Porter Wright is proud to announce that Jenni Edwards has joined the firm as a partner in our Labor and Employment Practice. Jenni brings to Porter Wright a distinguished career advising clients in both the public and private sectors. Frequently consulted by senior executives, she has a strong track record in handling high-stakes employment matters, including negotiating complex collective bargaining agreements, developing litigation strategies, and leading sensitive internal investigations.

Jenni has led investigations into some of the most challenging workplace scenarios. Her work includes investigating allegations of a hostile work environment, race and sex-based misconduct, and other serious claims against C-suite executives of Fortune 500 and Fortune 650 companies.

In the labor sector, Jenni served as the lead negotiator for public sector bargaining units ranging from as few as five to as many as 3,500 members. She has represented public sector entities in fact-finding and conciliation hearings and provided guidance to the Columbus Civilian Review Board Working Group on labor-related issues.

Jenni's litigation background is equally robust. She secured a full defense verdict as lead counsel in a federal jury trial involving claims of age discrimination and breach of contract and has argued before the Ohio Supreme Court on a novel issue of statutory interpretation of Ohio’s public-sector labor law. Her experience also includes leading defense efforts in federal litigation under the Railway Labor Act and the Stored Communications Act, as well as arbitration cases involving complex labor disputes.

Jenni’s credentials include admissions to the Ohio Bar, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and both the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio. She is an active member of several professional associations, including the Ohio State Bar Association, the Columbus Bar Association, and the Ohio Public Employer Labor Relations Association. Her achievements have been recognized by Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America®, Ohio Super Lawyers, and The Legal 500 United States, among others.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jenni to the firm,” said Chris Russell, Chair of Porter Wright’s Labor and Employment Department. “Her depth of experience, particularly in high-pressure situations, and her commitment to finding practical solutions for clients will make her an invaluable addition to our team. Jenni’s ability to navigate complex legal challenges with skill and precision will greatly benefit our clients, and we look forward to the positive impact she will have on our practice.”