSA claims brought against various colleges and universities in Berger v. National Collegiate Athletic Association, 162 F.Sup.2d (S.D. Ind. Feb. 16, 2016).
• After the Chairman of a well-known publically traded holding company received an anonymous letter, conducted extensive workplace investigation into sexual harassment allegations at the nation’s largest solar farm in Central California in 2015.   After interviewing 30 former and current employees, the allegations in the letter were proven false.
• Member of appellate team affirming Board of Contract Appeals’ decision allowing recovery of $10,039,511 in legal fees and costs under client’s Management and Operation Contract with the Department of Energy related to operation of nuclear weapons plant in Abraham v. Rockwell International Corporation, 326 F.3d 1242 (Fed. Circ. Apr. 16, 2003).
• Member of appellate team reversing adverse finding by Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals for legal expenses related to defending shareholder derivative suit that legal expenses were properly allocated under Cost Accounting Standards in Boeing North American, Inc. v. Roche, 298 F.3d 1274 (Fed. Cir. July 29, 2002).
• Member of appellate team reversing adverse finding by Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals on False Claims Act dispute in Boeing North American, Inc. v. Roche, 283 F.3d 1320 (Fed. Cir. March 15, 2002).

Education

• J.D., Creighton University School of Law, 1997
• B.S., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1991

Admission to Practice

• California
• U.S. District Court, Central, Eastern, Northern and Southern Districts of California
• U.S. District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana
• Indiana
• U.S. District Court, District of Nebraska
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth, Seventh, Ninth, District of Columbia and Federal Circuits

• American Staffing Association, Indiana Chapter

• Ogletree Deakins Managing a Workforce – “Critical Questions in Workplace Investigations” – Indianapolis – October 2, 2024
• Client Presentation – “Ten Ways to Get Sued by Employees” – Indianapolis – July 10, 2024
• Client Presentation – “Conducting Effective Workplace Investigations” – Indianapolis – June 19, 2024
• Ogletree Deakins Workplace Strategies Seminar – “Getting to the Truth in Workplace Investigations” – Washington, D.C. – May 1, 2024
• Indiana Chamber of Commerce – “FMLA, ADA and Workers’ Compensation” – Indianapolis – January 18, 2024
• Ogletree Deakins Managing a Workforce – “Multi-State Employer Issues” – Indianapolis – September 21, 2023
• Indiana Chamber of Commerce – “Remote Work Harassment” – Indianapolis – January 31, 2023
• Private Client Webinar – “What’s New at the EEOC? Putting Your Best Foot Forward” – May 20, 2021
• Indianapolis SHRM – “What’s New at the EEOC for 2021” – March 10, 2021
• Central Illinois SHRM – “An Overview and Best Practices Before the EEOC” – February 9, 2021
• Eastern Indiana SHRM – “Putting Your Best Foot Forward at the EEOC” – January 14, 2021
• ASA Indiana Network – “Lunch With a Lawyer” – Indianapolis – August 2019
• ACC State Convention – “Ten Ways to Mitigate Risk and Reduce the Cost of Employment Litigation” – French Lick – September 14, 2018
• Client Presentation – “Sexual Harassment Training under the Me-Too Movement” – Indianapolis – September 13, 2018
• Client Presentation – “Sexual Harassment Training under the Me-Too Movement” – Indianapolis – August 28, 2018
• Client Presentation – “Sexual Harassment Training under the Me-Too Movement” – Kansas City – August 17, 2018
• Client Webinar – “Sexual Harassment Training under the Me-Too Movement” – July 28, 2018
• Client Presentation – “Performance Management and Anti-Discrimination Training” – Greenfield – June 27, 2018
• Employment Conference – “How to Conduct Effective Workplace Investigations” – Indianapolis – May 17, 2018
• Indiana Chamber of Commerce – “Mock Trial: Discrimination in the Rear View Mirror” – Indianapolis – May 7, 2018
• Richmond SHRM Chapter – “Mock Trial: Discrimination in the Rear View Mirror” – Richmond – May 3, 2018
• Title IX Conference – “Losing Your Way in Crisis: How Effective Core Values can Guide Your Way” – Sioux Falls – April 24, 2018
• Client Presentation – “Sexual Harassment Training under the Me-Too Movement” – Indianapolis – March 12-13, 2018
• NCAA Title IX Training to Administrators and Student Athletes – “Preventing Sexual Assault on Campus” – Lebanon – February 5, 2018
• NCAA Title IX Training to Administrators and Student Athletes – “Preventing Sexual Assault on Campus” – Charleston – January 29, 2018
• Client Presentation – “Performance Management and Anti-Discrimination Training” – Kansas, City – October 4, 2017
• ACC Event – “Ethical Issues for In House Counsel” – Indianapolis – July 17, 2017
• Indiana ACC – “Mock Trial: Discrimination in the Rear View Mirror” – Indianapolis – November 3, 2016
• Client Leadership Retreat – “FLSA and Intercollegiate Athletics” – St. Louis – September 20, 2016
• Indiana Senate Pension & Labor Committee – “Legislative Testimony on Independent Contractor Issues” – Indianapolis – September 8, 2016
• Client Leadership Retreat – “A Conversation about Diversity and Inclusion” – Indianapolis – April 28, 2016
• Indianapolis Hotel Human Resource Directors’ Breakfast – “Recent Developments at the EEOC” – Indianapolis – February 4, 2016
• National Association For Athletics Compliance – “Whistleblowing and Retaliation Inside Collegiate Athletic Departments” – Orlando – June 2014
• American Institute Of Architects National Convention – “Who Hired You Anyway? Dealing with Toxic Employees and Mitigating Risk Before It Damages Your Reputation” – Chicago – June 2014
• Institute Of Internal Auditors Regional Conference – “Auditing the Practices and Procedures of the Human Resources Department” – Indianapolis – May 2014
• Creighton University School of Law – “On the Other Side of the Practice of Law: Why Relationships Matter” – Omaha – November 1, 2013
• Nebraska State SHRM Conference – “The Employee from Hell” – Omaha – September 13, 2013
• Lunch Bytes with Scott Preston – “Ten Ways to Mitigate Risk and Reduce the Cost of Employment Litigation” – Indianapolis – June 6, 2013
• National Webinar – “The Athletic Department’s Whistleblower Survivor Guide: How to Minimize Risk and Promote a Culture of Ethical Conduct” – April 17, 2013
• Lunch Bytes with Scott Preston – “What’s New at the EEOC and How to Be Prepared for Change” – Indianapolis – February 27, 2013
• Indianapolis Hotel Human Resource Directors’ Breakfast – “Understanding the EEOC’s Strategic Enforcement Plan” – Indianapolis – December 16, 2012
• Indianapolis Hotel Human Resource Directors’ Breakfast – “Best Practices for HR Recordkeeping” – Indianapolis – June 7, 2012
• Creighton University School of Law – “On the Other Side of the Practice of Law: Why Relationships Matter” – Omaha – October 2011

