Representative Litigation Experience

• 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. 4th 1363 (2003)).
• Successfully prevailed on a motion for summary judgment in a disability discrimination case; prevailed on subsequent appeal to the 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 restraining orders and permanent injunctions on behalf of clients
• Successfully negotiated dismissal of age discrimination case for mere 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 defense and resolution 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 for compliance 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 federal laws
• Prepared and reviewed employment-related contracts such as severance agreements, confidentiality agreements, nonsolicitation/ noncompetition agreements, arbitration agreements, and executive agreements for compliance with California and federal laws
• Prepared client responses to Charges of Discrimination filed with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission resulting in no further action against client
• Represented clients in wage and hour matters in hearings before the California Labor Commissioner and the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement
• Conducted third-party investigations for clients in cases of suspected workplace misconduct and ethical violations
• Reviewed and audited clients' premises for compliance with ADA Title III accommodation requirements in order to reduce risk of exposure for potential ADA lawsuits
• 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