Experience: The majority of Deborah's background and experience is in Employment and Labor law, representing corporations and management. Deborah represents employers in connection with all employment related matters including but not limited to: discrimination; Fair Labor Standards Act (including collective actions); state wage and hour; Family Medical Leave Act; Covenants not to Compete; Americans with Disabilities Act; whistleblower litigation labor related issues; including but not limited to, preparation and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements, assisting employers during the union election process and defending against unfair practice charges; and preparation of employment handbooks and a variety of employment related policies. In addition, Deborah has experience in corporate matters, commercial litigation, and landlord-tenant issues. Deborah represents employers in state and federal courts and in investigations and charges before the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Florida Commission on Human Relations, Florida's Division of Worker's Compensation, U.S. Department of Labor and the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission. Background: Deborah was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Deborah attended law school at Valparaiso University School of Law. Shortly after leaving law school and passing the bar in Michigan, Deborah moved to Orlando, Florida, where she worked for Darden Restaurants, Inc., as an Employee Relations Representative. After leaving Darden Restaurants, Deborah worked for the law firm formerly known as Brown & Green, P.A., a firm solely dedicated to the practice of labor and employment law, and eventually formed her own general practice firm. Deborah joined the Employment and Labor Section of GrayRobinson in June, 2002. Professional: · Michigan Bar · The Florida Bar · Orange County Bar Association · U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan · U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida · U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida · U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida · Greater Orlando Business Network, Past Board Member · Central Florida International Customer Service Association, Member · Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers, Member · Leadership 1000, Member · Society for Human Resource Management, Member Presentations · Speaker, Wage and Hour, Association for Accounting Administrators Seminar, August 26, 2011 |