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.