Elizabeth Scott (Betsy) Wood's practice encompasses all areas of employment law. She represents employers in litigation in federal and state courts and before regulatory and administrative agencies and counsels companies regarding compliance with antidiscrimination, wage and hour, workplace safety, mandatory leave, employee benefits and all other federal and state employment laws and regulations.
Betsy also provides training to management and non-management employees in all areas affecting the employer/employee relationship and advises clients in connection with employee discipline, terminations and reductions in force, handbooks and policies, drug and alcohol programs, executive compensation, employment and non-competition agreements, individual and group severance programs and related matters. She also arbitrates third-party disputes and is on the American Arbitration Association's Employment and Commercial Rosters of Arbitrators and Mediators.
Before joining McAfee & Taft in 1986, Betsy was a litigation associate with Fagin, Hewett, Mathews & Fagin, P.C.
Betsy's achievements have earned her inclusion in Chambers USA Guide to America's Leading Lawyers for Business, The Best Lawyers in America (employment law - management, labor and employment litigation) and Oklahoma Super Lawyers (employment and labor, employment litigation: defense). In 2008, Betsy was recognized for her professional and civic contributions to the state by being named to The Journal Record's list of Leadership in Law honorees.
Representative Experience
· Nationwide defense of employment litigation and arbitration matters, including discrimination, wage and hour, wrongful termination, employment contracts, commission disputes and non-compete agreements.
· Representation of employers before the EEOC and various state human rights agencies.
· Representation of employers in wage and hour and FMLA investigations by the U.S. Department of Labor.
· Representation of employers in state wage and hour and unemployment claims.
Attorney Articles
· Age discrimination: Make up your mind - and stick to it
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter - November 2009
· Unemployment benefits? But he failed a drug test!
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter - August 1, 2009
· Discrimination: Even an open-and-shut case can cost you money!
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter - February 1, 2009
· Immigration: DHS trying again on 'no-match' letter regulation
Oklahoma Employment Law Letter - December 2008
In The News
· Records are key in fighting benefits for drug users
The Oklahoman - July 22, 2010
· Companies send festival volunteers on the clock
The Oklahoman - April 25, 2007
· Elizabeth Wood quoted in Oklahoman article on women's success in business
The Oklahoman - October 2, 2005
At The Podium
· Ticking Time Bombs - How to diffuse bullying in the workplace presented at EmployerLINC 2012: 'Adventures in HR' on April 10, 2012 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
· Government Crackdown on Wage & Hour Issues presented at EmployerLINC 2011 Labor, Employment and Employee Benefits Seminar on April 20, 2011 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
· Military Family Leave presented at HR Hero FMLA Master Class on May 26, 2010 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Professional Organizations and Memberships
· Oklahoma County Bar Association
· Oklahoma Bar Association (Labor & Employment Section; Dispute Resolution Section)
· American Bar Association (Labor & Employment Section; Dispute Resolution Section)
Civic Involvement and Leadership
· Arts Council of Oklahoma City (Volunteer)
· Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation (Former Board Member)
· Areawide Aging Agency (Former Board Member)