Ogletree Deakins Selects New Leaders for Four Practice Groups to Serve Evolving Client Needs

ATLANTA – February 23, 2026 – Ogletree Deakins, one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, is pleased to announce that new leaders have been named to four of the firm’s practice groups in 2026.

Matthew Gizzo, a shareholder in New York and Dallas, was selected as co-chair of the Technology Practice Group, which comprises more than 40 attorneys with extensive experience advising and counseling, providing compliance assistance, and representing employers facing workforce issues arising from modern technology. He replaces practice group co-founder Danielle Ochs, who continues her practice in San Francisco, to serve alongside Jennifer Betts, office managing shareholder in Pittsburgh.

With more than a decade of legal experience, Matthew is an advocate and advisor for employers of all sizes on a wide variety of labor and employment matters arising under federal and state laws, which gives him a broad perspective when tackling tech challenges.

“Matt’s forward-thinking approach and deep understanding of emerging technologies make him a tremendous asset to clients,” said Jennifer Betts, co-chair of the Technology Practice Group. “His insight drives innovative solutions to the complex workforce challenges created by today’s tech landscape, which is exceptionally valuable as organizations navigate the rise of artificial intelligence and other digital tools.”

Simone Francis, office managing shareholder in St. Thomas and shareholder in New York, was selected as co-chair of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Compliance Practice Group, which comprises more than 30 attorneys with comprehensive experience in DEI program design, implementation, and evaluation to ensure clients are prepared to address the challenges with building effective, legally compliant initiatives. She replaces Jimmy Robinson, Jr., who continues his practice and role as office managing shareholder in Richmond, to serve alongside Nonnie Shivers, office managing shareholder in Phoenix.

Simone draws on more than 20 years of legal experience to identify and deliver proactive, customized business solutions across a myriad of emerging federal, state, and territorial laws. She is also co-chair of the firm’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Practice Group.

“At a time when seismic shifts in federal policy and guidance are reshaping employers’ approach to lawful DEI initiatives, Simone’s ability to translate rapidly evolving legal requirements into effective, business-aligned strategies meets a pressing need for clients navigating this complex and evolving environment,” said Nonnie Shivers, co-chair of the DEI Compliance Practice Group. “Her management experience and exemplary track record of success indicate that she will be a fantastic leader for this group.”

Last month, Ogletree Deakins announced that Jane Norberg joined as a Washington D.C. shareholder to serve as co-chair of the firm’s Whistleblower and Compliance Practice Group, while Joseph Ashman joined as a Richmond shareholder to serve as co-chair of the firm’s Government Contracting and Reporting Practice Group.

More information on Jane Norberg’s background and role can be found here, while details about Joseph Ashman are available here.

About Ogletree Deakins
With more than 1,100 attorneys in 60 offices worldwide, Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management. We handle all types of employment-related legal matters, including traditional labor and employment, workplace safety, employee benefits, and business immigration matters. Guided by our Client Pledge, we focus on understanding clients’ business and objectives, collaborating and anticipating needs, harnessing technology and innovation, communicating effectively, and providing quality representation with exceptional value. www.ogletree.com