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    Biography

    Heather concentrates her practice in employment litigation and general business counseling. She represents employers in both federal and state court involving claims under Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), covenants not to compete and wage claims.

    Heather represents employers in proceedings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. She also counsels employers on litigation avoidance.

    Additionally, Heather provides training programs for clients & human resources professionals including the following topics:

    • Navigating the Legal Issues Employers Face With Social Networking
    • Demystifying Covenants Not to Compete
    • Recruiting/Hiring for the Discriminating Employer
    • Maintaining a Harassment Free Workplace
    • Investigating Employee Conduct
    • Harassment and Discrimination in the Classroom
    • Practical Tips to Reduce Risks in Interviewing, Firing and Handling Workplace Issues
    • The Essentials of Recruiting and Hiring
    • Preventing Harassment in the Workplace
    • Investigating and Documenting the Worker’s Compensation Injury
    • The Family and Medical Leave Act
    • Investigating Employee Misconduct and Disciplining and Discharging an Employee
    • Common and Costly Mistakes Employers Make in Paying Their Workforce
    • Retaliation: A New Frontier
    • Diversity: Understanding and Appreciating our Differences
    • Practical Tips for Conducting Performance Reviews and Coaching

    Heather also served for several years as Member-in-Charge of Frost Brown Todd’s Indianapolis office.

    Other Info About Heather

    Experience

    Legal Work Highlights

    Abdullah Ennin v. CNH Industrial – summary judgment granted on claims under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, FMLA and miscellaneous state law claims. Affirmed by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

    Anthony Bridges v. SVC Manufacturing, Inc.–summary judgment granted on claim under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

    Howard D. Harris v. SVC Manufacturing, Inc. et al.–summary judgment granted on race claims under Title VII.

    Timothy Runyon v. Applied Extrusion Technologies, Inc.–obtained judgment as a matter of law on claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.  Affirmed by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

    Krysten Overly v. KeyBank et al.–summary judgment granted on gender, harassment and retaliation claims under Title VII.  Affirmed by Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

    Brunker v. Schwan’s Home Service, Inc.–summary judgment granted on claim under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

    Jacques Jeanlouis v. Product Action International, LLC–summary judgment granted on national origin discrimination.

    Michael Childers v. Product Action International, Inc.–summary judgment granted on wrongful discharge claim. Affirmed by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

    Deborah Mayer v. Monroe County Community School Corp, et al.— summary judgment granted on First Amendment claim and retaliation. Affirmed by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

    John Gause v. Tobias Insurance Group, Inc.–action for declaratory judgment, preliminary injunction and tortious interference involving a non-solicitation clause.

    Brown v. Danville Community School Corp.–summary judgment granted on sexual harassment, discrimination claims.

    Education

    Law School

    Indiana University Maurer School of Law, J.D., 1997

    Undergraduate School

    Indiana University, Bloomington, B.A., 1990

    Bar Memberships

    Heather is licensed to practice in the following state(s):

    Indiana

    Recognition

    Local & National Recognition

    The Best Lawyers in America®, Employment Law – Management, 2020-2022

    IBJ Women of Influence, 2019

    Chambers USA, Labor & Employment, 2013-2021

    Selected for inclusion in Indiana Super Lawyers®, 2009, 2014–2022; Top 25: 2022 Women Indiana Super Lawyers

    Top 25 Women Attorneys in Indiana, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2021

    Distinguished Fellow, Indianapolis Bar Foundation, 2009

    Professional Affiliations

    Professional Affiliations & Memberships

    Board of Visitors, Indiana University Maurer School of Law, 2019-present

    Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, Board Member, 2016-present, Executive Committee, 2017-present

    Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Board Member, 2014-present

    Indiana Repertory Theatre, Board Member, 2016-present

    Indiana Chamber of Commerce Civil Justice Committee, Chair

    Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana Indiana Employment Section, former Chair

    Indianapolis Bar Association Labor and Employment Committee, former Chair

    Defense Research Institute

    Seventh Circuit Bar Association

    Federal Bar Association

    American Bar Association

    Civic Activities

    Civic & Charitable Organizations

    Indiana Chamber Board of Directors
    Indiana Chamber Civil Justice Committee Chair

    Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee Board
    Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee Executive Committee

    Indiana Repertory Theater Board Member
    Indiana Repertory Theater Strategic Planning Committee

    2019 American Cancer Society ResearcHERS Ambassadors

    2016 W.I.S.H. Women for Make-a-Wish

    Firm Committees

    Heather serves or has served in the following leadership role(s) at Frost Brown Todd:

    Advancement Committee, former Member

    Executive Committee, former Member

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