Merl F. Code Named to the Palmetto Institute's Board of Directors

GREENVILLE – December 12, 2006 – Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. is pleased to announce that Greenville attorney Merl F. Code has been elected to the Palmetto Institute’s Board of Directors. He will serve a two-year term on the board beginning December 11.

Established in February 2002, the Palmetto Institute is a research and educational organization dedicated to creating a business, community, political, and educational environment that produces prolonged growth in the creation, distribution, and retention of wealth for all South Carolinians. The Institute carries out its mission by bringing forth issues of importance to the state through sound research and policy options.

Mr. Code joined Ogletree Deakins in 2005 and concentrates his practice in the areas of positive employee relations and diversity. He is an experienced trial lawyer who has handled cases at the trial level for more than 25 years. His experience has included several capital murder trials, personal injury matters, and business litigation.

About Ogletree Deakins

Ogletree Deakins first began its practice in Greenville, South Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia in 1977. Since then, the firm has grown to over 300 attorneys and has more than 40 lawyers in Greenville who serve management exclusively. With a total of 25 locations across the country, Ogletree Deakins is the third largest labor and employment law firm in the United States. 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, including more than half of the Fortune 50 corporations in the U.S.

For more information, please contact Karen Gonzales, communications manager, at 210-277-3606.