Dorothy Mcdermott

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.