Thomas L. Henderson

Thomas L. Henderson is a shareholder in the Memphis office of Ogletree Deakins and a trusted advocate for management in labor and employment law for over 35 years. He has served as lead counsel in numerous jury trials across the United States, defending clients in high-stakes litigation involving employment discrimination, harassment, FMLA, ERISA, trade secrets, and unfair competition.

Thomas earned his J.D. from the University of Memphis in 1985 and holds a B.S. from Christian Brothers University, awarded in 1981. Mr. Henderson is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and federal district and appellate courts throughout the country, as well as all Tennessee courts, giving him extensive jurisdictional reach.

Thomas’s practice spans a wide range of employment law issues, including class actions, wage and hour disputes, whistleblower claims, and benefit litigation. He also represents employers in NLRB elections and proceedings involving unfair labor practices. His work is particularly impactful in regulated industries such as healthcare and hospitality, where compliance and litigation risks are heightened.

Thomas is a nationally recognized employment lawyer, honored in The Best Lawyers in America® every year from 2005–2025 in Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, and Litigation – Labor and Employment. He also holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer rating for legal skill, integrity, and professional ethics.

In addition to his legal practice, Thomas L. Henderson is a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America and an active member of the Diversity Law Institute and The Trial Law Institute. He frequently contributes to legal thought leadership through speaking engagements, published works, and commentary in national media.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins
• Adjunct Professor of Labor Law, University of Mississippi School of Law (2022-)
• Board of Directors, Memphis Bar Association (2020-2022)
• Member, Memphis Bar Foundation
• Member, Tennessee Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Foundation
• Member, Federal Bar Association

Licensed State

• Tennessee

Education

• University of Memphis
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Christian Brothers University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges