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Overview
Introduction
Chandler is a dedicated litigator and trusted adviser focused on labor and employment matters.
Chandler Smith represents employers in state and federal courts, including claims involving discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage-and-hour violations. With a strategic approach to dispute resolution, Chandler advises HR and business leaders on a broad range of employment issues, including compliance, investigations, terminations, and risk mitigation.
Chandler has a strong record of securing favorable outcomes for clients through thoughtful dispute strategy, targeted discovery, and dispositive motion practice. She also supports corporate transactions with labor and employment due diligence, conducts multistate handbook and policy audits, and counsels clients on restrictive covenants and separation agreements.
Chandler’s dedication to her clients and effectiveness in achieving favorable results have earned her recognition as a rising leader in employment law. She has been named to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch and The National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40. Chandler maintains a robust pro bono practice and was one of the inaugural firm Pro Bono Racial Justice fellows. In that role, she was seconded to the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law for the 2022–2023 fellowship year.
Education & credentials
- Arizona State University, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, J.D., Arizona Issue and Symposium Editor, Arizona State Law Journal, 2022
- William & Mary, B.A., Psychology, 2019
- District of Columbia
- Arizona
- Perkins Coie LLP, Phoenix, AZ, 2L Summer Associate, 2021; 1L Diversity Fellow, 2020
- Arizona Supreme Court, Staff Attorneys Office, Phoenix, AZ, Extern, 2021
Professional recognition
Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Commercial Litigation, 2026
Latest thinking
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Legal development
Exhaustion and EEOC Intake Errors
March 02, 2026
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Legal development
Labor Law Today—2025 Year in Review
February 12, 2026
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Legal development
Arizona District Court Underscores the Importance of Robust E-Signature Authentication for Enforcing Arbitration Agreements
February 02, 2026
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Legal development
DOL Clarifies FMLA Leave Calculation for School Employees During Short-Term Closures
January 21, 2026
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Legal development
DOL Confirms Nondiscretionary Incentive Bonuses Must Be Included in the Regular Rate for Overtime
January 21, 2026
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Legal development DOL Opinion Letters Provide Insight on Family and Medical Leave and Fair Labor Standards Requirements
January 21, 2026
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Legal development
Stop the Stalemate: Senate Confirms NLRB Members and General Counsel
December 23, 2025
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Blog DOL Issues Four New Opinion Letters: Key Takeaways for Employers in Hospitality, Public Safety, and Beyond
October 14, 2025
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Legal development
Ninth Circuit Clarifies FLSA Collective Action Certification and Jurisdiction
July 07, 2025
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