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LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW FIRM JOHNSON JACKSON ADDS TWO NEW ATTORNEYS TO ITS ROSTER

September 28, 2023 Posted in Firm News Share

TAMPA, FL – Tampa-based labor and employment law firm Johnson Jackson PLLC today announced the addition of two new attorneys to its team. Olivia DeScala and Maddi McLeland have both joined the firm as Associate Attorneys and will work with public and private sector employers across industries on various employment law-related matters. 

“We are thrilled that Maddi and Liv have joined our team,” says Erin Jackson, Johnson Jackson Founding Shareholder. “With their impressive accomplishments and proven dedication to their work and to the law, they bring a fresh perspective to our firm. Both Maddi and Liv are shining examples of the commitment to excellence that we uphold, and we look forward to their contributions to serving our clients as they continue to excel in their legal careers." 

Olivia “Liv” DeScala graduated cum laude from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2022, earning the CALI Excellence for the Future Award® in four classes while attending. In her role with Johnson Jackson, DeScala helps employers navigate employment discrimination and retaliation claims, from designing and implementing effective policies to mitigate claims, to defending against Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charges, mediating and arbitrating claims, and litigating claims in state and federal court. Additionally, DeScala assists clients by drafting and revising handbooks, manuals, settlement and release agreements, and employee and independent contractor agreements.

“My top priority in this role is to serve as a trusted advisor and resource for employers,” DeScala says. “Employers of all sizes and types face a vast range of legal hurdles—I want our clients to feel secure knowing that we will do our absolute best in tackling these hurdles, while providing quality legal services for them.” 

Maddi McLeland earned her Juris Doctor degree from Florida State University College of Law in 2023, where she served as Secretary for the Student Bar Association. As an Associate Attorney with Johnson Jackson, McLeland defends clients in litigation involving a wide range of employment issues, ranging from discrimination and harassment claims to contract disputes and wage-hour complaints. McLeland also assists private and public employers with employment law compliance issues and helps them respond to charges and complaints filed with administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, and the National Labor Relations Board. 

“I am most looking forward to working in an environment that focuses on a growth mindset,” McLeland says. “From my first interview with Johnson Jackson, there was a clear emphasis on mentorship and a commitment to help me become the best advocate I can be. I feel incredibly lucky to work with such a fantastic group of people.”