Ogletree Deakins Mourns Passing of Firm Founder Homer L. Deakins (1935-2026)

ATLANTA – July 6, 2026 – It is with profound sadness that Ogletree Deakins announces the passing of Homer L. Deakins, a founding shareholder, trusted colleague, and cherished mentor and friend. Homer dedicated his life to building Ogletree Deakins, and his legacy of wisdom, leadership, and friendship will be deeply missed.

“Homer was a pillar in the labor and employment law community for decades and was deeply respected and cherished by those who knew him,” said Liz Washko, managing shareholder of Ogletree Deakins. “His sharp legal mind, effortless rapport with clients, and unwavering commitment to integrity and professionalism set him apart. Equally as important, Homer was a wise, kind, and generous mentor to generations of attorneys and business professionals at Ogletree Deakins, who were grateful for the opportunity to work with him and learn from him. Homer’s legacy will continue to guide us.”

Homer played a central role in establishing Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. (Ogletree Deakins) on February 14, 1977. Guided by the principles of teamwork, mutual respect, exceptional client service, and open governance, Homer and his co-founders laid the foundation for what would become one of the world’s largest labor and employment law firms. From an initial team of 16 attorneys in Greenville, S.C. and Atlanta, Ga., the firm has grown to more than 1,100 lawyers across 60 offices globally.

As the firm’s second managing shareholder from 1985 to 2001, Homer led with vision and purpose. Under his leadership, Ogletree Deakins expanded beyond the Southeast, growing from 4 to 13 offices and broadening the firm’s practice areas to include employee benefits, workplace safety, and immigration. During this time, the firm gained national recognition as a leader in labor and employment law.

Throughout his distinguished career, Homer was a uniquely talented trial and traditional labor lawyer. He had extensive and varied experience in employment litigation, including jury trials in state and federal courts, and was involved in the trials of several large class action cases. In the traditional labor arena, Homer handled some of the largest and most highly publicized union elections in the United States on behalf of employers and had extensive collective bargaining experience.

“Homer Deakins’ far-reaching vision and commitment to excellence laid the foundation for the firm that we have become,” said shareholder Meg Campbell, who joined the Atlanta office as the office’s 8^th attorney in 1981. “The changes he championed became the heart of our culture and the key to our success. Homer listened, built consensus, and reminded us to keep our values at the center of every decision. His passing leaves a deep void.”

In honor of his enduring impact, Ogletree Deakins established the Homer Deakins Service Award in 2014. Presented annually at the firm’s Workplace Strategies seminar, this award recognizes individuals who exemplify selfless service and inspire others through courageous action. Since its inception, the firm has donated over $300,000 to charitable organizations on behalf of award recipients.

Homer’s legacy lives on in the firm he helped build, the values he instilled, and the countless lives he touched. We mourn his loss and celebrate the remarkable contributions he made to the legal profession and our firm. And we will continue to honor him in upholding the values on which his beloved firm was founded.

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