Ogletree Deakins Announces ODCares 2026, Uniting Colleagues Firmwide in Support of Suicide Prevention

ATLANTA — May 4, 2026 — Ogletree Deakins, one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, is announcing its ODCares 2026 charitable cause: suicide prevention and awareness. ODCares is an annual firmwide project that promotes teambuilding and fosters connection among colleagues while supporting an important cause. Now in its second year, ODCares reflects the firm’s commitment to community impact and to the well-being of its attorneys and business professionals.

Suicide is a global public health crisis accounting for more than 720,000 lives lost each year, and the legal profession faces an especially acute risk. Attorneys contemplate suicide at nearly twice the rate of the general population, with studies indicating that 10% to 12% of lawyers have experienced suicidal thoughts.

To address and raise awareness about this critical issue, ODCares 2026 will reinforce that suicide prevention starts with the communities in which we live and work. Offices and administrative department teams will foster genuine connections with each other while making a meaningful impact both locally and through three pre-vetted organizations: the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the International Association for Suicide Prevention, and Vibrant Emotional Health. From fundraising events and awareness campaigns to volunteering and educational programs, offices and departments will tailor projects for their respective teams.

To kick off ODCares 2026, the firm is hosting a live discussion featuring colleagues whose lives have been impacted by suicide. In addition, the firm is launching a social media campaign featuring public messages of hope and calls for contributions to The Jed Foundation, an organization dedicated to preventing suicide in teens and young adults.

“Suicide prevention is a cause that touches many of us in ways that are deeply personal, and it goes to the heart of our values as a firm and how we show up for one another,” said Liz Washko, Managing Shareholder for Ogletree Deakins. “ODCares gives us the opportunity to turn that commitment into real action — building the kind of community where people feel seen, supported, and less alone. We’re proud to support organizations doing such critical work, and we’re just getting started.”

In its inaugural year, ODCares 2025 focused on childhood cancer awareness and support. Forty offices and administrative teams participated, supporting 27 different organizations through donated items, hundreds of volunteer hours, and nearly $40,000 in donated funds. Now, the firm is once again calling on every member of its global footprint to rally for suicide prevention and awareness.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.

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