Thomas Deer represents management in a variety of employment-related matters, including litigation involving age, race, sex, and disability discrimination claims, covenants not to compete, trade secrets, wage and hour claims, ERISA claims, and other workplace torts. Thomas has a national employment practice, and has defended cases for employers from coast to coast. He also serves as the relationship partner for a number of the firm’s national clients. In that role, he manages an Ogletree Deakins team to service the client’s labor and employment needs across a number of jurisdictions. Thomas has particular industry experience in the retail, financial, staffing, and higher education industries. Since 2009, Thomas has been named in every edition of The Best Lawyers in America.
Thomas has acted as lead trial counsel in employment discrimination/wrongful discharge and non-compete cases in federal district and state courts. At one jury trial, his client received a defense verdict of no liability on a novel “gender plus” legal theory. In another, his client received a directed verdict on liability.
Thomas also practices traditional labor law. His labor experience includes bargaining contracts, handling labor arbitrations, grievance administration, and the defense of unfair labor practice charges before the NLRB.
Thomas is a frequent speaker and author. He has been a speaker and moderator at American Bar Association meetings, including twice at the ABA’s Annual Meeting. He regularly performs training for clients on all aspects of labor and employment law.
