Overview

Kelli C. Fuqua focuses her practice on employment law litigation, particularly for clients in the technology, medical, and higher education sectors. Licensed to practice in both Texas and New Mexico, Kelli represents clients in federal and state courts as well as administrative agencies and alternative dispute resolution venues. Kelli regularly litigates discrimination, harassment, unfair competition, and retaliation suits, with a focus on whistleblower matters. She is also well-versed in conducting workplace investigations and advising clients on workplace issues, with an emphasis on weapons-in-the-workplace policies.

To best implement a practical, common sense approach to the employment law issues facing her clients, Kelli prioritizes building strong, collaborative relationships with her clients to fully understand the values that drive their businesses. She works proactively to help clients develop solutions aligned with these values and avoid litigation when possible, but is also fully prepared to take a case to court when necessary.

Kelli has a proven track record of success, having secured numerous dispositive motions and arbitration victories, as well as complete affirmation of a trial court win on appeal following oral argument in front of the Fifth Circuit.

Kelli currently serves as Chair of the Labor and Employment Section of the Austin Bar Association, is a member of the Barbara Jordan American Inn of Court, and regularly provides pro bono services through Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas, underscoring her dedication to both the legal profession and her local community.

Professional & Community Affiliations

Associate Member

Barbara Jordan American Inn of Court

Member

Austin Bar Association

Member

Austin Young Lawyers Association

Member

Travis County Women Lawyers Association

Fellow

American Bar Foundation

Member

Texas Exes

Recognition

Named, Ones to Watch

The Best Lawyers in America®

2022-2025

News, Analysis & Press

False Claims Act Retaliation in 2021

Littler Report

July 26, 2021

Speaking Engagements

2024 Holiday Season Lunch and Learn

Austin, TX

December 13, 2024

Title IX Training

University of Texas System Title IX Annual Training, Austin, TX

August 2-3, 2023

Littler Austin’s 2022 Holiday Season Lunch and Learn

Austin, TX

December 9, 2022

A Leave and Benefits Medley: Dobbs, COVID, and Related Questions

Austin Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law Section CLE Presentation, Austin, TX

October 5, 2022

An Employment Law Primer on COVID-19 Vaccines and Returning to the Office

Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas

July 22, 2021

Employment Law Overview

Texas Hill Country Wineries

April 2021

Keeping Employees Safe at Work — ADA Considerations in the Age of COVID

State Bar of Texas Podcast, Legal Talk Network

October 15, 2020

Wage & Hour Update

Austin Bar Association, Labor & Employment Section

October 7, 2020

Wage and Hour Considerations in the COVID-19 World

CenTex Chapter of American Payroll Association

June 16, 2020

The ADA and COVID-19: What Employers Need to Know as Businesses Reopen

June 11, 2020

Understanding the Legal Ins-and-Outs of Reducing Your Workforce

American Association of Political Consultants

June 3, 2020

Employee Pay and Classification Issues

CenTex Chapter of American Payroll Association

February 2020

Employment Law Basics

V.G. Young School for Tax Assessor-Collectors

2018

Basic Employment Law for Managers

V.G. Young School for County Commissioners Courts

2018

Education

  • J.D., University of Texas School of Law, 2015
  • B.J., University of Texas, Austin, 2012with honors

Bar Admission

Texas
New Mexico

Courts

  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, District of New Mexico