Ogletree Deakins Appoints New Leadership in Arizona

PHOENIX – September 8, 2020 – Ogletree Deakins, one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, is pleased to announce that Chris Meister has been elected to serve as office managing shareholder of the firm’s office in Phoenix, Arizona. As a part of his role, Meister will serve on the firm’s Management Committee and drive the firm’s presence in Arizona.

Meister succeeds Leah Freed as office managing shareholder. Freed, who is the current Best Lawyers^® 2021 Phoenix Litigation – Labor and Employment “Lawyer of the Year”, departs her post after nine years to focus on her litigation practice, where she also regularly advises employers on day-to-day employment issues, risk mitigation, and compliance with state and federal employment laws.

“Leah has done a phenomenal job leading our Phoenix office and has formed a lasting legacy,” said Meister. “I am excited to assume this role and to continue to lead our growth throughout the Southwest in accordance with our Client Pledge.”

“I am grateful for the nine years I spent leading the exceptional team in Phoenix and for the growth and successes we have collectively achieved during this time,” said Freed. “Our office and clients will remain in very good hands with Chris as office managing shareholder, and I look forward to the continued success of our office under his leadership.”

Meister joined Ogletree Deakins in 2006 and regularly partners with clients to help manage employee and union relations. He also has extensive experience litigating trade secret, employment, and labor matters in arbitrations, in state and federal courts, and before state and federal administrative agencies including the National Labor Relations Board, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and Department of Labor.

Meister also has a robust advice and counsel practice where he provides proactive training and practical strategic advice regarding  compliance with federal and state employment laws, employment policies, and best practices to avoid litigation. Meister was recently named to the Best Lawyers in America^© 2021 list in the Employment Law – Management category, and was a Southwest Super Lawyer from 2017-2020.

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. Premier client service, as outlined in the firm’s Client Pledge, is one of the firm’s top priorities and a cornerstone of its core values. U.S. News – Best Lawyers^® “Best Law Firms” has named Ogletree Deakins a “Law Firm of the Year” for nine consecutive years. In 2020, the publication named Ogletree Deakins its “Law Firm of the Year” in the Labor Law – Management and Litigation – ERISA categories. Ogletree Deakins has more than 900 attorneys located in 53 offices across the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, from small businesses to Fortune 50 companies. www.ogletree.com