LaToya Merritt practices in the area of labor and employment with a focus on Civil Rights and Title VII, as well as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act.
She has assisted public and private entities throughout the state in matters involving race, sex, sexual/workplace harassment, discrimination, retaliation claims, reasonable accommodations, leaves of absence and wage and hour.
At the administrative level, Ms. Merritt has represented employers who are faced with charges filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board.
An important part of Ms. Merritt’s practice involves training, planning and employment advice. Specifically, she provides management and/or corporate counsel advice regarding performance evaluation/appraisal systems; development of employment policies and practices; employee handbooks and municipal employment liability.
She also provides extensive training to clients regarding managing diverse workforces and handling sexual harassment investigations. She conducts diversity training and educational programs for numerous companies throughout the region. She has trained hundreds of managers on employment law issues.
EDUCATION:
- North Carolina Central University
- J.D., cum laude, 2000; Senior Editor, North Carolina Central Law Journal;Awarded First Place Dean Mary Wright Closing Argument Competition
- Grambling State University
- B.A., magna cum laude, in Mass Communication: Public Relations, 1997; National Dean’s List; Presidential Merit Scholar
Membership:
- The Mississippi Bar – Young Lawyers’ Division; Diversity in the Law Committee (Chair, 2002-2004)
- American Bar Association
- Mississippi Women Lawyers’ Association (President, 2006-2007; Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer, 2004-2006)
- American Inns of Court, Charles Clark Chapter (Associate)
Experience:
- First Chair litigator in both jury and bench trials.
- Represents private and public employers in all facets of employment-related matters, from counseling and advising to defense of administrative and judicial complaints.
- Represents governmental entities in defense of civil rights suits.
- Conduct extensive diversity training and awareness programs for employees.
- Drafting and designing employment policies and procedures covering family and medical leave, workplace harassment, sexual harassment, military leave and employment related agreements.
Cost
Rate : $$$