Elizabeth M. Ebanks
Shareholder – Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.

Description of field of expertise

Elizabeth is a nationally renowned employment law expert, who strategically partners with employers to efficiently solve their business problems based on practical and legally-sound solutions. She manages nationwide portfolios in all areas of employment law, including claims based on discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage & hour issues, and leave and accommodation handling. In addition to advice and counsel and litigation defense, she also frequently conducts internal and agency workplace investigations to evaluate the root of myriad culture, workforce, and operational issues to obviate legal and financial risk and advance core company values and commitments to stakeholders, executives, and employees.

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

Employment law is a human field. When dealing with someone’s livelihood or the survival and success of a business, it is real and can get gritty. Having fortitude matters. Having a heart matters just as much. Approach this career with an open mind, heart, drive, determination, build relationships on all sides, and trust yourself.

Final thoughts…

DEI is top of mind for Elizabeth. She consistently advocates for the necessity of and business case for diversity/equity to make companies and the community stronger. She has served in many leadership positions related to attorney development, mentoring, training, and as the Chair of Ogletree’s resource group supporting African-American attorneys.