(Knoxville, TN/February 7, 2011) Kelli L. Thompson, a shareholder in the Knoxville office of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, has been named a member of the regional board of directors of the Arthritis Foundation, Southeast Region.

Ms. Thompson is a commercial and employment litigator and Rule 31 Listed General Civil Mediator. She represents a wide variety of clients, and defends franchisors in particular in franchise disputes, including claims for infringement, liquidated damages, violations of areas of protection and vicarious liability claims. She also defends employers against all types of employment, discrimination and harassment claims, as well as employment contract disputes. Ms. Thompson also advises employers with respect to preventing these claims, and provides ongoing counseling and training to employers to ensure employers are compliant with various state and federal statutes.

Ms. Thompson has received numerous accolades for her pro bono work, and has been named to several top attorney lists such as The Best Lawyers in America and Mid-South Super Lawyers for her franchise, business litigation and employment work. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law and the Tennessee Technological University.

About the Arthritis Foundation
Striking one in every five adults, arthritis is a serious, sometimes life-threatening disease and also the nation's leading cause of disability. The Arthritis Foundation is committed to reducing the impact of arthritis, which can severely damage joints and rob people, including children, of their ability to live normal lives. The Foundation provides proven programs to help fight arthritis pain, pursues public policy on behalf of patients, and supports groundbreaking research for effective treatments and a cure. Learn more online at louisiana.arthritis.org.