ATLANTA, Jan. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Ogletree Deakins, one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, continues its commitment to promoting women to shareholder with the announcement of its 2018 class. This year's group of newly-elected shareholders is more than 70 percent female. Over the last five years, 60 percent of the attorneys promoted to shareholder in the firm have been women, with three of those five shareholder classes being comprised of more than 70 percent female attorneys.

 (PRNewsfoto/Ogletree Deakins)

Women comprise more than half of the employees at Ogletree Deakins. Further, women are among the firm's most successful lawyers, serving in leadership positions as members of the firm's board of directors, office managing shareholders, and practice group chairs. In 2017, the firm appointed its first Ombudsperson (a senior female shareholder and former member of the board of directors) to serve as a dedicated resource for the firm's lawyers to assist them in resolving workplace issues and fostering a positive work environment, including with respect to diversity and inclusion. 

Ogletree Deakins has been recognized by at least 10 leading organizations for the firm's achievements in diversity and gender inclusion. In September 2017, Ogletree Deakins was recognized as a WILEF (Women in Law Empowerment Forum) Gold Standard Firm for leadership roles achieved by equity women partners. This is the second time the firm has received this honor. Further, Ogletree Deakins was selected as the winner of the 2016 ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award for its commitment to supporting, developing, and honoring women leaders.

"Equal opportunity has been a core principle of Ogletree Deakins since the firm was founded, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to inclusion," said Matt Keen, Ogletree Deakins' managing shareholder. "I'm very proud of the success of our women attorneys and the advancements they continue to make."

About Ogletree Deakins
Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. Premier client service, as outlined in the firm's Client Pledge, is one of the firm's top priorities and a cornerstone of its core values. U.S. News – Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" has named Ogletree Deakins a "Law Firm of the Year" for seven consecutive years. In 2018, the publication named Ogletree Deakins its "Law Firm of the Year" in the Litigation - Labor & Employment category. Ogletree Deakins has more than 850 attorneys located in 52 offices across the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, from small businesses to Fortune 50 companies. www.ogletree.com

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