I believe in urgently handling every matter to achieve the best possible results. Clients depend on us to keep things moving, so I make sure we stay proactive and ensure they know when it’s their turn to weigh in. I also recognize how busy schedules are, so I’m careful to follow up in a way that respects time while keeping everything on track. One client stated, “Rosie has superior knowledge of our industry. She is a supportive and proactive counsel.”  

Rosalee (Rosie) McNamara is known for her comprehensive and practical approach to employment and litigation matters. Representing large Fortune 50 and 500 companies, small businesses, private and public and tax-exempt, Rosie delivers unparalleled support in navigating complex employment issues across the U.S. She is a Fellow in the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers (CLEL), an exclusive organization that “honors the leading lawyers nationwide in the practice of Labor and Employment Law.” She was also selected as the exclusive member for Missouri and Kansas for the Employment Law Alliance and was selected based on client accolades to the American Employment Law Council.

Rosie has also consistently been named a leading lawyer by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers® in America, Super Lawyers® and among the Top 50 Female Lawyers. Her role as a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and former Manager of Lathrop Gage’s Labor & Employment Department underscores her leadership and strategic insight in shaping the firm’s approach to employment law.

She works with clients in myriad industries, including:

  • Agribusiness and food
  • Construction and engineering
  • Education
  • Entertainment and hospitality
  • Health care
  • Life sciences
  • Manufacturing
  • Nonprofit and tax-exempt
  • Professional and financial organizations: accounting and legal
  • Technology

Clear communication and timely action are at the heart of how Rosie approaches every case. Clients have called her their “trusted legal advisor,” “loved by judges” and “imbued with great intuition.” Rather than jumping into litigation at every turn, she focuses on early case assessment to determine whether a matter is a serious threat or a minor issue to be quickly resolved. Her impressive track record includes successfully defending a broad spectrum of employment discrimination complaints and collective actions, from initial charges to jury verdicts.

Rosie has handled numerous trials in federal and state courts, with her practice covering a wide range of issues such as:

  • Collective action wage and overtime claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
  • Disability
  • Employee discipline and termination, Employee drug and alcohol testing policies and procedures
  • Employer benefits and non-compete agreements
  • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) claims
  • Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) issues
  • Hiring and reference procedures
  • Investigations
  • Race, age and religious discrimination
  • Sexual harassment

By working with Rosie, clients gain access to a seasoned advocate with a proven ability to deliver favorable outcomes in challenging cases.

When asked…

Why did you become a lawyer?

I became an attorney because I am passionate about uncovering the truth and solving complex problems. Litigation and workplace investigations let me dive into the facts and get to the core of an issue. The constant learning and challenge of helping clients navigate their toughest situations is what drives me every day.

What do you do outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, traveling and reading biographies. I also volunteer for the nonprofits I work with, which allows me to give back to causes I care about.