Kari A. Deckard

We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.

- Dolly Parton

Kari A. Deckard focuses her practice on transactional matters, as well as counseling clients on all aspects of the intersection of business and employment law.

Kari advises public and private companies, small and mid-sized businesses, and non-profit organizations in complex transactions as well as day-to-day business affairs. Kari has significant experience representing both buyers and sellers during asset and equity acquisitions and divestures. Kari also has extensive experience in negotiating and drafting all types of commercial contracts, designing and remaking business entity structures, counseling clients on risk management, corporate governance and protection of intellectual property, and representing owners in alternative resolution of business disputes.

Kari’s employment law practice includes the drafting and enforcement of employment, non-competition and confidentiality agreements and defense of claims of breach of contract and wrongful and retaliatory discharge, including discrimination and harassment. She dedicates a substantial portion of her employment practice to educating, training and counseling clients on litigation avoidance strategies and compliance with state and federal laws and regulations affecting the workplace. Kari routinely counsels corporate clients in connection with employee discipline and terminations, internal investigations, employee handbook and policy development, drug and alcohol testing, employee leave and disability, and employment and post-employment agreements. She has significant experience before administrative and regulatory agencies, and in arbitration and mediation.

Kari started her career in Houston, Texas at an international law firm, where she spent 3 years honing her understanding of sophisticated legal practice and top-notch service. After the large firm experience, she spent 11 years with a small but sophisticated firm in Tulsa, Oklahoma. There, her practice expanded to include a focus on day-to-day business law counseling, and she learned about providing agile and innovative legal services from excellent lawyers.