Ogletree Deakins Names Betsy Johnson as Managing Shareholder to Lead Los Angeles Office

LOS ANGELES – June 13, 2012 – 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 Betsy Johnson has been named the Managing Shareholder of the firm’s Los Angeles office. Johnson, who joined Ogletree Deakins in August 2011, brings nearly 30 years of experience in labor and employment law to her role. Prior to joining Ogletree Deakins, Johnson was with large national firms Jackson Lewis and Epstein Becker Green where she served in a variety of leadership roles. As Managing Shareholder, Johnson will continue the firm’s strategic growth in the market and also with the firm’s offices throughout California.

“Beyond her experience, one of the attractions to Betsy is her style as a consensus builder who works very collaboratively with her colleagues in other offices throughout the firm’s national platform,” said Kim Ebert, Ogletree Deakins’ Managing Shareholder. “Certainly, this approach is very advantageous to our California-based clients and those with business in the state.”

“As Ogletree Deakins continues to grow and expand its presence in California, the Los Angeles office will be a vital part of the firm’s footprint in the state which also includes our offices in Orange County, San Francisco, and Torrance,” said Johnson. “I will build on the strong foundation created by my predecessor, Matt Effland, and continue to deepen our reputation of excellence while growing the Los Angeles office in response to client demand.”  

Johnson has advised and represented employers in a wide range of issues which impact today’s workplace including wage and hour, discrimination and harassment, trade secrets, executive compensation, employment contracts, and employee privacy. She also works with employers in conducting internal compliance audits and defends employers in investigations by various state and federal agencies. Her experience also includes creating and refining personnel policies, procedures, manuals and grievance procedures to proactively address potential employment issues.

As part of her practice, Johnson conducts seminars for senior management, supervisors and human resources professionals on preventing unlawful harassment and discrimination, effective performance management, avoiding wrongful terminations claims, and managing leaves of absence and disability issues. 

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 more than 600 lawyers located in 41 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.