Overview
Dean is co-chair of the Labor Relations Practice Group and represents management interests in all areas of labor and employment law.
He advises employers of all sizes—from large national companies to nonprofits—on labor negotiations, union campaigns, and workforce management strategies. Dean is committed to helping organizations build systems and cultures where employees can perform at their best while being their authentic selves, working closely with executives and HR leaders to deliver practical, business-focused solutions.
Dean's practice centers on traditional labor law, including defending unfair labor practice charges before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), representing employers in collective bargaining negotiations, arbitrating labor grievances, and guiding clients through union organizing campaigns and elections. He has deep experience handling disputes over collective bargaining agreements and supervisor status under the NLRA, and routinely provides management training on labor relations strategy and compliance.
Beyond labor relations, Dean defends employers in employment litigation before state and federal courts, including discrimination, retaliation, and disability claims. He has successfully litigated matters at the appellate level, including arguing an issue of first impression before the Missouri Supreme Court. Dean is equally dedicated to proactive counseling, delivering training on topics such as implicit bias, anti-harassment, investigations, and employee relations to help employers mitigate risk and strengthen workplace culture. He also serves in leadership roles within professional and civic organizations, reflecting his commitment to fostering inclusive, effective workplaces and communities.
Honors & Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Employment Law – Management (2024-2025), Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment (2025-2026)
- “Top 40 Under 40”, National Black Lawyers (2016)
- Who's Who Diversity in Color, Bold & Brightest Inductee (2017)
- The Power 100 Most Influential Black Professionals in St. Louis, Delux Magazine (2017)
- Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers®, Rising Star (2018-2025)
About Me
Outside of work, Dean loves exploring new places and returning to his favorite cities around the world. He’s a big fan of R&B music and never passes up a good brunch. A proud University of Missouri alum, Dean soaks up the full college football experience—from the excitement in the stadium to the tailgating traditions that make game day unforgettable.
Experience
Representative Matters
- Representing a large auto repair retailer against age discrimination and retaliation claims, successfully briefed and argued an issue of first impression in front of the Missouri Court of Appeals and Missouri Supreme Court regarding whether the Missouri Human Rights Act applies extraterritorially to a Plaintiff who worked outside the State of Missouri.
- Representing and advising a large school bus company, successfully oversaw and managed dozens of union organizing campaigns and elections all across the country.
- Representing a large non-profit organization obtained the dismissal of numerous unfair labor practice charges filed with the NLRB, including allegations that the organization engaged in bad-faith bargaining by unlawfully withholding a wage increase from union employees because of their union activity.
- Representing a large non-profit organization, and successfully litigated whether a group of employees were 2(11) supervisors under the Act in front of the NLRB.
- Representing a large fixed-route bus transportation entity, successfully obtained dismissals of a single plaintiff’s claims of disability discrimination claims under both the MHRA and the ADA in Missouri Circuit Court as well as the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Missouri.
- Representing a large fixed-route transportation company, successfully argued a motion to compel arbitration in front of the United States District Court of the Western District of Missouri. Additionally, successfully briefed before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, the validity of arbitration agreements mandating arbitration between the employer and employees and the District Court’s dismissal of the plaintiff’s action due to his failure and/or refusal to arbitrate pursuant to the District Court’s Order.
- Representing a large fixed-route transportation company, successfully assisted in collective bargaining negotiations to resolve large work stoppage.
- Representing a large transportation company operating a large school bus operation, assisted in the investigation of a wild cat strike.
Credentials
Education
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- J.D., 2010
- Symposium Editor, Law Review
University of Missouri-Columbia
- B.A., 2007
Media
News
Events
Professional & Civic Associations
Civic
- Former Chair, City of St. Louis Civil Service Commission
- Former Member, Board of Directors, Epworth Children & Family Services
- Former Member, Board of Directors, Governing Board for Safe Connections
- Member, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
- Member, Board of Directors, Zeta Alpha Chapter Foundation
Professional
- Missouri Bar, Member
- Bar Association of Metropolitan Saint Louis, President, Labor & Employment Division
- Human Resource Management Association of Greater St. Louis, Member
- Society for Human Resource Management, Member
- American Bar Association, Member, Employment and Labor Law Litigation Sections
Services
Admissions
- Missouri
- Arkansas
- U.S. District Court - AR - E.D., W.D.
- U.S. District Court - MO - E.D., W.D.
- U.S. District Court - TN - W.D.
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Second, Fifth, and Eighth Circuits
"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members."
Coretta Scott King
