Ogletree Deakins Elects New Managing Director, Adds Two to Board

ATLANTA – January 26, 2026 – Ogletree Deakins, one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, is pleased to announce new roles for three firm leaders. San Francisco shareholder Gregory Cheng has been elected to serve as one of the firm’s two Managing Directors, while Chicago office managing shareholder Tobias Schlueter and Raleigh shareholder Marifrances Morrison have been selected to serve on the firm’s Board of Directors.

“Greg, Tobias, and Fran each bring a depth of experience and a steady commitment to our clients that strengthens the entire firm,” said Liz Washko, Managing Shareholder of Ogletree Deakins. “Their leadership has already made a meaningful impact across Ogletree Deakins, and I am looking forward to seeing how their vision will help shape our next chapter. We’re fortunate to have such talented and trusted colleagues stepping into these roles.”

Cheng succeeds John Gerak, who shifts into a new role as the firm’s Chair of Shareholder Recruiting and returns to his practice in Cleveland after serving a full six-year term. Cheng joins Managing Shareholder Liz Washko and Managing Director Mark Diana on the Executive Committee of Ogletree Deakins’ Board of Directors, which is responsible for the firm’s strategic direction and daily operations. Since joining the firm in 2006, Cheng has exclusively practiced management-side labor and employment law, handling hundreds of matters in state and federal courts, arbitration, and before administrative agencies. He is a recognized firm leader and remains on the Board of Directors in this new role.

Schlueter joins the Board of Directors after serving on the firm’s Management Committee and Compensation Committee. He was a founding member and chair of the firm’s Unfair Competition and Trade Secret Practice Group. Over the course of his career at Ogletree Deakins, Schlueter has served on numerous other committees within the firm, including the Managing Shareholder Selection Committee, the Client Services Steering Committee, and the Professional Development Steering Committee. Schlueter has more than two decades of experience in labor and employment law, and he counsels, advocates, and litigates for corporations and management in connection with employment, trade secret, restrictive covenant, and complex commercial matters. His national practice and extensive committee experience provide a broad, strategic perspective to the firm’s leadership team.

This appointment marks Morrison’s second term on the Board. She has also served on the firm’s Compensation Committee and, most recently, as a Board Liaison and Technology Business Partner for the Immigration Practice Group. Morrison joined Ogletree Deakins as a shareholder in 1998 and has more than 25 years of experience in employment-based immigration law. She represents large multinational corporations with high-volume immigration programs, providing comprehensive representation to Fortune 500 companies across multiple industries. In both her personal practice and leadership roles, Morrison focuses on continuously improving programs, delivering positive outcomes, and enhancing experiences for various stakeholders.

Schlueter and Morrison succeed Cheng and Austin shareholder Shafeeqa Giarratani on the Board of Directors.

About Ogletree Deakins
With more than 1,100 attorneys in 60 offices worldwide, Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management. We handle all types of employment-related legal matters, including traditional labor and employment, workplace safety, employee benefits, and business immigration matters. Guided by our Client Pledge, we focus on understanding clients’ business and objectives, collaborating and anticipating needs, harnessing technology and innovation, communicating effectively, and providing quality representation with exceptional value. www.ogletree.com