Ogletree Deakins Welcomes Phillip Russell as Shareholder

TAMPA, FL – August 12, 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 that Phillip B. Russell has joined the firm’s Tampa office.  Previously, Russell was a partner in the Tampa office of Constangy, Brooks & Smith, LLP. 

In his practice, Russell represents employers and management in all labor and employment related matters.  As a litigator, Russell has represented his clients before government agencies, including the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), state and local Fair Labor Employment agencies, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor, and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).  He has tried bench and jury trials for discrimination, harassment, and related claims filed in state and federal courts, as well as cases before the NLRB.  

Clients seek Russell’s advice and counsel on preventing and handling a myriad of workplace legal issues.  In this role, he frequently conducts training for managers, supervisors, and human resources professionals.  His practice also includes drafting and revising employment agreements, protecting legitimate business interests with regard to breach of contract, noncompete, no-solicitation, or non-disclosure agreements.  With respect to labor law issues, Russell prepares businesses to detect and defeat union organizing campaigns. 

“Phillip is an accomplished attorney with a well-rounded depth of knowledge and experience,” said Barnett Brooks, managing shareholder of Ogletree Deakins’ Tampa office.  “Clients will certainly find value in his ability to efficiently and adeptly handle any labor or employment matter.  He is a welcome addition to the firm and we are delighted to have him as part of our team.” 

Russell is a frequent speaker and presenter at industry and human resources trade associations, and is a regular contributor to legal and trade publications regarding the latest labor and employment topics and trends.  These groups have sought his insight into topics such as, wage and hour issues, labor relations, immigration law compliance, workplace violence prevention, workplace identity theft, complying with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and more.   

Recognized for his professional accomplishments, Russell is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and is named as a Florida Super Lawyer.  Russell is also active in many professional and industry associations through various leadership roles, and also in the community where he has served as the Director for Family Service Centers, Inc. and volunteers for Tampa Bay Watch. 

Russell earned his J.D. from Stetson University College of Law in 1995, a M.S. in Economics from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1992, and a B.S. in Management, also from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1991. 

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.