Lawrence D. "Larry" Smith

Mr. Smith’s practice at Ogletree Deakins primarily involves the defense of employers in labor and employment related litigation before state and federal courts and administrative agencies. Mr. Smith represents employers in claims involving equal employment opportunity law, unfair labor practices, wage and hour issues, unemployment compensation, wrongful discharge, state law tort and contract claims, occupational safety and health matters as well as class action litigation under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Mr. Smith has tried cases involving claims of sex, race, national origin, age and same-sex discrimination, retaliation, workers compensation retaliation, disability discrimination under both the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress claims and covenants not to compete. Mr. Smith actively counsels clients on a wide range of daily employment issues including discharge, discipline, discrimination, leave and layoffs. Mr. Smith routinely handles appeals in both state and federal appellate courts.Mr. Smith speaks frequently on a wide variety of topics at employment related seminars. Mr. Smith previously served as a member of the Texas Pattern Jury Charge Committee responsible for drafting state court jury charges for employment cases. Mr. Smith is Board Certified, Labor and Employment Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Mr. Smith has been recognized in the Best Lawyers publication, and has been selected as a Texas Super Lawyer. Mr. Smith also serves as a contributing editor to the A.B.A.’s Fair Labor Standards Act treatise.