Biography
Ariel Perez is an associate in Jackson Walker’s Houston office, specializing in labor and employment law. She represents employers in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies such as the EEOC, DOL, NLRB, and TWC. Her practice spans a broad range of industries—including energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, retail, hospitality, staffing, securities, and healthcare—and she advises clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies, tailoring her counsel to each client’s specific business and operational needs.
Ariel defends employers against claims involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage and hour violations, under Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, and state employment laws. She also handles matters involving non-compete and non-solicitation agreements, trade secrets, and breach of employment contracts.
In addition to her litigation practice, Ariel regularly advises employers on workplace issues that intersect with legal risk, including terminations, accommodation requests, leave management, internal investigations, and compliance with employment laws. She drafts and updates employment policies and procedures tailored to client operations.
Ariel also brings experience in traditional labor law, having advised clients during union organizing campaigns, represented employers in unfair labor practice charges, and conducted union avoidance training.
Recently, Ariel devoted a significant portion of her practice to helping employers navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ariel is a 2023 and 2024 Academy Fellow of the National Employment Law Council and a contributing author to the Annual Report on EEOC Developments. She previously interned for the Honorable Sara L. Darrow of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois.
Prior to joining Jackson Walker, Ariel was an associate at a global law firm specializing in labor and employment law.
Ariel brings a practical perspective to her work, having previously served as a domestic violence advocate providing victims with advocacy, support, and care.
Additional Languages
Arabic, Spanish
Education
B.A., University of Iowa
- University Honors
- Alpha Kappa Delta
- Order of Omega
Arabic Language Institute in Fez, Fez, Morocco
J.D., University of Iowa College of Law
- Law Legal Opportunity Fellow
- Administrative Editor, Journal of Gender, Race & Justice
- Advocate, Brief Writer, Appellate Advocacy
- Student Attorney, Citizen Lawyer Pro Bono Project
- Secretary, Hispanic/Latino Law Student Association
- Student Attorney, Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Bar Admissions
Texas
Illinois
Court Admissions
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas
