Kristin Simpsen is a trial lawyer whose practice is primarily focused on general civil and business litigation and labor and employment law. Kristin has second-chair case management experience involving the representation of both plaintiffs and defendants in civil litigation matters, including contract disputes, insurance-related disputes, construction matters, and condemnation actions. She counsels and represents employers in all phases of labor and employment law, including litigation before state and federal courts, regulatory and administrative agencies. Her experience also includes advising clients on such issues as drug and alcohol testing, employee handbook and policy development, and wage and hour matters, as well as litigation avoidance and compliance with other federal and state laws.
In addition to her legal practice at the firm, Kristin serves as a volunteer attorney for Oklahoma Lawyers for Children, a nonprofit organization that uses the time, talent and resources of qualified pro bono lawyers and others to represent and assist children in various matters before the Juvenile Division of the Oklahoma County District Court. She also serves as vice president of membership for Lyric Theater's Understudies Board.
Kristin graduated with honors from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 2008. While earning her Juris Doctor, Kristin earned American Jurisprudence Awards in Agency and Partnership and Corporate Income Tax. She was also a member of the Oklahoma Law Review.
Representative Experience
· Obtained a jury verdict on behalf of an Oklahoma landowner who sought just compensation in a condemnation case involving a 7.24-acre permanent easement taken by a public utility for the purpose of constructing a transmission system across the landowner's property. The jury award exceeded the court-appointed commissioners' award by 172%. As a result, the client/landowner was awarded its attorney's fees, appraisal fees and costs against the utility company.
· Obtained summary judgment in favor of a manufacturing employer in a case in which the 11 employee plaintiffs sought overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act for having to wear pagers while on call.
· Successful second chair representation in an American Arbitration Association arbitration of property owner against architect on claims of breach of contract and negligent design.
· Obtained summary judgment on the issue of liability in a bailment case for property owner against storage facility which resulted in a favorable settlement for the client.
· Obtained summary judgment in favor of a financial institution against a former employee's claims of wrongful discharge, defamation, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and unpaid wages under the Oklahoma Wage Act.
· Obtained summary judgment for a manufacturing employer on an employee's claims of a hostile work environment; race, gender, and age discrimination; and FMLA retaliation and interference.
· Successful second chair representation obtaining a jury verdict on behalf of landowners who sought just compensation in a condemnation case involving the partial taking by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation of a 3.6-acre tract of land located near the junction of two major interstate highways. The jury award of nearly $1 million exceeded ODOT's appraised value by more than 55 percent.
Attorney Articles
· Hostile work environment: Context is keyOklahoma Employment Law Letter - April 2012
· New year, new rulesThe Journal Record - December 29, 2011
· Gavel to Gavel: Surviving crackdownThe Journal Record - July 7, 2011
· Bad timing + bad e-mail = valid claimOklahoma Employment Law Letter - November 1, 2009
In The News
· Same-sex partners and others are eligible for FMLA leaveThe Oklahoman - October 8, 2010
Professional Organizations and Memberships
· Oklahoma Bar Association
Civic Involvement and Leadership
· Lyric Theatre Understudies (Vice President of Membership)