Ogletree Deakins Expands Complex Litigation Capabilities in Seattle, Welcomes Ashley Paynter as Shareholder

SEATTLE – September 9, 2025 – Ogletree Deakins, one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, is pleased to welcome Ashley Paynter to the firm’s Seattle office as a shareholder. Ashley joins the firm from Riley, Safer, Holmes & Cancila LLP.

As an experienced and accomplished litigator and trial attorney, Ashley’s practice focuses largely on complex litigation, including representative actions under federal and state law. Ashley also performs workplace investigations and provides advice and counsel in all areas of employment law.

“As we continue to grow Ogletree’s Seattle office, we looked for someone who could immediately step in to help clients navigate complex wage and hour issues and defend class action lawsuits,” said Adam Pankratz, office managing shareholder in Seattle. “Ashley’s experience perfectly fit that bill. Her impressive track record litigating cases as a first-chair trial attorney in class and collective actions will be impactful for our clients and immediately deepens our bench here in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. We are excited to welcome Ashley to the team.”

Ashley received her J.D., summa cum laude, from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, and a B.A., with distinction, from Indiana University. She is also a member of the Washington State Bar Association and the California Lawyers Association.

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. Premier client service, as outlined in the firm’s Client Pledge, is one of the firm’s top priorities and a cornerstone of its core values. Best Law Firms® has named Ogletree Deakins a “Law Firm of the Year” for 14 consecutive years. In the 2025 edition, the publication named Ogletree Deakins its “Law Firm of the Year” in the Litigation – Labor and Employment Law category. Ogletree Deakins has more than 1,100 attorneys located in 60 offices across the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, including many of the Fortune 50 companies in the U.S. www.ogletree.com