Laura J. Maechtlen

Complex Discrimination Litigation

Laura Maechtlen is the Chair of Seyfarth Shaw’s Labor and Employment Department. Laura helps to minimize her clients’ involvement in systemic discrimination litigation, and her practice is also focused on the defense of class, collective and multi-plaintiff actions. Laura has experience litigating against the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) in systemic actions, both at the early charge stage and in large-scale EEOC pattern-and-practice litigation. Laura is also a leading member of the Firm’s Workplace Compliance Solutions Practice, which focuses on change management and the delivery of proactive solutions that help global clients avoid mass litigation and develop internal compliance initiatives.

Advisory Board, Law Firm Anti-Racism Alliance; California Minority Counsel Program, Board of Directors (Board of Directors, 2018-present; Chair Emeritus 2018-2019; Co-Chair, Board of Directors, 2016-2018; member, 2014-2015), National Board of Directors, Lambda Legal Education & Defense Fund (Executive Committee 2016-2019; Director, 2013 to 2020), Co-Chair, San Francisco Leadership Council, 2013-2015); Chair, HR Committee, Board of Governors, Hispanic National Bar Association (2020-2021; 2016-2017)

J.D., Boston University School of Law (2002); B.A., University of Colorado, Boulder (1998)