Ogletree Deakins Launches Two New Affinity Groups

ATLANTA –December 13, 2022 – Ogletree Deakins, one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, is proud to announce the launch of two new affinity groups, Ogletree Deakins Disability Affinity Group (ODAble) and Ogletree Deakins Veterans and Military Families/Spouses Affinity Group (ODVets). Both groups are open to attorneys and staff across the firm.

ODAble is a resource group for lawyers and staff with disabilities, both visible and invisible; caretakers of those with disabilities; those with family members or loved ones with disabilities; and those interested in disability-related issues. Chaired by Valerie Butera (of counsel, Detroit (Metro)), Kate Trinkle (associate, Indianapolis), and Kelly Kishel (conflicts specialist, Greenville), the group advocates for the recruitment, retention, and promotion of people with disabilities and raises awareness regarding workplace challenges affecting people with disabilities. ODAble also supports disabled individuals through pro bono legal services and community engagement.

“ODAble aims to destigmatize and create awareness surrounding disabilities, mental health, and neurodivergency while providing an empathetic and supportive forum for attorneys and professional staff to navigate work and day-to-day life,” said Butera, Trinkle, and Kishel. “Our goal is to foster an open, inclusive, welcoming space for colleagues with disabilities and/or mental health challenges and those who are neurodivergent.”

ODVets is a resource group of lawyers and staff who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the United States or other nations; current members of the Reserve and National Guard; military family members and spouses; and those interested in veteran and military-related issues. Chaired by Amy Quick Glenos (of counsel, Birmingham) and Michael Oliver Eckard (shareholder, Charleston), the group recognizes the commitment, effort, and sacrifices made by these members of the firm and seeks to incorporate their experiences and perspectives to help foster an inclusive workplace.

“Like many employers, Ogletree Deakins has within its ranks attorneys and staff members who faithfully served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces,” said Glenos and Eckard. “The mission of ODVets is to address workplace issues unique to veterans and service members with an aim toward recruiting and retention, while leveraging the talents of our past and present service members to improve employee and client experiences. Esprit de Corps!”

Ogletree Deakins has eight affinity groups. In addition to ODAble and ODVets, the firm has affinity groups for our Black, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, LGBTQ+, Family/Caregivers, and Women lawyers and staff.

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 12 consecutive years. In the 2023 edition, the publication named Ogletree Deakins its “Law Firm of the Year” in the Litigation – Labor & Employment category. Ogletree Deakins has more than 950 attorneys located in 55 offices across the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, including many of the Fortune 50 companies in the U.S. www.ogletree.com