Denelda practices litigation in trial and appellate courts, with emphasis on defense of claims of employment discrimination under both federal and state law. Since 2021, she has won for clients summary judgment in two lawsuits alleging employment discrimination, and, won a defense verdict in a trial over a claim of nursing home negligence.
Highlights
Prior to joining the Firm, Denelda served as law clerk to U.S. District Court Judge Sven Erik Holmes in the Northern District of Oklahoma.
Denelda's career has focused on advising and representing employers from all types of businesses and industries on matters of discrimination and harassment (Title VII, ADA, ADEA, GINA, OADA), workers’ compensation retaliatory discharge, wage issues, personnel concerns and decisions, and other related areas.
Her employment law practice has encompassed claims before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Department of Labor investigations, as well as litigation in state and federal district courts and appellate courts. In addition to employment work, Denelda has substantial experience in the areas of products liability, civil rights, and Constitutional law.
Personally, Denelda served as a foster parent in Tulsa County for more than seven years with the goal of reuniting children with the birth parents when possible. She served for many years on the Board, including as Board President, of TSHA, Inc., an organization providing support services to the deaf and hard of hearing.
Education
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Undergraduate School: Southern Nazarene University (magna cum laude)
- Law School: University of Tulsa College of Law (Highest Honors, Order of the Curule Chair)
Admitted to Practice
- Oklahoma (including its three federal district courts)
- Supreme Court of the United States
- Court of Federal Claims of the United States
- U.S. Court of Appeals (Fifth Circuit and Tenth Circuit)
- U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas
- Cherokee Nation Tribal Courts
Awards
Best Lawyers- Labor and Employment
CALI Awards in Civil Appellate Practice & Procedure; Jurisprudence; Advanced Legal Writing – Nonprofit Law Seminar; Legal Reasoning, Authorities & Writing II; and Trial Practice.