Mercedes M. de la Rosa

Mercedes de la Rosa is a data privacy and employment discrimination attorney with a record of delivering successful outcomes for clients as they navigate litigation. Mercedes represents both large corporations and emerging businesses, offering responsive, practical counsel with a focus on data privacy, technology, and employment discrimination. Her significant courtroom experience distinguishes her as a credible and persuasive advocate who leads client matters with confidence and expertise.

As a dedicated litigator and member of Ogletree Deakins’ Data Privacy and Employment Discrimination teams, Mercedes assists in representing clients in:

• Employment discrimination, retaliation, and harassment cases arising under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
• Data privacy and security disputes, including issues related to data breaches, cybersecurity compliance, and the protection of sensitive employee information
• Litigation involving technology and employee privacy matters, where she addresses complex issues at the intersection of law and technology, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations
• Defense of clients in investigations and charges brought by administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and state-level human rights commissions

Mercedes’ passion for data security and privacy law, which developed during law school, led her to obtain her CIPP/E certification in October 2021. She plans to secure her IAPP CIPP/US certification within the next year, reinforcing her commitment to helping clients protect their assets, employees, and companies from malicious threats. Her love of learning drives her to stay at the forefront of legal developments in these areas.

Before joining Ogletree Deakins, Mercedes served as an associate attorney at a local law firm, where she played a role in defending corporate employers in administrative, state, and federal courts. She was responsible for drafting litigation documents such as Position Statements, Mediation Statements, Answers, motions, briefs, affidavits, Discovery Requests and Responses, and Settlement Agreements. Mercedes also engaged in extensive document review, participated in depositions, and took part in settlement negotiations, including mediations and court-sponsored settlement conferences. Her perseverance and judgment in these cases have been instrumental in achieving favorable results for her clients.

In addition to her litigation work, Mercedes regularly advises corporate clients on critical employment matters, including internal investigations into sexual harassment, discrimination, and compliance with FMLA and ADA regulations. She also occasionally conducts policy reviews and edits employment handbooks to ensure compliance with NLRB regulations and EEOC guidelines. Her prudence and fairness in providing this counsel ensure that her clients are well-informed and protected.

Prior to her work in private practice, Mercedes served as an Assistant Public Defender in Racine, where she gained significant trial experience, including winning two misdemeanor jury trials as first-chair attorney and handling bench trials related to mental incompetency proceedings, guardianships, and administrative hearings. Her experience as a public defender showcases her ability to persevere through challenging cases and her dedication to achieving just outcomes.

Mercedes earned her Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School, where she was an active leader in student organizations, including serving as President of the Hispanic Latino Law Student Association. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Supplementary Major in International Peace Studies from the University of Notre Dame, with a Minor in Social Work from Saint Mary’s College.

Committed to community engagement, Mercedes serves on various boards and committees, including the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Labor & Employment Law Section Board, the Notre Dame Club of Milwaukee as the Women Connect Coordinator, and the Marquette University Law School’s Alumni Board. She was recently selected as a member of the Spring 2024 Forward 48 Cohort and recognized for the second consecutive year by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America 2025 for her work in Litigation – Labor and Employment.

Mercedes’ appreciation of beauty and excellence, combined with her humor and kindness, enriches her professional and personal life. In her free time, she is a proud plant and pet parent and enjoys watching clever, whimsical TV shows like Gravity Falls.