Julie Z. Devine is a trial lawyer with 22 years of experience. She has extensive experience in all areas of litigation and employment counselling for employers in various industries including elementary and secondary education, municipalities, libraries, retail, restaurant, automotive/transportation, shipping, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, non-profits, telecommunications, call centers, and hospitality. She has represented employers in a wide range of single-plaintiff, multi-plaintiff, and class action lawsuits. She has successfully defended employers in state and federal court and government investigations involving claims for discrimination, harassment, and retaliation relating to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”), Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”), Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”), Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), Missouri Human Rights Act (“MHRA”), Illinois Human Rights Act, Missouri Worker’s Compensation Act, Illinois Worker’s Compensation Act, and Missouri and Illinois common law claims.   

Julie also regularly provides advice and counseling to employers of all sizes about an array of compliance issues including hiring practices, credit and background checks, drug and alcohol policies and testing, workplace safety, employee discipline and terminations, accommodating employees with disabilities, religious expression in the workplace, social media and technology, arbitration clauses, employment agreements, non-compete agreements, and separation and severance agreements.

Julie also has extensive experience with cases and administrative proceedings involving complex medical and psychiatric issues including disability discrimination and failure to accommodate claims, civil litigation involving allegations of extensive medical and psychiatric damages, and appropriate placements for students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Julie has also successfully litigated a broad range of cases on behalf of public schools involving claims by students, employees, and visitors.  This includes cases related to special education services, personal injuries, and matters involving sovereign immunity arguments.

Julie began her legal career in New York City, where she represented children with disabilities in the foster care system related to their special education needs.

Julie earned her J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School. In 2020 and 2021, Julie was named Top Attorney by St. Louis Small Business Monthly. She was also named a Super Lawyer, by Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers.