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

Heather also has a robust advice and counsel practice where she advises clients on hiring, discipline, termination, wage and hour issues, accommodation and leave issues, reduction in force (WARN issues) and workplace protective orders. She also drafts handbooks and employment policies.

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 Partner-in-Charge of Frost Brown Todd’s Indianapolis office.

Other Info About Heather

Experience

Legal Work Highlights

Eastman v. Reid Hospital & Health Care Resources, Inc. – summary judgement granted on ADA and Title VII claims.

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, 2020-2025

Chambers USA, Labor & Employment, 2013-2024

Selected for inclusion in Indiana Super Lawyers®, 2014-2024

Selected for inclusion in Indiana Rising Stars®, 2009

Top 25 Women Attorneys in Indiana, 2016, 2017, 2019-2022

Indianapolis Bar Foundation, Distinguished Life Fellow, 2021
Indianapolis Bar Foundation, Distinguished Fellow, 2009

IBJ Women of Influence, 2019

 

Professional Affiliations

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

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

Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Board Member, 2014-2023

Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Civil Justice Committee, Chair, 2009-2022

Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana, Indiana Employment Section, former Chair

Indianapolis Bar Association, Labor and Employment Committee, former Chair

Seventh Circuit Bar Association

Federal Bar Association

Civic Activities

Civic & Charitable Organizations

Indiana Chamber, Board of Directors, former Chair, 2014-2023
Indiana Chamber, Civil Justice Committee Chair

Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, Chairperson, 2022-present
Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, Board Member, 2016-2022
Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, Executive Committee, 2017-present

Indiana University Maurer School of Law, Board of Visitors Member

Indiana Repertory Theater, former Board Member
Indiana Repertory Theater, former Strategic Planning, Radio Show and Finance Committees

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:

Finance Committee, Member

Lateral Partner Recruiting Committee, former Member

Advancement Committee, former Member

Executive Committee, former Member

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