Elbert Ortiz is a persuasive, compelling, and determined advocate who gets results. His litigation experience has earned him a reputation for zealous representation and tough negotiation. Elbert’s employment based practice will focus on advice and counsel on personnel matters and the defense of employment law claims before administrative agencies and in federal and state court.

Elbert has handled significant EEOC discrimination, harassment, and reprisal disputes under Title VII for a Federal agency as well as federal employee appeals of adverse actions and USERRA claims before the Merit Systems Protection Board. Elbert served as lead counsel in each of these matters leading to favorable results for his agency.

Prior to his work for the federal government, Elbert handled copyright, contract, and business disputes for commercial clients. He offers experience in all phases of litigation and pledges quality service and results to his clients.

EXPERIENCE

• Obtained seven Summary Judgments over a two year period in favor of Federal Agency with respect to Federal employees' claims of workplace discrimination, harassment, and reprisal
• Served as First Chair before the EEOC in a hearing on the merits concerning a Federal employees numerous claims of sexual harassment and discrimination resulting in a favorable ruling for the Federal Agency;
• Successfully defended Federal Agency before the Merit Systems Protection Board concerning federal employees' USERRA claims
• Obtained Summary Judgment in favor of his client with attorney fees award in commercial landlord/tenant eviction dispute
• Assisted in successfully obtaining TRO in breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and declaration of ownership dispute regarding intellectual property in development of new oil drilling technology
• Secured favorable settlement in copyright dispute against national publishing company over use of unlicensed photo in autobiography of famous musician
• Drafted successful argument in 5th Circuit appellate brief resulting in reversal of lower court in contract dispute

EDUCATION

• J.D., University of Houston Law Center, 2016
• B.A., University of Texas at Austin, 2012

ADMITTED TO PRACTICE

• Texas

HONORS AND AWARDS

• American Society of Legal Writers' National Order of Scribes
• Order of Barristers
• State Bar of Texas Award for Excellence in Appellate Advocacy
• University of Houston Law Center Faculty Distinguished Service Award
• Eagle Scout Award

Summary: This session is designed to provide participants with fundamental knowledge of traditional labor law concepts under the National Labor Review Board. The discussion will cover unionization, unfair labor practices, and expectations of the NLRB under the Trump administration.

Powerpoint: Coming Soon!