• Successfully obtained a defense verdict at trial on behalf of a public entity client in a disability discrimination case; defense of case was so successful, jury reached a defense verdict after less than 30 minutes of deliberation
• Successfully obtained a defense verdict at trial on behalf of a public entity client in a race discrimination case
• Successfully prevailed on a motion for summary judgment in a contentious race discrimination case
• Successfully prevailed in a defamation case resulting in a precedent-setting published decision reaffirming an employer’s defense to defamation claims (Noel v. River Hills Wilsons, Inc., 113 Cal. App. 4^th 1363 (2003)) 
• Successfully prevailed on a motion for summary judgment in a disability discrimination case; prevailed on subsequent appeal to California Court of Appeal
• Successfully defeated class certification motion in wage and hour class action matter
• Successfully prevailed on appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals of successful motion for summary judgment on behalf of large international food company in a race discrimination case
• Successfully prevailed on a motion for summary judgment on behalf of a leading nationwide auto retailer in a sexual harassment and slander case
• Successfully obtained dozens of workplace violence and civil harassment retraining orders and injunctions on behalf of clients ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies   
• Successfully negotiated dismissal of age discrimination case for waiver of costs after plaintiff’s deposition
• Successfully prevailed on a motion to dismiss on behalf of a large international food company in a wrongful discharge, FMLA, and retaliation case; prevailed on subsequent appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
• Successfully represented business owners and commercial tenants in the handling and defense of dozens of Title III ADA accommodation cases
• Successfully obtained sanctions and attorneys’ fees award against opposing counsel for discovery abuses

Representative Advice and Counseling Experience

• Prepared and revised Employment Handbooks and Personnel Policies and Procedures for wide array of clients such as start-ups, restaurants, retail establishments, financial companies, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies to assist them in complying with California and federal employment laws 
• Conducted audits  and reviews of clients’ employment practices and policies (including  harassment, discrimination, wage and hour, accommodation, and medical/disability leave policies) to reduce risk of exposure for potential violations of California and federal laws
• Provided employment-related counseling and advice to clients relating to high-level, complex and/or sensitive terminations, demotions, or disciplinary actions to reduce risk of exposure for potential violations of California and/or federal laws
• Prepared and reviewed employment-related contracts such as severance agreements, confidentiality agreements, nonsolicitation/ noncompetition agreements, arbitration agreements, and executive agreements
• Prepared client responses to Charges of Discrimination filed with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission resulting in no cause findings and no further action against client
• Represented clients in wage and hour matters in hearings before the Department of Labor
• Conducted third-party investigations for clients in cases of suspected workplace misconduct and ethical violations
• Reviewed and audited clients’ premises to assist them in complying with ADA Title III accommodation requirements and reduce risk of exposure for potential ADA violations
• Conducted workplace and employment-related training for clients on topics such as AB 1825 sexual harassment prevention, diversity, EEO/discrimination, proper hiring and firing, and effective investigations