Heather R. Hamilton

Heather Hamilton has extensive experience in employment litigation, counseling, and investigation. A passionate trial and appellate advocate, she has taken multiple jury and bench trials to verdict and handled hundreds of depositions. Heather excels at constructing case strategies that achieve early dismissal—at one point securing eighty-eight consecutive favorable summary judgment decisions—and has successfully defended those outcomes in state and federal appellate courts across the nation. While assertive in her litigation approach, Heather prioritizes building strong client relationships and aligning legal strategy with business objectives, making her an effective negotiator, advisor and advocate.

Prior to joining Ogletree Deakins, Heather spent 15 years in-house, most of which she served as primary employment counsel for the nation’s third-largest wireless carrier. In that role, she provided employment advice to the executive, corporate and sales teams and managed a substantial litigation docket, encompassing all employment litigation matters, a variety of consumer and business disputes and more than 20 wage and hour class and collective actions. She also developed deep expertise in adjacent areas of law, including contract negotiation, M&A due diligence and the development and implementation of corporate best practices.

Heather’s experience extends across borders. While in-house, she supported internationally based employees spanning 28 countries and managed international litigation and redundancies. She now leverages that cross-border experience to assist clients with global workforce restructuring projects and policy initiatives. In 2026, she was selected as a steering committee member of the Global Restructuring Practice Group.

A Kansas City native and dedicated supporter of the local bar, Heather recently concluded her fourth term as President of the Cass County Bar Association. She is also an avid off-roader and certified Trail Leader—experiences that have strengthened the perseverance, adaptability, and steady leadership she draws upon when guiding clients through legal challenges.