Jennifer Hanson Wheeler

Jennifer is a skilled employment lawyer with a diverse background in business and commercial litigation. She now devotes her practice to the representation of management in all areas of labor and employment law, but her past experience representing all types of clients (from farmers to entrepreneurs to large corporations) and across industries provides her with a unique perspective that benefits her clients. Jennifer’s colleagues describe her as smart, hard-working, and collegial; she enjoys getting to know her clients and works earnestly toward their goals.

Jennifer’s extensive experience benefits clients in a multitude of EEO and employment-related matters, including advising and litigating claims arising under the FMLA, FLSA, Title VII, Section 1981, ADEA, ADA, WARN, and other analogous state discrimination and tort laws across the country. Jennifer also has experience litigating and providing advice relating to the enforceability of employment agreements and non-compete agreements, providing advice and risk analysis related to employee handbooks and separations, and conducting investigations into workplace issues.

Advice & Counsel

Jennifer provides advice and risk mitigation strategies for employers of all sizes relating to employee hiring and separation, requests for leave or accommodations, and complaints of discrimination or retaliation. Jennifer has experience representing the newest wave of employers, including those who are fully-remote or remote-first and employers who have workers across the country. Jennifer is committed to helping clients avoid costly litigation and minimize the potential for liability. She assists clients with drafting and developing employee policies, handbooks, and training strategies to comply with the myriad of federal and state laws and reduce the risk of employment liability.

Investigations & Severance Issues

Jennifer has experience conducting sensitive internal investigations of potential wrongdoing and providing support to employers conducting such investigations. She provides advice when such internal investigations lead to termination of employees of all levels. She advises employers conducting layoffs, prepares agreements relating to the separation and severance of employees in layoff or termination situations, and negotiates the terms of separation for all levels of employees.

Employment Litigation

When litigation inevitably occurs, Jennifer draws upon her experience to seek favorable outcomes. Jennifer has represented and defended clients in front of the EEOC, in arbitration, and in court at both the trial and appellate levels, including successfully arguing appeals before the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. She has won numerous motions to dismiss and summary judgment victories for her clients. She also recognizes the benefits of early resolution and is successful in resolving claims through mediation and settlement discussion.

Before joining the Firm, Jennifer clerked for two federal judges and was a partner at a Birmingham law firm, primarily practicing business and commercial litigation and employment law. Jennifer earned her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Alabama School of Law and a B.S., summa cum laude, from the University of Alabama.

Community & Professional

• Alabama State Bar
• Birmingham Bar Association: Women Lawyers Section Board (2023-Present); Young Lawyers Section Executive Committee (2015–2021); Vice President-Communications (2018)
• Rotaract Club of Birmingham (2012-2021); Leadership Development Program (2015-2016)
• Alabama Symphony Orchestra Junior Patrons Board (2012-Present); Secretary (2012-2018)
• All Saints Episcopal Church

Recognition

• Alabama State Bar Leadership Forum, Class 15 (2020-2021)
• B-Metro Magazine “Top Attorneys” (2017-2021)
• B-Metro Magazine “Top Women Attorneys” (2015-2021)
• Birmingham Bar Association Future Leaders Forum (2014)