Lavern was named FordHarrison's first Talent and Recruiting Partner in 2018. In this role, she is responsible for recruiting and developing lawyers firm-wide. She oversees the hiring and on-boarding of new lawyers, manages utilization and workflow, and designs and implements talent development initiatives to support the career growth of our lawyers.
Prior to taking on this role, Lavern concentrated her legal practice on defending employers in discrimination, harassment, wage and hour, whistle-blower, retaliation, employment/business torts and wrongful termination litigation, in both state and federal courts.
Lavern also represented employers in defending charges of discrimination before the EEOC, state and local human rights commissions. Lavern has experience in representing employers in a variety of industries, including airline, banking, cable installation, correction, healthcare, insurance, retail, restaurant, and not-for-profit industries.
Lavern frequently counseled employers on employee discipline, terminations, sexual harassment avoidance, and internal investigations. Lavern also conducted employee trainings, and drafted settlement agreements, general releases, employee policies and employee handbooks.
During law school, Lavern was a Moot Court Board Member and placed in the Top Ten Overall Best Oral Advocates at the 2005 William H. McGee Civil Rights Moot Court Competition. She also participated in the Black Law Students' Association serving as its President from 2004-2005. Lavern is a member of Phi Delta Phi Honor Society and served as a Stetson Ambassador. Lavern also served as a judicial intern for the Honorable Mark A. Pizzo, District Court for Middle District of Florida.