Keri L. Morris-Johnston

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    Keri's practice is devoted to Delaware workers' compensation and employment law defense (including discrimination and whistleblower protection), in addition to federal employment law defense. Throughout her legal career, she has represented clients including automobile assembly plants, nursing homes, hospitals, security companies and retailers in matters pertaining to workers' compensation and employment law. She is also experienced in handling matters for non-profits and fast food franchises, and advising clients in relation to owner controlled insurance policies. Keri is especially adept at assisting and educating small employers on issues pertaining to workers' compensation.

    In addition to managing the Workers' Compensation Department in the Wilmington office, Keri is also a member of the firm's Executive Committee Advisory Council, a distinguished group of firm leaders whose purpose is to enhance the communication between the Executive Committee and younger members of the firm's professional ranks, including associates, special counsel and junior shareholders. 

    While attending Widener University School of Law, Keri worked for the Delaware Department of Labor, where she handled a wide variety of employment, labor and civil rights issues. Keri investigated allegations of employment discrimination and wage and hour violations, including alleged prevailing wage violations and child labor violations. 

    Keri is a graduate of the University of Delaware, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. She remains involved with her alma mater, serving as an advisor for the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority.

    Classes/Seminars Taught

    Whoops I Did It Again - The Legal Implications of Successive Injuries, panelist, Delaware State Bar Association and the Industrial Accident Board Workers' Compensation Seminar 2023, Wilmington, Delaware, May 2, 2023

    Considerations Surrounding a Discharge, Marshall Dennehey Workers' Compensation Seminar, October 27, 2022

    A State-By-State Guide to Avoiding Attorneys' Fees and Sanctions, Marshall Dennehey Workers' Compensation Seminar, October 27, 2022

    Ethics and the Practice of Workers’ Compensation, Delaware State Bar Association William D. Rimmer Workers’ Compensation Seminar 2022, Wilmington, Delaware, May 3, 2022

    Workers' Compensation Winter Roundup, Graham Company webinar, December 15, 2020

    Understanding the Debate with the ADA, FMLA and Workers’ Compensation, Marshall Dennehey webinar, October 27, 2020

    Subsequent Injury and Successive Carrier Liability, Holland Inns of Court, October 13, 2020

    Ethical Considerations During COVID-19, Delaware State Bar Association, September 15, 2020 

    Pot For Pain, Marshall Dennehey Workers' Compensation Seminar, October 25, 2018

    Ingredients for Successfully Defending Claims for Work Injuries at Home, Marshall Dennehey Workers' Compensation Seminar, October 19, 2017

    Defense Counsel Wish List, Marshall Dennehey Workers' Compensation Seminar, October 27, 2016

    Put Me In Coach: Top 10 Opportunities in Claims and Litigation Management, Marshall Dennehey Workers' Compensation Seminar, October 22, 2015

    Employment Law Update and Workers' Compensation Basics, Delaware State Dental Society, Dover, Delaware, March 19, 2015

    Case Law Update, Delaware State Bar Association Workers' Compensation Seminar, January 21, 2015

    Navigating The Bermuda Triangle: The Intersection of Workers' Compensation, FMLA and ADA, Roadmap to Success - Understanding Workers' Compensation, Marshall Dennehey seminar, October 24, 2013

    Prevailing Wage Law in Delaware, April 2005

    Published Works

    "New EEOC Procedures for the Release of Position Statements" and "EEOC Lawsuits Challenge Sexual Orientation Discrimination as Sex Discrimination," Legal Updates for Employment Law, May 2016

    "Workers’ Compensation Benefits and Unemployment Compensation Benefits … Are Injured Workers Entitled to Both?," Defense Digest, Vol. 20, No. 3, September 2014

    "Delaware Whistleblowers' Act Applies to Constructively Discharged Employees?," Defense Digest, Vol. 18, No. 4, December 2012

    Case Law Alerts, regular contributor, 2011-present

    "Updates To Delaware's Workers' Compensation Statute," Defense Digest, Vol. 13, No. 4, December 2007

    Admissions
    Delaware
    2005
    U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware
    2005
    U.S. Court of Appeals 3rd Circuit
    2005
    Education
    Widener University School of Law (J.D., 2003)
    University of Delaware (B.A., 1998)
    Honors & awards
    The Best Lawyers in America®, Workers' Compensation Law - Employers
    2023-2024
    Top Lawyer, Workers' Compensation Employer Defense, Delaware Today Magazine
    November 2022
    Top Lawyer, Workers' Compensation for Employers, Delaware Today Magazine
    November 2020
    Associations & memberships
    Associated Builders and Contractors, associate member, Legislative and Legal Rights Committee
    Delaware State Bar Association; chair, Workers' Compensation Section
    Pennsylvania Bar Association
    Randy J. Holland Delaware Workers' Compensation Inn of Court
    Year joined
    2005