LaToya Fortner Merritt

LaToya Merritt practices in the area of labor and employment with a focus on Civil Rights and Title VII, as well as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act. She has assisted public and private entities throughout the state in matters involving race, sex, sexual/workplace harassment, discrimination, retaliation claims, reasonable accommodations, leaves of absence and wage and hour. Ms. Merritt serves as the deputy practice coordinator of Phelps Dunbar's Jackson labor and employment group.

At the administrative level, Ms. Merritt has represented employers who are faced with charges filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board.

An important part of Ms. Merritt’s practice involves training, planning, and employment advice. Specifically, she provides management and/or corporate counsel advice regarding performance evaluation/appraisal systems; development of employment policies and practices; employee handbooks and municipal employment liability. She also provides extensive training to clients regarding managing diverse workforces and handling sexual harassment investigations. She conducts diversity training and educational programs for numerous companies throughout the region. She has trained hundreds of managers on employment law issues.