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Whitney M. Dowdy

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Whitney M. Dowdy, chair of Baker Donelson's New Litigator Group, represents employers and management clients regarding all aspects of employment law, with an emphasis on the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, and discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims.

Featured Video


Implementing the Title IX 2024 Final Rule in the Midst of State-Level Legal Challenges July 24, 2024

Featured Experience


Successfully handled audits by the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division, OSHA, and the OFCCP for multiple employers.

Obtained summary judgment in federal court in Houston, Texas for a medical device manufacturer in a case filed by a former employee alleging disability discrimination, FMLA interference, and workers' compensation retaliation. 

Secured numerous "no cause" findings for multiple employers before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Tennessee Human Rights Commission, and many other state agencies.

Professional Biography


As a shareholder in the Memphis office, Ms. Dowdy has extensive experience representing clients in employment matters before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, state agencies, and in various state and federal courts.

Ms. Dowdy's work for employers includes drafting employee handbooks and policies, training supervisors and managers on the implementation of these policies, and providing guidance and advice on current employment-related legislation and agency initiatives. Ms. Dowdy has successfully defended employers against employee claims and audits by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, and various other state and federal agencies.

Ms. Dowdy also regularly advises higher education institutions on matters related to Title IX. Specifically, Ms. Dowdy serves as a Title IX investigator and provides training on Title IX investigations for higher education institutions.

Ms. Dowdy has experience representing other clients in eminent domain matters, appellate actions, and business or commercial litigation.

Ms. Dowdy previously served as law clerk to The Honorable Karl S. Forester, U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

Education

  • University of Kentucky College of Law, J.D., 2004
    • Editor in Chief – Journal of Natural Resources and Environmental Law
  • Transylvania University, B.A., 2001

Admissions

  • Tennessee, All Courts
  • Kentucky, All Courts
  • United States District Court for the Western and Eastern Districts of Kentucky
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee
  • Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

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