Yvette McGee Brown represents clients in complex litigation involving a variety of issues and industries and government investigations involving police or corporate misconduct, most recently representing the city of Minneapolis in state and federal investigations involving allegations of police misconduct. She advises on diversity, equity, and inclusion; Title VII; and Title IX. Yvette spent 11 years as a jurist, including as a justice on the Ohio Supreme Court, after which she returned to private practice, assisting clients across a range of difficult legal issues. Yvette has considerable experience navigating high-profile and time-sensitive matters, including those involving public corruption, discrimination, regulatory enforcement, and constitutional challenges. She divides her time between investigations, initial trial court representations, and appellate matters. She has been appointed as an arbitrator on complex litigation panels and as a mediator to resolve high-profile cases.
As Jones Day's Partner-in-Charge of Inclusion & Advancement, Yvette works with the Firm's leadership on diversity strategies and frequently advises clients on legal guardrails for diversity initiatives.
Yvette is an active community leader. She is a corporate director for Encova Mutual Insurance Group, The Jeffrey Company, and KIPP Columbus, a public charter school. She previously served on the boards of Claremont McKenna College and Ohio University.
"Yvette is always available, no matter the emergency — I know I can count on her to be responsive and get the answers I need."BTI Client Service All-Star
- The Ohio State University (J.D. 1985); Ohio University (B.S. in Journalism 1982)
- Ohio, U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio, and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- Justice, Ohio Supreme Court (2011-2012); Ohio Elections Commission (2008-2009); Judge, Franklin County Court of Common Pleas (1993-2002)
2023 and 2020 BTI Client Service All-Star: "She has a great legal mind"; "Yvette works hard and gets the job done"
Lawdragon — 500 Leading Litigators in America, 2022-2025; Lawdragon Hall of Fame 2024
The Best Lawyers in America, 2016-2024, including 2020 "Lawyer of the Year"
2024 Savoy Magazine Most Influential Corporate Directors; 2019 Most Influential Women in Corporate America
2021 Midwest Trailblazer, The American Lawyer