Barbara Gardner
Lead Attorney
Gardner Employment Law helps clients solve workplace problems efficiently and strategically. Your career is first and foremost in our analysis. Professionals such as physicians, managers and executives prefer this approach because it resolves issues with minimal delay, controversy, and cost.
This sets us apart. Other employment lawyers persistently steer their clients first toward filing a lawsuit, launching a drawn-out, resource-draining process. If a lawsuit is required, so be it. We have won many battles in the courtroom, and we’re ready to do that again if needed. But we don’t file suit without first trying to resolve disputes so that both parties can put the matter behind you.
If you’re considering a new job, facing a challenge in your current job, dealing with termination, or confronting any other legal or strategic career issue, we’re the call you need to make.
Education:
- J.D. – South Texas College of Law
Rank: Number one in law school class - B.A. – University of Colorado, Psychology Degree
- B.A. – University of Houston, Music Degree
Accomplishments:
- Graduated number one in law school class
- “Best Lawyers in America” (Employment Law), 2007-2022
- “Texas Super Lawyers,” 2007-2022
- “Texas’ Top Lawyers,” 2012-2022
- Among the “Best Women in the Law,” Best Lawyers Business Edition, 2018-2022
- Among “Women Leaders in the Law” by Martindale Hubbell, 2019-2020
- Among “Texas’ Top-Rated Lawyers,” Martindale Hubbell, 2018-2020
- Chosen as one of “Best Law Firms” in US News & World Report 2017-2020
- “Top Attorneys in Texas,” Texas Monthly, 2019
- “Top Rated Litigators,” Martindale Hubbell, 2019
- “Top Rated Labor & Employment Lawyers,” Corporate Counsel Magazine, 2019
- Chosen as one of “Best Law Firms” in US News & World Report 2017, 2018
- “Highest Possible Rating” in Legal Ability & Ethical Standards by Judiciary & Bar members, Martindale Hubbell, 2016
- One of “The Best Women Lawyers in Texas”, 2013-2016
- “Women Leaders in the Law,” Fortune Magazine 2015
- “Top-Rated Lawyers in Labor & Employment,” Fortune Magazine 2013
- “Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Texas” 2012
- “Top Lawyers,” Corporate Counsel, 2008-2011
- “Houston’s Top Lawyers,” 2006, 2007, 2011
- “Top Lawyers for the People,” 2007
- Board Certified in Labor & Employment Law by Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- AV-Preeminent rating by peers in Martindale Hubbell
- Interviewed as expert several occasions on Houston’s Fox 26 News TV
- Former Partner & Head of Employment Law Section of Lam, Lyn & Philip
- One of founding principals and partner of Tucker, Vaughan, Gardner & Barnes
- Judicial Law Clerk for Hon. Carl Bue, United States District Judge
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS, former and current:
- College of the State Bar of Texas, Fellow Status
- State Bar of Texas
- Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation
- Houston Bar Association
- Executive Council, Employment Law Section Administration of Justice
- Campaign for the Homeless
- Bar Poll
- Membership & Benefits
- Pictorial Roster
- Speakers Bureau
- National Employment Law Association
- Texas Employment Law Association
- Houston Employment Law Association, Board of Directors
- River Oaks Rotary Club
- National Organization of Women
- Houston Association of Women Attorneys
- Chair: Legislative Action Committee
- Member: Judicial Screening Committee
- Co-Chair: Judicial Reception Committee
- Chair: Public Relations Committee
- Texas Women Lawyers
- Federation of Houston Professional Women
- Great Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce
- Women in Real Estate and Finance
- National Association of Women Business Owners
- South Texas College of Law Alumni Association
- Audubon Society
Community Service:
- Board Member of Spring Branch Family Development Center – assisting Hispanic families in education, school supplies, scholarships, healthcare, family development, after-school care, and other vital needs.
- Houston Food Bank – working in food preparation department for delivery to families in time of need.
- Rotary projects – preparing medical supplies to ship overseas to countries without adequate healthcare, collecting and delivering glasses to underprivileged persons with poor eyesight, supporting Rotary efforts to eradicate polio worldwide.