Lakeisha R. Andress represents employers in a wide range of complex employment matters, including sensitive and high-profile internal investigations, strategic counseling, and litigation. She conducts investigations into allegations of workplace misconduct at all company levels, such as discrimination, sexual harassment, hostile work environment, and whistleblower claims. Beyond proactively advising on employment law compliance, Lakeisha strategically advises employers on all aspects of the workplace, including policies, culture, diversity and inclusion, executive employment agreements, restrictive covenants, separation agreements, reductions in force, large-scale corporate transactions, and day-to-day employment issues.
Lakeisha’s prior trial experience has equipped her to strategically navigate all phases of litigation. She defends employers in single-plaintiff and class action lawsuits in federal and state courts, arbitration, and before federal and state employment agencies. Her litigation practice focuses on claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and similar state laws.
Committed to pro bono work, Lakeisha secured a reduced sentence and compassionate release for a client with vulnerable medical conditions who was incarcerated at a facility experiencing a widespread COVID-19 outbreak.
Prior to joining Morgan Lewis, Lakeisha worked in the employment law practice at another global law firm. She also brings in-house legal experience, having served as legal director of employment law at PepsiCo Inc.
Member, Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, Pathfinder Program (2023)
Ones to Watch, Labor and Employment Law - Management, Chicago, The Best Lawyers in America (2023)
Fellow, National Employment Law Council Academy (2018)
Member, Board of Directors, Chicago Appleseed Fund for Justice (2016–2019)
Graduate Fellow, Public Interest Law Initiative (2016)