Nonnie Shivers

Employment Law; Litigation; Higher Education; Appellate; RIF/WARN; Leaves of Absence/Reasonable Accommodation; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Compliance; Multistate Advice and Counseling; Workplace Investigations and Organizational Assessments; Workforce Analytics and Compliance

Nonnie partners with employers and managers in three primary ways: litigation avoidance through proactive and maximally compliant 50-state counsel and training; complex workplace investigations including at the C-Suite level; and litigating legally complex and factually challenging cases to defend employers’ lawful actions. Nonnie possesses super subject matter expertise in highly regulated industries, representing air carriers, nuclear, energy, mining and education, as well as retail and e-commerce. As a Chambers-rated eminent practitioner leading the largest and only Band 1 Chambers-ranked employment practice in Arizona, clients have provided accolades on Nonnie’s “terrific, responsive and pragmatic” service, stating:

“Nonnie stays completely up to date with changes in case law and is always ahead of the law.”

“Her skill as a trusted adviser for employment matters is impeccable. She easily works across jurisdictions through the US and gains the confidence of the most skeptical member of any executive team.”

“Nonnie has built a rock-solid reputation for guiding some of the largest and most significant organizations in the country, and challenging & developing both in-house counsel and the organizations’ in-house HR teams. Nonnie has modeled what true excellence in employment law and employee relations looks and acts like, inspiring others to emulate her passion and competence. I truly don’t know what better looks like.”

Nonnie advises and counsels employers in all aspects of employment law, including an emphasis on complex but proactive compliance projects, such as full-day workplace investigations training and lawful parental leave programs. Nonnie regularly partners with clients to plan and implement reductions in force, severance plans and agreements, and pre-litigation disciplinary matters. Nonnie regularly conducts high-level internal investigations for clients and assists in identifying and resolving potential areas of liability and exposure in a proactive but practical way. Nonnie’s unique practice also includes providing employment advice for employers doing business within the Navajo Nation’s territorial jurisdiction and other tribal lands, including training on unique tribal code requirements.

Nonnie has successfully defended employers against allegations of discrimination, sexual harassment and wrongful termination in state and federal court, as well as administrative forums. Nonnie has successfully handled hundreds of charges with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona Civil Rights Division, as well as claims and appeals filed with the Industrial Commission of Arizona related to paid sick leave and wage claims. Nonnie has also litigated whistleblower retaliation claims against air carriers under AIR 21 and handled investigations and enforcement actions with numerous other federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Labor and other employers under SOX.

Nonnie regularly speaks and trains on current and emerging employment law topics, including recent presentations to industry and trade groups on ground-breaking approaches to lawful diversity, equity and inclusion programs, accommodations in the workplace under the Americans with Disabilities Act, avoidance of retaliation claims, political expression in the workplace and lawful equal employment opportunity programs. Nonnie’s advanced degree in education and years of experience as an instructor and student affairs professional at Arizona State University help make her training sessions and presentations simultaneously educational and entertaining. Nonnie has also published extensively on all aspects of employment law, including a book chapter on the impact of reasonable workplace accommodations for employees with disabilities on employers, employees’ expectations of privacy for off-duty conduct, and most recently an article on ADA caselaw related to benefits.

Nonnie has received numerous accolades from clients and legal professionals for her dedicated client focus and problem-solving abilities. Nonnie has been rated as an AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell since 2008, and Chambers USA first ranked Nonnie as a Leading Individual in 2015, now ranking her an Eminent Practitioner, the highest possible rating. Best Lawyers added Nonnie to its list of recognized practitioners in 2016, among other honors. Prior to joining the firm, Nonnie served as a law clerk to the Honorable Patricia K. Norris on the Arizona Court of Appeals (Division One).

Member, Merit Selection Panel for United States Magistrate Judge, District of Arizona (2025-2026)

Law360 Editorial Advisory Boards (2024)

Arizona Community Foundation – Grant Program Review Committee (2018 and 2019)

Lambda Legal in Arizona – Event Co-Chair (2018 and 2019)

Member, American Employment Law Council (AELC) (2022-present)

American Bar Association (Employment Law Section)

Federal Bar Association

Arizona State Bar, Labor & Employment Section Member

Chair and Member, Arizona State Bar Continuing Legal Education Committee (2009-2016)

Member, Arizona State Bar Board of Legal Specialization (2014-2016)

Instructor, Arizona State Bar Professionalism Course (2009-2016)

Member, Arizona State Bar Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Task Force (2011)

Member, City of Avondale Judicial Advisory Board (2014-2016)