Jennifer L. Colvin

Profile

Jennifer Colvin’s practice is focused on labor and employment litigation.  She began her legal career as an Administrative Law Judge with the Illinois Labor Relations Board, specializing in public sector labor law.  Jennifer joined Ogletree Deakins in 2006. 

Jennifer’s current practice ranges from advice and counseling on matters such as employee handbooks, personnel policies, downsizing, family/medical leave, medical examinations, drug testing, discipline and discharge, and non-compete/non-solicitation issues to litigation and alternative dispute resolution of claims under federal, state and local employment laws. 

Jennifer’s labor law practice includes advising companies regarding grievances and representing companies in labor arbitrations. 

Jennifer also has extensive experience in defending tort related matters.

Experience

Experience: 

Examples of Jennifer’s work include but are not limited to:

  • Representing Fortune 500 companies, smaller companies and non-profit organizations in administrative and court proceedings
  • Obtaining a directed verdict for a premier provider of advanced machining solutions in a same-sex sexual harassment and national origin discrimination claim
  • Obtaining summary judgment for a Fortune 100 company in a claim asserting negligent hiring and retention, assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress
  • Obtaining summary judgment for a national distributor of building materials in a wage and hour claim
  • Defeating numerous grievances in arbitrations for a large telecommunications company and for a large producer of steel pipe

Education and Honors

Education: 

J.D., DePaul University College of Law – Chicago, 2001
B.A., Marquette University, 1998

Honors and Awards: 
  • Super Lawyers Illinois Rising Star (2010, 2011)

Professional Activities

Professional Activities: 
  • American Bar Association
  • Chicago Bar Association
  • National Association of Women Lawyers
Speeches:
  • Ogletree Deakins Briefing - "Downsizing In Difficult Times" - Chicago - May 28, 2009

In The News

Published Works:
  • 2005 - International Association of Defense Counsel Newsletter - "42 U.S.C. Section 1981 Claims: An Overview"
  • 2003 - Illinois Defense Quarterly - "Critical Issues Under the Fair Labor Standards Act"