Page 24 - Briefcase Volume 36 Number 2

ALUMNI
ALUM
DEDE DAVENPORT ’15

As a labor and employment attorney, DeDe Davenport
represents employers throughout the state and nation on a broad
range of issues concerning their employees and other workplace
issues.
After an appointment by Mayor Sylvester Turner, the 2015
alumna of the University of Houston Law Center will draw
upon that same skillset in her role as commissioner of the City of
Houston’s Municipal and Firefighter’s Civil Service Commission.
“I was incredibly honored to be named commissioner,”
Davenport said. “I respect our city officials and hold Mayor Turner
in high esteem. To be appointed by Mayor Turner and confirmed
by the city council, that was a humbling experience, and it will
forever be a point of pride for me personally. I look forward to
serving my city and its employees.”
Davenport, an attorney at Littler Mendelson P.C., found out
about the opening on the three-member commission through
a Law Center alumni connection. She said her initial goals for
the commission are to continue to be balanced and impartial, to
show empathy and respect to employees and city personnel and to
render fair and just decisions.
“I’m learning a lot about the city,” Davenport said. “The city has
a comprehensive and detailed set of regulations that govern many
aspects, including the treatment of employees. The civil service
commission serves several functions within that.
“Most notably, the commission serves as a board of appeals
for suspended or aggrieved employees where they can appeal
their issue to the commission for a final ruling. It also serves as a
review board for certain other actions the city may take related to
employees, such as medical separations or granting a lengthy leave
of absence.”
Davenport’s career began as an English teacher. She found that
she thoroughly enjoyed the research and writing aspect while
earning her master’s degree and felt that those skills could be
applied in the legal field. While her day-to-day tasks have changed
drastically over the years, Davenport said it is important for all
citizens to give back to their community in some way, whether as
an attorney, educator or Houston resident in general.
“When citizens volunteer and serve in the community, that’s
how we take care of our community, grow our community, and
help each other out,” Davenport said. “Attorneys have certain
skillsets and certain specialized knowledge that can be helpful
and important.
“In my first career as a public school teacher, it felt like I was
serving the community every day. Now as an attorney, I’m a
little further removed from that daily community service role.
But, being a product of the Law Center and now using my legal
understanding and skills to serve the city on the commission
makes me feel like my hard work and sacrifices to change careers
and venture into the law is coming to fruition. I have found a way
to give back to the community, and I’m grateful and honored to be
able, and to have been selected, to do so.” ■

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