Law Bulletins
Carolyn A. Davis
Partner Columbus
- E cdavis@taftlaw.com
- T (614) 334-7187
- F (614) 221-2007
Summary
Carolyn counsels clients in all areas of labor and employment including employee hiring and termination, employment agreements, personnel policies, harassment, workplace investigations, discrimination, wage/hour issues, ADA, FMLA, NLRA, EEOC, and workers’ compensation. She has amassed a successful track record helping companies in the healthcare, hospitality, and education industries troubleshoot employee crises and conduct thorough human resource investigations. Her passion for employer-side legal issues and seasoned investigative instincts have helped make her an invaluable asset for companies needing litigation or negotiation assistance.
Since she started practicing law in 2009, Carolyn has developed extensive experience with helping employers resolve not only employee-related litigation matters, but also with negotiations and background checks. She regularly provides advice and help on topics as varied as workplace safety and health, FMLA, ADA, trade secrets, municipal law, workers’ compensation, non-compete agreements, and class action claims. Her hands-on experience with resolving employee and human resources issues, along with her sharp legal instincts and investigative skills, allow Carolyn to provide effective counsel during trials, mediation, agency proceedings and depositions.
In addition, Carolyn advises both higher and secondary education clients on public law matters. She has experience in compliance areas including, Title IX, FERPA, ADA/Section 504, Clery Act, VAWA and the DFSCA. Carolyn has successfully assisted with the implementation of student processes and procedures, trained Title IX investigators and assisted clients with education audits.
Carolyn is passionate about a number of causes in the Columbus community. She strongly advocates for women’s rights and career advancement interests through her work with the United Way of Central Ohio’s Women’s Leadership Council, the Ohio Women’s Bar Association board of directors and through her strong support of the sciences as a member of the Center of Science and Industry (COSI)’s Young Professional Board. She was also named a member of the Ohio Women’s Bar Foundation’s Leadership Institute Class of 2016-17. Carolyn’s legal accomplishments and dedicated community involvement have earned her recognition by Ohio Super Lawyers as a Rising Star for five consecutive years.
Carolyn received her J.D. and Bachelor’s degree from Case Western Reserve University.
Awards
All Service Areas
All Practices
All Industries
Education
- Case Western Reserve University School of Law (2009)
- Case Western Reserve University (2006)
Admissions
- State - Ohio
- Federal - Northern District of Ohio
- Federal - Southern District of Ohio
Speeches and Publications
- Buckeye Association of School Administrators' Adminiscope - FMLA Refresher for Schools (2017)
- National Business Institute (NBI) Seminar, “Workplace Behavioral Issues: Appropriately Handling Thorny Situations” (2016)
- National Business Institute (NBI) Seminar, "Drafting and Negotiating Business Contracts" (2015)
- Ohio State Bar Association - Employment Law Select Issues, "Employers’ Obligation to LGBT Employees and Couples" (2014)
- Employer’s Association Training, “Investigations: Purposes, Parameters and Pitfalls” (2013)
- National Business Institute (NBI) Seminar, “Employer Investigations” (2013)
- Women's Entrepreneurial Network Training, “Employee Hiring and Firing” (2013)
- Lima Society of Human Resources Management Seminar, “Social Media in the Workplace” (2013)
- Lima Society of Human Resources Management Seminar, “Employer Background Checks” (2013)
- Interviewed and quoted by The Daily Standard, “'Like it or not, Selective Protection for Social Media” (2013)
- Lima Society of Human Resources Management Seminar, “The Impact of Social Networking on Employers” (2011)
Publications
Department of Agriculture Issued Nationwide Waivers for Summer Nutrition Program, June 30, 2020
Requirements and Considerations for Educational Institutions Serving Children with Special Needs Under IDEA, Rehabilitation Act and ADA, May 8, 2020
House Bill 197 Provisions Regarding School Leadership Evaluations, Education Metrics and Distance Learning, April 28, 2020
News
Department of Agriculture Issued Nationwide Waivers for Summer Nutrition Program Law Bulletins
Requirements and Considerations for Educational Institutions Serving Children with Special Needs Under IDEA, Rehabilitation Act and ADA Law Bulletins
House Bill 197 Provisions Regarding School Leadership Evaluations, Education Metrics and Distance Learning Law Bulletins
Ohio Board Nixes Non-Competition Agreements for In-House Counsel
Past Events
Professional Affiliations
- Human Resources Association of Central Ohio
Member (2015 - present)
- Ohio Women’s Bar Foundation
Mentor
Trustee, District 5
Member, Leadership Institute (2016 - 2017) - Ohio State Bar Association
Member
- Society for Human Resource Management
Member (2015 - present)
- Ohio Women's Bar Association
Trustee, District 5
- Women Lawyers of Franklin County
Member
Community Involvement
- Abbotsford Shire
Board Member (2016 - present)
- Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
Member, Young Professional Board
Member, Blast Host Committee - United Way of Central Ohio - Women's Leadership Council
Member