Nonnie partners with employers and managers in three primary ways: litigation avoidance through proactive and maximally compliant 50-state counseling and training; complex workplace investigations including at the C-Suite level; and litigating legally complex and factually challenging cases to defend employers actions.
Nonnie advises and counsels employers in all aspects of employment law, including an emphasis on complex but proactive compliance projects, such as 50-state compliant wage deductions and lawful parental leave programs. Nonnie regularly partners with clients to plan and implement reductions in force, severance plans and agreements, and pre-litigation disciplinary matters. Nonnie regularly conducts high-level internal investigations for clients and assists in identifying and resolving potential areas of liability and exposure in a proactive but practical way. Nonnie’s unique practice also includes providing employment advice for employers doing business within the Navajo Nation’s territorial jurisdiction and other tribal lands, including cultural and employment law training on unique tribal code requirements.
Nonnie has successfully defended employers against allegations of discrimination, sexual harassment and wrongful termination in state and federal court, as well as administrative forums. Nonnie has handled hundreds of charges with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona Civil Rights Division, as well as claims and appeals filed with the Industrial Commission of Arizona. Nonnie has also litigated whistleblower claims against air carriers under AIR 21 and handled investigations and enforcement actions with numerous other federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Labor and other employers under SOX.
Nonnie regularly speaks and trains on current and emerging employment law topics, including recent presentations to industry and trade groups on civility in the #MeToo era, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender workplace issues, avoidance of retaliation claims, and political expression in the workplace. Nonnie’s advanced degree in education and years of experience as an instructor and student affairs professional at Arizona State University help make her training sessions and presentations simultaneously educational and entertaining. Nonnie has also published several scholarly articles focused on employment law, including a book chapter on the impact of reasonable workplace accommodations for employees with disabilities on employers, employees’ expectations of privacy for off-duty conduct, and most recently an article on ADA caselaw related to benefits and other evolving protections for transgender employees.
Nonnie has received numerous accolades from clients and legal professionals for her dedicated client focus and problem-solving abilities. Southwest Super Lawyers named Nonnie a Rising Star in 2012-2014 and a Super Lawyer from 2015 through today. Nonnie also obtained the recognition of the legal community by receiving an AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell beginning in 2014 through today. Chambers USA first ranked Nonnie as a Leading Individual in 2015 and Best Lawyers added Nonnie to its list of recognized practitioners in 2016. Prior to joining the firm, Nonnie served as a law clerk to the Honorable Patricia K. Norris on the Arizona Court of Appeals (Division One).
