Dorothy D. (Parson) Mcdermott Email & Phone Number

Dorothy (“Dottie” Parson) McDermott concentrates her practice in the defense of civil rights and employment-related claims, as well as ERISA and Non-ERISA employee benefit matters, including bad faith and breach of contract claims. She defends employers and management in federal and state courts and before administrative entities (EEOC and similar state agencies) in matters involving the ADA, ADEA, COBRA, FMLA, Title VII, Section 1981, the Indiana Wage Payment and Claims statutes, covenant not to compete/trade secret, wrongful termination and emotional distress claims. Additionally, Dottie participates in internal FLSA audits on behalf of employers, and the defense of FLSA class action litigation. She also advises employers and management on human resource issues, reductions in force, employee handbooks, policies, severance agreements, and workplace violence prevention restraining orders. In addition, Dottie provides analysis and guidance regarding drug testing laws, and medical marijuana/marijuana related legislation impacting employers in numerous states across the United States.With respect to her employee benefits practice, Dottie defends ERISA plans, plan administrators, claim administrators, insurance companies, multiemployer benefit funds, and employers in a wide variety of employee benefits litigation involving life, health, disability, and pension claims across the country. Dottie additionally advises employers and plan administrators regarding drafting and administration of qualified retirement and welfare benefit plans, including processing of claims and appeals, determination letters and voluntary compliance program submissions.Dottie was selected as an Indiana Super Lawyer, Rising Star, for three years, in employment litigation defense, an honor bestowed on only 2.5 percent of lawyers. She is also AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell, and in Legal500. Dottie is admitted in Indiana and Wisconsin, and practices in federal courts across the US.

Listed skills include Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Product Liability, Appeals, and 30 others.

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  Principal

  Jackson Lewis P.C.

  2017 - Present - Indianapolis

  I have been practicing law about 20 years, with a focus on litigation defense of employment and 401k ERISA class actions, FLSA class actions / wage claims, and LTD/STD/life insurance ERISA and bad faith claims. A large part of my practice is also providing advice and counsel to in-house counsel and HR managers (e.g., background checks, medical marijuana and marijuana related legislation, reductions-in-force/WARN) and conducting investigations into claims of sexual harassment and discrimination. Before joining Jackson Lewis, I have always worked in large law firms during and post-law school, including a large general practice firm with headquarters in Indianapolis, a large general practice firm with headquarters in Milwaukee, and then a nationwide labor and employment / ERISA law firm with headquarters in Greenville. In 2017, I decided to join Jackson Lewis, with headquarters in New York, as it is very well known for both excellent lawyers and client service. Also attractive to me -- as a female Hispanic lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana -- is Jackson Lewis's focus and commitment to supporting diverse attorneys. JL is an AmLaw 100 law firm that is a proud member of the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion Initiative, and it is certified by the Women in Law Empowerment Forum.