Ogletree Deakins Grows In Spite of 2004 National Trend

Through M&A, National Recognition, Atlanta-Based Firm Expands 40 Percent While Industry Averages Two Percent Growth

ATLANTA – January 25, 2005 – In 2004, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. (Ogletree Deakins) solidified itself as one of the nation’s leading labor and employment law firms with significant growth and recognition among a variety of peer groups. The growth of the firm in 2004 was exceptional – especially compared to national trends. According to the National Law Journal’s survey of the nation’s 250 largest law firms (often referred to as the “NLJ 250”), overall growth among firms was less than two percent. Ogletree Deakins, however, gained 75 lawyers in 2004 (an increase of 40 percent) and moved from number 223 to number 159 on the highly regarded NLJ 250 list.

The firm’s growth can be attributed to several factors. In early 2004, Ogletree Deakins opened two new offices – one in Miami and another in Morristown, N.J. – as a result of local office acquisitions. In September, the firm continued its expansion when it merged with the southeastern law firm Haynsworth, Baldwin, Johnson & Greaves, LLC. This merger gave the firm three new office locations – Charlotte, N.C., Greensboro, N.C. and Tampa, FL. – and boosted the number of attorneys within the firm to more than 250.

According to Ogletree Deakins’ managing shareholder, Gray Geddie, “We are delighted with the growth of the firm over the last few years. Our intention has not been to grow for the sake of being larger, but to grow in response to the needs of our clients. As their demands have increased, we have expanded – both geographically and in total number of attorneys.”

The recognition bestowed on Ogletree Deakins’ attorneys in 2004 was also impressive. In April, Chambers USA released its 2004 Client’s Guide, which acknowledged 14 of the firm’s offices and 13 individual attorneys for their outstanding performance in labor and employment law. A few months later, 38 Ogletree Deakins attorneys were named to the 2005-2006 Best Lawyers in America list – significantly more than any other labor and employment law firm in the country. Likewise, the firm had the largest number of fellows in the prestigious College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, with 17.

In addition to the firm’s significant growth and the recognition of its attorneys, Ogletree Deakins received accolades for its excellent client service in the 2005 Survey of Client Service Performance for Law Firms published by BTI Consulting Group (BTI). The firm was ranked as “best in” 14 of the 20 categories – including two of the most significant, “Best Performing Overall” and “Best Client Service.” Ogletree Deakins was also added to the “BTI A-Team Watch List.” This distinguished list identifies six law firms with “impressive client service potential” who have been nominated by clients for their outstanding service.

“The recognition the firm and its lawyers received in 2004 was tremendous,” Geddie commented, “but we are not done yet.” “In 2005, we will build on the successes of 2004

– by continuing to provide both premier client service and top-notch legal skills. You will also see Ogletree Deakins opening offices in new markets – continuing the recent growth pattern. All in all, we have high expectations for 2005.”

More About Ogletree Deakins

Ogletree Deakins is the nation’s third largest labor and employment law firm, specializing exclusively in the representation of management in all types of employment-related legal matters. The firm has approximately 260 labor and employment lawyers located in 21 offices from Miami to Los Angeles. In addition to handling labor and employment law matters, the firm has thriving practices focusing 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 U.S.

For more information, please contact Karen Gonzales, Client Services Manager, at 404-870-1784.