Kristen L. Brightmire has substantial legal experience in the labor and employment area, exclusively representing employers in every aspect of the practice. In non-litigation matters, Ms. Brightmire has counseled numerous clients as to employee-related matters as well as drafted or reviewed policies, handbooks, employment contracts, severance programs, severance agreements, and relocation programs. She has also represented her clients at every step of the litigation process from the administrative agency through trial and appeal. Ms. Brightmire has defended clients sued under the following legal theories:

• Title VII cases (discrimination, harassment, retaliation based upon gender, race, national origin, sex, religion)
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA )
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and state wage and hour issues
• Wrongful discharge in violation of public policy

Ms. Brightmire began her practice at Doerner Saunders in 1990. In 2002 , she left the firm to join one of her clients, CITGO Petroleum Corporation, as in-house counsel responsible for its employment, labor, and employee benefits legal matters. She remained with CITGO until its relocation of its corporate offices to Houston . Subsequently, Ms. Brightmire returned her labor and employment practice to Doerner Saunders.

In addition, Ms. Brightmire frequently lectures on various employment and labor issues and is a contributing author to, and Editor of, the Oklahoma Employment Law Letter. She has served as an Adjunct Settlement Judge for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma for over ten years, specializing in labor, employment, and benefits cases. Ms. Brightmire also serves as a private mediator in such matters.

Ms. Brightmire received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, cum laude, from the University of Tulsa in 1987, and her Juris Doctorate degree, with honors, from the University of Tulsa in 1990.