• March 3, 2021 – Indiana Lawyer – “Contract Tracing in the Removal Context”
• January 20, 2016 – Indiana Senate Committee on Pensions and Labor – “Congressional Testimony on LB400, proposed statute for Independent Contractors”
• February 2014 – Athletics Administration – “Whistleblowing and Retaliation Inside Collegiate Athletic Departments”
• October 1, 2013 – Westlaw Entertainment Industry – “A New Era: Understanding the Legal Rights of Homosexual Players in Professional Sports”
• May 1, 2013 – College Athletics – “Recent Incidents Highlight Need for Athletic Departments to Review Whistleblowing and Ethical Compliance Policies”
• October 22, 2012 – Sports Business Journal – “How Athletic Departments Can Build Ethical Decision-Making into Compliance Programs”
• April 1, 2012 – University Business Magazine – “Whistleblowing in Intercollegiate Athletics”
• January 13, 2012 – Bulletin – “Seventh Circuit Revives Whistleblower Claim Brought Under RICO”
• January 15, 2011 – Indiana Civil Litigation Review, Vol. VII #2 – “Fair Game: Why De-Designated Experts are Potentially Available to the Other Side”
• April 15, 2010 – The Circuit Rider: The Journal of the Seventh Circuit Bar Association – “An Overview of Removal Jurisprudence in Multi-Party Diversity Cases”

• November 24, 2020 – Business Insurance – “Harassment claims should be arbitrated, not litigated: Appeals Court”
• November 18, 2019 – Law360 – “Ogletree Deakins Swipes Litigator From Jackson Lewis”
• February 14, 2015 – Indianapolis Star – “Park Tudor Parents Feel Betrayed”
• April 13, 2013 – The Street – “Rutgers Basketball Scandal Just Got More Expensive”
• September 5, 2012 – Compliance Week – “What the Sports World Can Teach About Compliance”

• Super Lawyer (2012-2017)