Bryant Miller Olive

Denise M. Heekin

Attorney

Office phone: 305-374-7349

dheekin@bmolaw.com

Office Location: Miami

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PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Denise Heekin is the chair of Bryant Miller Olive’s Labor and Employment practice group and serves as the Managing Shareholder of the Miami Office. Ms. Heekin is Board-Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Florida Bar, which designates her as an expert in the field. Ms. Heekin has represented management exclusively in the practice of labor and employment law throughout her entire legal career. She has advised clients in both the private and public sectors in all aspects of labor and employment law.

Ms. Heekin represents employers in a wide range of employment litigation matters and practices before federal and state courts and the various federal and state administrative agencies. These matters include claims of discrimination based upon a protected basis (e.g., race, gender, national origin, religion, age, and/or disability), claims of retaliation and constitutional claims under both the federal and state constitutions. Such employment claims also include whistleblower claims, wage and hour claims, breach of contract claims, and a variety of tort claims. Ms. Heekin focuses on prevention and routinely advises management on the adoption of appropriate workplace policies and procedures, conducts investigations on workplace issues/incidents, and provides training to management and staff. The goal of prevention is to avoid litigation, but if it can’t be avoided, put employers in the best possible position to prevail.

Ms. Heekin’s practice also includes advising employers about labor relations. This includes providing advice on union election campaigns, how to maintain a union-free workplace, and strategies for collective bargaining. Ms. Heekin represents employers before the National Labor Relations Board and the Florida Public Employee Relations Commission in both representation (union organizing) and unfair labor practice cases. She also represents employers in collective bargaining negotiations and in the grievance and arbitration processes.

In addition to representing employers, Ms. Heekin represents both public sector and private sector entities in connection with claims brought pursuant to the public services and public accommodations provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Ms. Heekin received her B.B.A. from Loyola University New Orleans and her J.D. from Tulane Law School in 1991, where she was inducted into the Order of the Coif.

EDUCATION

College: Loyola University New Orleans- B.B.A., 1987

Law School: Tulane College of Law – Order of the Coif, cum laude, 1991

BAR ADMISSIONS

The Florida Bar, 1991

COURT ADMISSIONS

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida

U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida

All Florida Courts

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

Florida Bar, City County and Local Government Law Section, Member

Florida Bar, Labor and Employment Section, Member

American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Section, Member

CIVIC ACTIVITIES

American Legion, Post 36, Women’s Auxiliary, former First Vice President and Chaplain

Broward County League of Cities, Associate Member, Firm Representative

HONORS & AWARDS

Florida Super Lawyer, 2019-2023

Best Lawyers in America since 2022

Recognized in South Florida Top Rated Lawyers

Rated AV®Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbel Peer Review Ratings

South Florida Legal Guide Top Lawyer 

 

PUBLICATIONS

Financing Alternatives Under Home Rule Power: Florida School Board Attorneys’ Association, May 1997

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