DALLAS (July 9, 2008) — Jackson Lewis LLP, one of the country’s leading workplace law firms, announced today that Michael J. DePonte has joined its Dallas office as Of Counsel.
Most recently an attorney with Ogletree Deakins in Dallas and a former Texas Assistant Attorney General, Mr. DePonte is board certified in both Labor and Employment Law and Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Of the approximately 77,000 attorneys that are licensed in the State of Texas, only 25 are board certified in both of these areas.
“We are honored that such a talented and experienced lawyer has joined our firm,” said Christopher Antone, Managing Partner of the Dallas/Houston region of Jackson Lewis. “Together with our current Texas team, including our most recent addition, Teresa Valderrama, Michael’s experience and reputation will help us serve and grow our significant client base in the region quite well.”
“I am thrilled to join the Jackson Lewis team in Dallas - a firm with an outstanding reputation in the community and one that has seen incredible growth across the country over the past two years,“ said Mr. DePonte. “I look forward to contributing my experience to the firm’s growing momentum in the Dallas area.”
Mr. DePonte has extensive litigation and trial background, having tried numerous cases in state and federal courts in Texas. His practice focuses on discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims litigation, employment-related torts, wage and hour claims and collective actions, and civil rights claims under state and federal law. He has defended national and regional employers on a broad range of employment and labor issues and has represented employers before several federal and state agencies. He has also handled trials and appeals in federal and state courts.
Mr. DePonte also provides his clients with general advice and counseling on a broad range of employment and labor issues, prepares and presents training seminars to clients, and has prepared materials for and presented lectures at multiple employment law seminars and workshops.
Following his completion of law school, Mr. DePonte worked as an attorney with a private firm in the United States Virgin Islands where he is licensed to practice in the territorial and federal courts. Upon returning to the states, he accepted a position as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas in the Law Enforcement Defense Division where he represented state law enforcement agencies and officials in civil rights and employment litigation and appeals. Mr. DePonte has successfully tried and arbitrated numerous cases and represented clients at all levels from administrative investigations and proceedings to the United States Supreme Court.
He earned his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law in 1997 where he was the recipient of the George T. Barrow Award for Outstanding Future Attorney. He also served as editor-in-chief of Currents: International Trade Law Journal and was an assistant articles editor of the South Texas Law Review.
Mr. DePonte is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Dallas Bar Association, and the Litigation, Labor and Employment Law, State and Local Governments Law Sections of the American Bar Association. He is admitted to practice law in Texas, Colorado, United States Virgin Islands, U.S. District Courts (Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas, Virgin Islands and Colorado), the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the United States Supreme Court.
__________________________ About Jackson Lewis LLPFounded in 1958, Jackson Lewis LLP is dedicated to representing management exclusively in workplace law. With offices in 38 cities and 500 attorneys, Jackson Lewis has developed a specialized expertise in every aspect of employment, labor, benefits and immigration law. Additional information about Jackson Lewis LLP can be found at www.jacksonlewis.com.
For more information, please contact:Lara Minch-Klass Jackson Lewis T: (212) 545-4031 E: klassl@jacksonlewis.com Kara Dullea the bounce agency T: (864) 351-2736 E: kara.dullea@thebounceagency.com