Kelli L. Thompson is a commercial and employment litigator and Rule 31 Listed General Civil Mediator. Ms. Thompson 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 represents employers in Title VII discrimination and harassment claims, ERISA, FMLA, ADA, THRA, FLSA and ADEA claims, and employment contract disputes. She also represents parties in addressing the enforceability of noncompete agreements and confidentiality agreements. In addition, Ms. Thompson advises employers with respect to preventing employment claims. She also provides ongoing counseling and training to employers so that they can ensure they are compliant with various state and federal statutes. She also advises employers so that they maintain a positive and stimulating work environment for their employees, which in turn supports a productive and profitable business for the employer.
- Ms. Thompson has been published and has spoken at many seminars designed to provide employers with insight into state and federal laws under the ADA, ADEA, ERISA, Title VII, THRA, WARN, FLSA as well as other state and federal laws applicable to employers.
- Ms. Thompson has also published and presented materials related to liability for franchisors for vicarious liability at the International Franchise Association Legal Symposium and has served in various capacities on the IFA's Legal Symposium Planning Task Force.
- Tennessee Chapter, Covenants Against Competition in Franchise Agreements, Second Edition (2002)
- Recipient – Baker Donelson's Knoxville Office Pro Bono Award (2007, 2010)
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America® in the area of Franchise Law (since 2008)
- Listed in Mid-South Super Lawyers (since 2008)
- Voted a Top Attorney by her peers in CityView Magazine (2009 – 2011)
- Member – American (Forum on Franchising; Labor & Employment Section), Tennessee and Knoxville Bar Associations
- Board of Directors – Arthritis Foundation, National Board (2012 – present)
- Board of Directors – Arthritis Foundation, Southeast Region (2010 – present)
- Advocacy Chair, Board Member, Chair (2009 – 2011) – East Tennessee Advisory Council of the Arthritis Foundation (2006 – present)
- Board of Directors – The Restoration House of East Tennessee, Inc. (Chair, 2012)
- Volunteer – Youth for Understanding
- Recipient – disABILITY Resource Center's Spirit of the ADA Community Leader Award (2007)
- Former Member – Pro Bono Project Advisory Board (1991 – 1996)
- Member – Tennessee Bar Foundation (IOLTA Grant Review Committee, 1993 – 1995)
- Hamilton Burnette American Inns of Court, Student Member (1989), Barrister Member (1991 – 1993), Member (2004 – present)
- Tennessee, 1989
- United States District Court (Eastern District Tennessee, 1990; Middle District, 1993, Western District, 1998)
- United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, 1991
- United States Supreme Court, 1993
- University of Tennessee, J.D., 1989, with honors
- Tennessee Technological University, B.S., 1986, Business Management, emphasis Human Relations