Olaoluwaposi “Posi” O. Oshinowo
Of Counsel – Wiley Rein LLP
Description of field of expertise
Posi is a strategic thinker who works closely with clients to understand their business and assist them in developing plans for the long-term success of their operations. He seeks practical solutions to problems when feasible, and he aggressively litigates disputes to achieve favorable outcomes in situations where litigation is in a client’s best interests.
Posi has significant experience in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia – also known as the “Rocket Docket”; in the state trial courts in Northern, Eastern, and Central Virginia; and in the District of Columbia’s Federal District and Superior Courts. As of counsel in Wiley’s Employment & Labor Practice, he also frequently represents clients before federal, state, and local agencies that regulate labor and employment in the United States, including the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Labor, the District of Columbia Office of Human Rights, the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, and the Virginia Division of Human Rights and Fair Housing.
Posi has extensive litigation and trial experience, having conducted numerous jury and non-jury trials. He has represented clients in industries such as government contracting, professional services, associations, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants, technology, health care, education, legal services, staffing, financial services, transportation, pharmaceuticals, security, telecommunications, and commercial and residential development.
What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?
All young attorneys, especially young employment attorneys, should prioritize getting as much experience as possible early in their careers. It’s easy to hear that and start making checklists of specific types of pleadings and hearings you’d like to attend. However, you gain the knowledge it takes to confidently litigate matters and provide cogent, business-minded advice to clients in day-to-day experiences between significant filings and courtroom events. Sit in on calls. Offer to take notes during employee interviews. Sit in on mediations and the strategy sessions that precede them. Observe depositions and stay engaged throughout the testimony. When that officewide e-mail comes across your desk, spend a few hours researching it and preparing a response; the reward for taking that initiative is often the billing number and new work opportunities that will help you develop your skills and expertise.
Final thoughts…
Facetime is important. Make an effort to get into the office, reach out to schedule lunch, call senior associates and partners and ask them if you can help. This is a relationship business, and developing relationships with “internal clients” is crucial to a young attorney’s success.
