Ogletree Deakins has announced the addition of Melissa Peters and Eric Compere as shareholders in its San Francisco and Los Angeles offices. The firm stated that this move will strengthen its workplace safety and health practice, particularly in California.
Melissa Peters and Eric Compere have previously worked together at the California Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA). Their experience in government roles gives them insight into enforcement priorities, which they use to help employers comply with regulations. Both attorneys have worked across several regulated industries and often speak to business organizations about regulatory developments.
Managing Director Greg Cheng commented on their arrival: “Melissa and Eric’s experience leading a national OSHA practice, serving within Cal/OSHA, and advising major employers on some of the most challenging regulatory issues significantly expands the practical, proactive solutions we deliver to clients. This move reflects our commitment to exceptional client service as we continue expanding in key priority markets and practice areas.”
Melissa Peters has experience guiding employers through crisis situations such as accident investigations and multi-agency events. She represents clients during all phases of OSHA litigation and advises on compliance strategies. Her background includes work in sectors like energy, healthcare, telecommunications, construction, manufacturing, and logistics.
Eric Compere uses his litigation background to represent clients throughout administrative hearings related to OSHA citations. He offers guidance on new OSHA regulations, crisis response, internal investigations, safety audits, and mandatory safety plans. He also participates in public advocacy by drafting regulatory comments and supporting judicial challenges for industry groups. His clients include those from high-hazard industries such as logistics, construction, manufacturing, automotive, logging, energy, robotics, healthcare, and agriculture.
Karen Tynan, co-chair of Ogletree Deakins’ Workplace Safety and Health practice group said: “I’ve known Melissa and Eric and admired their work for years. Their agency and private‑sector experience will be a tremendous asset to our clients. We are excited to welcome them to our growing West Coast practice.”
The hiring of Peters and Compere follows other recent additions by Ogletree Deakins on the West Coast earlier this year.
Ogletree Deakins is among the largest labor and employment law firms representing management globally with more than 1,100 attorneys across 60 offices worldwide. The firm handles various employment-related legal matters including labor relations, workplace safety issues, employee benefits concerns as well as business immigration matters according to information available at www.ogletree.com.