Yendelela Neely is a nationally recognized employment attorney and the founder of Neely Legal. With nearly 20 years of experience navigating both sides of complex workplace disputes, Yendelela brings a powerful and balanced perspective to her clients, whether they are professionals seeking justice or employers striving to do the right thing.

Recognized by Chambers® and named multiple times to The Best Lawyers in America®, Yendelela has built her career on advocating for fair, equitable, and legally sound workplaces. She began in “Big Law,” where she made partner in just seven years, before joining the legal department of a Fortune 5 company, where she oversaw high-stakes class action litigation and provided guidance on wage and hour compliance efforts. Thereafter, Yendelela re-joined the partnership of the law firm where she started her career and became the firm’s first Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer.

Yendelela’s wide range of experiences gives her deep insight into how businesses approach risk, employee relations and regulatory strategy. With this insight and her commitment to equity and fostering inclusive and collaborative workplaces, helps physicians and executives stand up for their rights and helps forward-thinking employers build compliant, ethical workplaces. Whether you're negotiating a complex employment agreement or facing a serious workplace dispute, Yendelela brings sharp legal insight, strategic foresight, and a calm, practical approach to your side of the table.

She is also a trusted thought leader having presented to the American Bar Association, the Association of Corporate Counsel, Corporate Counsel Women of Color, and more. Her writing and public speaking center around leadership, equity, and navigating systemic barriers making her a sought-after voice across industries.