Nonnie L. Shivers

Nonnie partners with employers and managers in three primary ways: litigation avoidance through counseling and training; investigations and resolutions when issues arise; and litigating complex and challenging cases to defend employer’s actions.

Nonnie advises and counsels private and public employers in all aspects of employment law. Nonnie regularly partners with clients to plan and implement reductions in force, severance plans and agreements, and pre-litigation disciplinary matters. Nonnie regularly conducts complex and high-level internal investigations for clients, including at the executive level and within key departments, 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 on the Navajo Nation and other tribal lands, including cultural and employment law training on unique tribal code requirements.

Nonnie has successfully defending 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 filed with the Industrial Commission of Arizona. Nonnie has also litigated whistleblower claims against air carriers under AIR 21 and handled investigations with numerous other federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Labor.

Nonnie regularly speaks and trains on current and emerging employment law topics, including recent presentations to industry and trade groups on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender workplace issues, joint employment challenges, avoidance of retaliation claims, etc. 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 one-of-a-kind. 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 and employees’ expectations of privacy outside the workplace.

Nonnie has received numerous accolades recognizing her skills. Nonnie was named a Rising Star by Southwest Super Lawyers in 2012, 2013 and 2014. This distinction is awarded to attorneys under the age of 40 based on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Nonnie also obtained the recognition of the legal community by receiving an AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale Hubbell beginning in 2014. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Shivers served as a law clerk to the Honorable Patricia K. Norris on the Arizona Court of Appeals.