Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck announced Nov. 9 that Melissa Cizmorris has joined the firm’s Denver office as a shareholder in its Litigation Department. Cizmorris represents clients in employment litigation, counseling and business transactions.
“Employers with multistate operations need legal counsel that connects day-to-day workplace decisions with litigation risk and business objectives,” said Carrie Johnson, co-chair of Brownstein’s Litigation Practice Group. “Melissa brings this expertise and expands our support for businesses navigating critical employment matters and transactions.”
Cizmorris has litigated in state and federal courts throughout Colorado, Kansas, New York and New Jersey. She represents employers in labor and employment matters involving Title VII discrimination and harassment claims, Fair Labor Standards Act wage claims, claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Family and Medical Leave Act, and noncompete and trade secret enforcement.
She also advises staffing agencies, professional employer organizations and other human resources outsourcing companies. Her practice includes conducting workplace audits and investigations, drafting employee handbooks, policies and agreements, advising on compliance issues and assisting with employee discipline and termination.
Before joining Brownstein, Cizmorris was a partner in Akerman LLP’s Labor and Employment Group.
“My work spans the full range of employment needs — from helping businesses navigate day-to-day workplace decisions to resolving disputes and supporting acquisitions,” Cizmorris said. “I look forward to bringing my experience to Brownstein and helping clients manage their employment needs as their businesses grow and evolve.”
Cizmorris earned her law degree from Brooklyn Law School and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin.