Deborah S. Brenneman

Deborah S. Brenneman is a partner at Thompson Hine LLP and a respected labor and employment lawyer with a strong focus on management-side representation. Her practice centers on trade secret litigation, non-compete legal challenges, and complex employment matters. She regularly advises and defends employers in state and federal courts nationwide. Through strategic counseling and courtroom advocacy, she helps organizations protect confidential information, enforce restrictive covenants, and resolve workplace disputes efficiently and lawfully.

Deborah earned her J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where she was inducted into the Order of the Coif and served as an editor of the University of Cincinnati Law Review. She also holds an M.A. and a B.S. from Ohio University. Her academic background reflects strong analytical training and a long-standing commitment to legal scholarship and professional excellence.

Deborah has handled high-stakes litigation involving trade secrets, tortious interference, discrimination claims, and wrongful termination throughout her career. She has obtained significant jury verdicts, summary judgments, and injunctive relief on behalf of employers, including publicly traded and national companies. Her experience includes enforcing non-compete agreements, defending against class and individual employment claims, and resolving disputes under federal and state employment laws.

Deborah advises employers on compliance, risk management, and workforce strategies, as well as litigation. She frequently writes and speaks on emerging employment law issues, including non-compete regulations, data protection, and the impact of new technologies on trade secrets. Her work helps businesses adapt to regulatory change while minimizing legal exposure.

Deborah has a leadership role in the labor and employment field and has earned consistent recognition from leading legal publications and peer organizations. Clients and colleagues value her practical guidance, deep subject knowledge, and ability to deliver clear solutions to complex legal challenges.

Deborah S. Brenneman is widely trusted by employers seeking experienced counsel. She can manage sensitive disputes, protect business interests, and support long-term operational stability across diverse industries and jurisdictions. Her work reflects precision, consistency, and judgment.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Thompson Hine LLP
• Member, Ohio State Bar Association
• Member, Colorado Bar Association

Licensed State

• Colorado
• Ohio

Education

• University of Cincinnati College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Ohio University
  Master of Arts
• Ohio University
  Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude

Awards & Badges