Brenda D Pryor

About Brenda D Pryor

I am an experienced attorney specializing in conflict resolution, primarily in the field of labor and employment law. In my current position, my responsibilities include mediating between employers and unions in the collective bargaining negotiations and grievance settings, delivering training regarding labor-management relations, alternative dispute resolution of workplace disputes, and other work-related topics.Previously, I served as in-house counsel for a state university, handling a myriad of legal matters inclusive of labor and employment law, immigration law, and managed university research misconduct investigations. I also held the post of FOIA Officer for the School of Medicine. Prior to that, I was employed at a higher education teacher\'s union where I successfully negotiated labor contracts, handled disciplinary complaints made against union members, assisted union members and officers engaged in disputes with college administration, counseled and mediated between members during intra-campus disputes, and determined what rights union members could claim under Title VII, the ADEA, the ADA, and other statutes.In addition to my legal skills, I have acquired extensive experience in conducting training on a variety of topics including but not limited to: managing interpersonal conflict and communication skills, labor-management committees, union governance and best practices, workplace relations, and parliamentary procedure. I have presented both locally and nationally on labor law issues, the ethical use of AI in mediation, and mediation skills.Specialties: Labor & Employment issues

Experience

1. Partner

   Udall Shumway PLC

   Sep 2025 — Present · Mesa, AZ, US

   I am an experienced attorney representing school districts and educational institutions in all areas of employment and education law. My practice focuses on advising and defending clients in matters involving employee misconduct, discrimination and harassment claims, Title IX compliance, and complex personnel investigations. I also provide guidance on public records requests, board governance, and policy development to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.With a practical, solutions-oriented approach, I partner with school leaders to navigate sensitive legal issues while supporting their educational mission and maintaining public trust.

Education

• University of Minnesota

  BS, Agriculture, Horticulture

  1993 — 1998

Skills

• Analysis
• Leadership
• Microsoft Word
• Arbitration
• Legal Writing
• Litigation
• Public Speaking
• Program Development
• Negotiation
• Courts
• Legislative Relations
• Editing
• Powerpoint
• Legal Research
• Policy Analysis
• Speech Writing
• Mediation
• Staff Development
• Higher Education
• Trials
• Criminal Law
• Problem Solving
• Leadership Development
• Public Policy
• Non-Profits
• Policy
• Event Planning
• Customer Service
• Teaching
• Dispute Resolution
• Government
• Nonprofits
• Employment Law
• Fundraising
• Public Relations
• Hearings
• Coaching
• Training
• Microsoft Office