Armstrong Teasdale announces the addition of Partner Julie O’Dell to the firm’s Litigation practice group. As such, the firm will continue its Westward expansion, adding an office in Orange County, California. The office rounds out the firm’s already robust presence in the West, with existing offices in Denver, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. O’Dell brings more than 20 years of experience that includes navigating California’s complex employment and labor laws, as well as managing class and collective actions and other complex litigation matters.
We have long been searching for the right opportunity to expand our footprint into California and we’ve found that right opportunity with Julie, said Managing Partner Patrick Rasche. Her Big Law background will support the firm’s growth in Orange County, and enable us to better serve clients with employment needs on the West Coast. We look forward to investing further in the office in the coming year as we work to build our bench across practice areas.
O’Dell joins a roster of more than 370 attorneys across Armstrong Teasdale’s now 17 offices internationally. She regularly counsels and assists clients on compliance with federal and state employment laws, discipline and termination, requests for accommodation, and leaves of absence. O’Dell also represents clients against claims of wage and hour violations, including class and representative actions.
Armstrong Teasdale’s international Employment and Labor practice is well-known and well-recognized, said O’Dell. The opportunity to play a key role in the firm’s entry to the California market is energizing, and I feel fortunate to be a part of that.
O’Dell has defended clients against employment-related claims brought under a broad range of federal statutes, including Title VII, and has an incredible depth of experience navigating California’s complex employment and labor laws, including California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act, the California Labor Code, and matters involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful discharge and Private Attorneys General Act claims. She also handles all phases of employment disputes, from pre-litigation stages to trial, before federal and state agencies, arbitrators and courts.
Additionally, O’Dell reviews and drafts employee handbooks, policies and various employment agreements, and she provides training to employers for addressing harassment, leaves of absence, workplace violence and employee complaints.
Prior to joining Armstrong Teasdale, O’Dell was partner and vice-chair of the labor and employment practice of a national law firm. She has additional past experience as a lawyer at multiple firms in Missouri and California.
California’s employment regulations are unique and complex, and I look forward seeing Julie bring her deep experience to bear as she joins the firm, said Armstrong Teasdale Partner and Employment and Labor Practice Leader Travis Kearbey. Having worked together as partners at a prior firm, I am well aware of Julie’s unwavering commitment to client service and her excellence as an attorney and colleague. I am so pleased to welcome her to the AT team.
