Lynell E. Gwaltney

Lynell Gwaltney provides counsel and assists clients on a broad range of human resources and employment law matters, including workplace investigations, unemployment insurance defense, background checks, reductions in force and leaves of absence and accommodations. 

Prior to joining Ogletree Deakins, Lynell worked in the public sector as a Senior Administrative Hearing Officer in the Appeals Division within the Legal Department of the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SC DEW). While at SC DEW she was a member of the National Association of Unemployment Insurance Appeals Professionals and was a panelist at the 2023 Annual Conference and presented on critical topics such as “Best Practices for Developing the Hearing Record” and “Developing the Record, Proffers and Subpoenas.”  

Lynell was also an Appeals Examiner with the Virginia Employment Commission where she honed her skills in adjudicating complex employment disputes. Lynell has represented employers in unemployment hearings and provided advice and counseling on drafting employee handbooks, issuing corrective action and disciplinary warnings, and fostering employment practices to avoid employment discrimination litigation. 

Lynell’s credentials include certification from Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations and as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR). These qualifications underscore her dedication and commitment to providing the highest quality of service to her clients.