Legal updates

July 29, 2024

    Clark Baird Smith LLP is pleased to announce the addition of Margaret A. Sewell as a Partner to our firm, effective July 29, 2024. Margaret joins us with over 15 years of distinguished service at the U.S. Department of Labor, where she most recently served as Deputy Regional Solicitor, Chicago Region. Her extensive background includes leadership in complex litigation, client counseling, and policy formulation across a wide spectrum of labor and employment issues, most especially involving workplace safety and wage-hour compliance under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

During her tenure at the Department of Labor, Margaret was instrumental in guiding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) through significant challenges, including navigating workplace safety issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has a proven track record in handling high-stakes litigation matters such as whistleblower claims, ERISA disputes, and discrimination cases on behalf of federal agency clients.

Prior to her role at the Chicago regional office of the Department of Labor, which began in 2008, Margaret served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Columbia, where she conducted numerous jury and bench trials and handled appeals before the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Her experience also extends to advising Congress on sensitive workplace policy matters as Counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology and Homeland Security.

"We are thrilled to welcome Margaret to our practice," said Managing Partner Bob Smith. "Her unique service in the federal government, combined with her extensive trial experience and commitment to workplace safety, will enhance our ability to advise, train and advocate effectively for our clients whatever the forum."

Margaret began her legal career as a management-side attorney at Seyfarth Shaw and she holds a J.D. "with honors" from DePaul University College of Law and an LL.M. "with distinction" from Georgetown University Law Center. She earned her B.A. from the University of Iowa, where she majored in Journalism and Mass Communications.

Please join us in welcoming Margaret Sewell to Clark Baird Smith LLP. For more information or to schedule a consultation with Margaret, please contact her directly at 847-378-7132 or msewell@cbslawyers.com.

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