Ogletree Deakins Welcomes Leah Lively as Shareholder

PORTLAND, OR – August 2, 2010 – Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. (Ogletree Deakins), one of the nation’s largest labor and employment law firms, is pleased to announce Leah Lively as the newest shareholder to join the firm’s Portland office.  Previously, Lively was a shareholder in the firm of Lane Powell PC, where she chaired the Portland office’s Labor and Employment practice group.  In her practice, Lively defends employers from claims of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful discharge, and wage and hour violations.  She has extensive litigation experience having successfully tried more than 40 jury trials in multiple states and jurisdictions.   

“Leah is an outstanding and accomplished litigator with significant experience across the full range of issues facing employers.  Leah’s breadth of experience in employment law matters will prove a valuable asset to clients in the Pacific Northwest, as well as throughout the firm,” said David P.R. Symes, managing shareholder of the Portland office.  “Leah is a welcome addition and we expect this office to continue to grow quickly in order to meet client demand for the firm’s services.” 

In addition to her practice, Lively is a sought after presenter and contributor on topics such as, conducting employee performance evaluations, social media in the workplace, harassment training, protecting your business during layoffs, misclassification issues, best practices for handling a challenging employee, and alternative dispute resolution.  She is also active in her community by serving on the Board of Directors for the Children’s Relief Nursery and the U.S. District Court Historical Society, Oregon.  

Lively has been listed in Chambers USA as a “Leading Lawyer for Business” for three consecutive years, 2008-2010, and is a fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, an exclusive invitation-only society honoring effectiveness and accomplishment in the law.  In 2008, she was named to the “Forty Under 40” list by the Portland Business Journal.  Lively earned her J.D. from Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College in 1996, and a B.S., with honors, from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo in 1993.   

About Ogletree Deakins

Ogletree Deakins is the nation’s third-largest labor and employment law firm, representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters.  The firm has 500 lawyers located in 40 offices across 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 United States. For more information, please contact Ryan King, public relations manager, at (404) 870-1742.