Janica Pierce Tucker

Janica is the partner-in-charge of the Taft Columbus office. Her practice focuses on representing clients in all aspects of employment and labor law. She advises employers regarding legal planning and policy analysis and formulation, including preparation of employee handbooks and represents colleges and universities regarding labor and employment matters, public records, and tenure decisions. She also represents primary and secondary schools.  She also represents employers in defense against a broad range of employment claims including sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation and wrongful discharge matters. As a litigator, Janica is also active in other aspects of civil trial, appellate litigation and commercial litigation as part of her practice. She is also Title IX certified. She provides Title IX training, conducts investigations that include Title IX, Clery, and VAWA.

Active in the community, Janica has been recognized by her peers on numerous occasions. She is a 2018 Fellow for the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity and is listed in Ohio Super Lawyers for employment and labor law. Janica is a member of Taft’s Executive Committee and serves as co-chair of Taft’s firm wide Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

• Ohio State Bar Association – Speaker, “Employment Hot Topics: Salary History Bans and Independent Contractors” (2024)
• Ohio State Bar Association – Speaker, “Consulting the Experts: How to Influence the Public’s Understanding of Judicial Independence” (2021)
• Ohio Women’s Bar Association & Ohio Women’s Bar Foundation Annual Meeting and Conference – “Who Gets the Credit” Addressing the Gap in Recognition for Women & Minorities (2021)
• 2020 Inclusion Summit Virtual Leadership Series: “How are Employers and Employees Functioning During this Unprecedented Period of Pandemic and Civil Unrest” (2020)
• Columbus CEO Magazine webinar – “Diverse Leaders in Law” (2020)
• “Establishing an Inclusive and Inviting Environment: A Panel Discussion on Race and Racism in the Workplace and the American Legal System” Webinar (2020)
• Employers Resource Association – “Employment Law Update and Employer Best Practices” (2019)
• Ohio State Bar Association – “Basics of Employment Law: Wage and Hour Update” (2019)
• Conway Center for Family Business – “Medical Marijuana & CBD Oil: How to Align Federal, State, Local, and Business Laws and Values” (2019)
• Employers Resource Association – “ADA: What is a “Reasonable” Accommodation – Is it Ever Enough?” (2018)
• Ohio State Bar Association – “I Want Them Fired Today – What Must You Do” (2018)
• 54th Annual Midwest Labor & Employment Law Seminar – “Overview of Employment Causes of Action” (2017)
• 2017 Chester Professionalism Institute – “Why Do We Care About Technology Core Competence” (2017)
• Conway Business Center HR Peer Group – “From Recruitment to Hiring to Firing” (2017)
• Buckeye Association of School Administrators’ Adminiscope – “FMLA Refresher for Schools” (2017)
• Columbus Business First – “EEOC vs. the Courts: Long-Term Leave” (2017)
• Columbus CEO Magazine – “New Rules for Overtime Pay” (2016)
• National Business Institute – “Legal Issues in Recruiting and Hiring” (2016)
• HR Profile Inc. – “Legalized & Medicinal Marijuana’s Potential Impact on the Workplace” (2015)
• Columbus Bar Association – Master Class Employment Law Institute – “EEOC Update” (2015)