Mike Cramer Elected for Membership in The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers

CHICAGO – July 15, 2013 – Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. (Ogletree Deakins), one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, is pleased to announce that Michael H. Cramer, a shareholder in the firm’s Chicago office, has been elected for membership in the College of Labor & Employment Lawyers. Cramer, who will be inducted into the College during a ceremony on November 9, 2013, will become one of 35 Ogletree Deakins attorneys in the College. Cramer’s election into the College demonstrates that he meets strict criteria including: the highest professional qualifications and ethical standards based on the College’s acclaimed Principles of Civility and Professionalism; the highest level of character, integrity, professional expertise, and leadership; a commitment to fostering and furthering the objectives of the College; sustained, exceptionally high-quality services to clients, the bar, bench, and public; and significant evidence of scholarship, teaching, lecturing, and/or published writings on labor and employment law. Membership is by nomination only and is limited to those who have met the College’s criteria for a period of no less than 20 years.

Cramer has 25 years of experience counseling and representing employers on a wide variety of labor and employment-related legal matters. He has advised clients ranging from small non-profits to Fortune 50 companies on a variety of employment matters, and has represented employers in the litigation of discrimination and harassment suits, wage and hour collective actions, and restrictive covenant cases, frequently litigating to victory and other times negotiating cost-effective resolutions to troubling disputes.  A frequent speaker and writer on labor and employment law topics, Cramer serves on the Labor & Employment Advisory Committee for the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education.

Cramer has many hobbies outside of his law practice, including his work as a cartoonist and filmmaker. He has drawn editorial cartoons for publications including the Chicago Tribune and Illinois Times, and he has exhibited his artwork in several Chicago galleries. Additionally, he wrote, directed, co-produced and acted in “Dear Mr. Fidrych,” an award-winning film about Mark “The Bird” Fidrych, the 1976 American League Rookie of the Year.

About Ogletree Deakins
Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. The firm has more than 650 lawyers located in 44 offices across the United States and in Europe. Ogletree Deakins was named “Law Firm of the Year” in both the Litigation – Labor & Employment and the Employment Law – Management categories in the 2013 edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” list. 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, from small businesses to Fortune 50 companies. For more information, please contact Ryan King or Mary Lou Baxter.

About The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers
The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, was founded in 1995 on the 60th anniversary of the National Labor Relations Board and the 30th anniversary of Title VII and Executive Order 11246. The College began as a non-profit professional association honoring leading lawyers nationwide in the practice of Labor and Employment Law. It has now evolved to become an intellectual and practical resource for the support of our profession and our many audiences. The primary purposes of the College are the recognition of individuals, sharing knowledge, and delivering value to the many different groups who can benefit from its value model. www.laborandemploymentcollege.org/