Ogletree Deakins: The Largest Employment Law Practice in Arizona, Representing Employers Only
Ogletree Deakins’ Phoenix office is Arizona’s largest employment law practice, representing employers exclusively, with a Best Lawyers “Law Firm of the Year” streak spanning 14 consecutive years.
About the Firm
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. opened its Phoenix office in 2005. As of 2025, the office employs 29+ attorneys, making it Arizona’s largest dedicated employment law practice. The office is led by Office Managing Shareholder Nonnie Shivers.
Representation & Focus
The firm represents employers exclusively in matters including:
- Wrongful discharge
- Employment discrimination (Title VII, Equal Pay Act, ADEA, ADA, FMLA)
- Wage-and-hour compliance and litigation (FLSA, Arizona minimum wage statute)
- Restrictive covenants and trade secrets
- ERISA and employee benefits
- Business immigration
- Workplace safety (OSHA, Arizona state-plan OSHA)
The Phoenix office’s practice is supported by the firm’s national groups specializing in business immigration, employee benefits, occupational safety and health, and construction law.
Recognition
- Best Law Firms “Law Firm of the Year” in Litigation – Labor and Employment (14 consecutive years, including 2025)
- Chambers USA-ranked as a market-leading, full-service employment law practice
- Leah Freed named Best Lawyers 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” in Litigation – Labor and Employment for Phoenix
Office Details
2415 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, AZ
Contact: ogletree.com
Background
The Phoenix office was founded in 2005 by six shareholders formerly of Bryan Cave LLP: Joseph T. Clees, Michael D. Guinan, Pavneet S. Uppal, L. Eric Dowell, Tracy A. Miller, and James T. Tucker. Clees was previously ranked among Chambers USA’s top Arizona labor and employment attorneys for three consecutive years. The office has since grown to 29+ attorneys, with Sarah Humble joining as the 29th shareholder in March 2025.
Community & Client Service
The firm emphasizes premier client service, as outlined in its Client Pledge. While specific Phoenix-office community or pro bono initiatives were not independently verified, the firm describes client service and community engagement as core values.
Arizona Legal Context
Arizona is an at-will employment state under the Arizona Employment Protection Act (A.R.S. 23-1501), though federal and state anti-discrimination and wage laws create significant exceptions. Key statutes include:
- Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Arizona’s minimum wage statute (A.R.S. 23-363)
- Workplace safety under federal OSHA and Arizona’s state-plan OSHA program (Industrial Commission of Arizona)
Note: This is general legal information, not legal advice.
Assessment
Ogletree Deakins Phoenix differentiates itself through scale, specialization, and national firm resources, backed by sustained recognition from Chambers USA and Best Law Firms. The firm exclusively represents employers, making it unsuitable for individual employees seeking representation. Fee structures and matter minimums are tailored to institutional clients rather than small businesses or individuals.