ATLANTA – August 20, 2026 – Ogletree Deakins, one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, is pleased to announce that 12 of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized as a Best Lawyers® 2027 “Lawyer of the Year.” Best Lawyers® grants this award to individual lawyers with the highest overall peer feedback for a specific practice area and geographic region. Only one lawyer is recognized as the “Lawyer of the Year” for each specialty and location.
The Ogletree Deakins attorneys named Best Lawyers® 2027 “Lawyers of the Year” include:
- Christopher Moore – 2027 New Orleans Litigation – Labor and Employment “Lawyer of the Year”
- Craig Cleland – 2027 Atlanta Employment Law – Management “Lawyer of the Year”
- James Pennington – 2027 Birmingham Education Law “Lawyer of the Year”
- James Paul – 2027 St. Louis Labor Law – Management “Lawyer of the Year”
- John Merrell – 2027 Greenville Employment Law – Management “Lawyer of the Year”
- Kenneth Siepman – 2027 Indianapolis Labor Law – Management “Lawyer of the Year”
- Laurence Shapero – 2027 Seattle Litigation – Labor and Employment “Lawyer of the Year”
- Lawrence Smith – 2027 San Antonio Labor Law – Management “Lawyer of the Year”
- Matthew Keen – 2027 Raleigh Labor Law – Management and Employment Law – Management “Lawyer of the Year”
- Melanie Kilpatrick – 2027 Lexington Mining Law and Administrative / Regulatory Law “Lawyer of the Year”
- Melissa Pesce – 2027 St. Louis Litigation – Labor and Employment “Lawyer of the Year”
- Michael Eckard – 2027 Charleston Employment Law – Management “Lawyer of the Year”
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