Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. (Ogletree Deakins), one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, is pleased to announce that Buena Vista Lyons is joining the firm’s Dallas office as shareholder. Lyons was the managing partner at FordHarrison’s Dallas office until her arrival at Ogletree Deakins. Lyons is an employment litigator who is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

“Vista is a strong advocate for employers and reflects the qualities of delivering value and premier client service that our firm is known for,” said Bryant McFall, managing shareholder of Ogletree Deakins’ Dallas office. “Employers that have worked with Vista know how talented and tenacious she is representing her clients.”

“Attracting Vista to our firm is a significant coup, and we are excited to have her join us,” said Michelle Wimes, director of Professional Development and Inclusion. “We are committed to having a highly talented, vibrant workforce that reflects the growing diversity of our communities and our clients, which, in turn, generates the highest quality of legal service.”

Lyons has a robust litigation practice where she represents employers across the United States with a depth of experience in the healthcare, cosmetics, airline, and hospitality industries. She defends management in state and federal court actions involving discrimination and sexual harassment claims, whistleblower/retaliation and constructive discharge matters, Family and Medical Leave Act claims, Fair Labor Standards Act collective actions, Texas administrative wage and hour claims, defamation and other employment-related torts, and breach of non-disclosure, non-competition and non-solicitation agreements.

Lyons also counsels and trains management on multi-state, federal and international employment practice issues; prepares and reviews anti-discrimination/harassment training programs; audits personnel handbooks, policies and procedures; and advises on reduction-in-force plans and severance/retention plans.

Lyons has been lauded by her clients and peers for her abilities. She was featured in Law360’s “Top Litigators” series; earned the Most Powerful and Influential Women of Texas Award from the National Diversity Council; and was named a “Company and Executive Women Worth Watching,” by Diversity Journal Practices. She served as a Director of the Dallas Bar Association and also as Past President of the J.L. Turner Legal Association, the African-American bar association of Dallas. Lyons earned her J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law. During law school, she was the recipient of the Lucy M. Moore Endowed Presidential Scholarship in Law.

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