Ogletree Deakins Elevates Three to Office Managing Shareholder
ATLANTA – February 17, 2026 – Ogletree Deakins, one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, is pleased to announce three new office managing shareholders. The new leaders include Jennifer Colvin in the firm’s Chicago office, Katherine Manuel in San Francisco, and Michael McKnight in Raleigh.
Colvin succeeds Tobias Schlueter as office managing shareholder in Chicago. As a labor and employment litigator who has been with the firm for nearly 20 years, Colvin provides advice and counsel on matters such as employee handbooks, personnel policies, downsizing, family and medical leaves, medical examinations, drug testing, discipline and discharge, and non-compete and non-solicitation issues to litigation and alternative dispute resolution of claims under federal, state and local employment laws. Colvin’s labor practice also includes advising companies on grievances and representing them in labor arbitrations and tort-related matters.
Manuel, who has been with the firm for over 12 years and started in Ogletree’s Chicago office, follows Lisa Hamasaki as office managing shareholder in San Francisco. Manuel is an experienced employment litigator who defends companies of all sizes in lawsuits and government agency matters involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour, whistleblower, breach of contract, defamation, tort, medical leave, and unfair competition claims, in both California and Illinois. Manuel also devotes a portion of her practice to counseling employers on various employment law issues with a particular focus on leaves of absence and accommodation matters.
McKnight steps in for Robert Sar as office managing shareholder in Raleigh after more than 18 years at the firm. McKnight provides counsel and representation for employers across all types of labor and employment matters. In addition, he has extensive experience as an advocate for employers in administrative agency proceedings, investigations, and audits before state and federal Equal Employment Opportunity, Occupational Safety and Health, and Wage and Hour enforcement agencies. He routinely advises employers in investigating and responding to workplace accidents, injuries, and fatalities. McKnight also serves as co-chair of the firm’s Manufacturing Industry Group.
About Ogletree Deakins
With more than 1,100 attorneys in 60 offices worldwide, Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management. We handle all types of employment-related legal matters, including traditional labor and employment, workplace safety, employee benefits, and business immigration matters. Guided by our Client Pledge, we focus on understanding clients’ business and objectives, collaborating and anticipating needs, harnessing technology and innovation, communicating effectively, and providing quality representation with exceptional value. www.ogletree.com