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Ranking tables

Labor & Employment | USA

California

In Chambers USA, Labor - as distinct from employment – refers to the representation of corporates in their dealings with labor unions, including collective bargaining negotiations, strike avoidance and NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) proceedings. The section also covers wage and hour class and collective actions, as well as OSHA (Occupational health and safety act) and other workplace safety issues, which are also recognised in the Nationwide Occupational Safety and Health section. Employment covers litigation related to sex, race, age and national origin discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination and employment-related restrictive covenants. This section also covers non-contentious matters relating to day-to-day business issues as well as workforce restructuring, and employment issues related to mergers and takeovers. Lawyers also advise on the writing of policy handbooks for major corporates and HR training.

Rankings overview for Lawyers

S
Senior Statespeople
  1. David Kadue
    David Kadue Seyfarth Shaw LLP21 Years Ranked
  2. Fred W Alvarez
    Fred W Alvarez Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP21 Years Ranked
  3. Garry G Mathiason
    Garry G Mathiason Littler Mendelson, PC21 Years Ranked
  4. Gary Siniscalco
    Gary Siniscalco Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP21 Years Ranked
  5. Jeffrey A. Berman
    Jeffrey A. Berman Seyfarth Shaw LLP18 Years Ranked
  6. Nancy L Abell
    Nancy L Abell Paul Hastings LLP21 Years Ranked
  7. Paul Cane
    Paul Cane Paul Hastings LLP21 Years Ranked
  8. Paul Grossman
    Paul Grossman Paul Hastings LLP21 Years Ranked
Star Individuals
  1. Lynne C. Hermle
    Lynne C. Hermle Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP20 Years Ranked
1
Band 1
  1. Anthony J Oncidi
    Anthony J Oncidi Proskauer Rose LLP19 Years Ranked
  2. Apalla Chopra
    Apalla Chopra O'Melveny & Myers LLP13 Years Ranked
  3. Elena Baca
    Elena Baca Paul Hastings LLP15 Years Ranked
  4. Malcolm Heinicke
    Malcolm Heinicke Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP12 Years Ranked
2
Band 2
  1. Catherine A Conway
    Catherine A Conway Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP15 Years Ranked
  2. Jeffrey D Wohl
    Jeffrey D Wohl Paul Hastings LLP19 Years Ranked
  3. Katherine M. Forster
    Katherine M. Forster Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP12 Years Ranked
  4. Terry Sanchez
    Terry Sanchez Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP18 Years Ranked
  5. Tracey A Kennedy
    Tracey A Kennedy Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP15 Years Ranked
  6. Linda Miller SavittBallard Rosenberg Golper & Savitt, LLP,
3
Band 3
  1. Barbara Miller
    Barbara Miller Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP6 Years Ranked
  2. Charles S Birenbaum
    Charles S Birenbaum Greenberg Traurig, LLP16 Years Ranked
  3. Cheryl D. Orr
    Cheryl D. Orr Faegre Drinker9 Years Ranked
  4. Debra L Fischer
    Debra L Fischer Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP11 Years Ranked
  5. Eric Amdursky
    Eric Amdursky O'Melveny & Myers LLP5 Years Ranked
  6. Glen E. Kraemer Hirschfeld Kraemer LLP7 Years Ranked
  7. Gregory W Knopp
    Gregory W Knopp Proskauer Rose LLP12 Years Ranked
  8. Harry I. Johnson
    Harry I. Johnson Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP3 Years Ranked
  9. Jesse A Cripps Jr.
    Jesse A Cripps Jr. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP11 Years Ranked
  10. Julie A Totten
    Julie A Totten Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP6 Years Ranked
  11. Kenneth D Sulzer
    Kenneth D Sulzer Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP15 Years Ranked
  12. Leslie Abbott
    Leslie Abbott Paul Hastings LLP8 Years Ranked
  13. Mary Dollarhide
    Mary Dollarhide DLA Piper LLP (US)3 Years Ranked
  14. Melinda S Riechert
    Melinda S Riechert Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP17 Years Ranked
  15. Richard Simmons
    Richard Simmons Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP20 Years Ranked
  16. Robert Siegel O'Melveny & Myers LLP19 Years Ranked
  17. Timothy Long
    Timothy Long Greenberg Traurig, LLP3 Years Ranked
  18. Adam LevinMitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP
4
Band 4
  1. Andrew Livingston
    Andrew Livingston Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP8 Years Ranked
  2. Brian T Ashe
    Brian T Ashe Seyfarth Shaw LLP15 Years Ranked
  3. Cameron Fox
    Cameron Fox Paul Hastings LLP3 Years Ranked
  4. Erin Connell
    Erin Connell Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP2 Years Ranked
  5. Jennifer B Rubin
    Jennifer B Rubin Mintz3 Years Ranked
  6. Jessica R. Perry
    Jessica R. Perry Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP10 Years Ranked
  7. Joan B. Tucker Fife
    Joan B. Tucker Fife Winston & Strawn LLP10 Years Ranked
  8. Judith Droz Keyes
    Judith Droz Keyes Davis Wright Tremaine LLP19 Years Ranked
  9. Kate Gold
    Kate Gold Proskauer Rose LLP3 Years Ranked
  10. Koray Bulut
    Koray Bulut Goodwin4 Years Ranked
  11. Laura J. Maechtlen
    Laura J. Maechtlen Seyfarth Shaw LLP3 Years Ranked
  12. Laura R Petroff
    Laura R Petroff Winston & Strawn LLP15 Years Ranked
  13. Maria Rodriguez
    Maria Rodriguez McDermott Will & Emery LLP9 Years Ranked
  14. Matthew Kane
    Matthew Kane BakerHostetler LLP3 Years Ranked
  15. Michele Haydel Gehrke
    Michele Haydel Gehrke Reed Smith LLP4 Years Ranked
  16. Rick Bergstrom
    Rick Bergstrom Jones Day14 Years Ranked
  17. Sandra R McCandless
    Sandra R McCandless Dentons10 Years Ranked
  18. Scott J. Witlin
    Scott J. Witlin Barnes & Thornburg LLP11 Years Ranked
  19. Stephen J Hirschfeld Hirschfeld Kraemer LLP14 Years Ranked
  20. Thomas R. Kaufman
    Thomas R. Kaufman Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP5 Years Ranked
  21. Wendy Lazerson
    Wendy Lazerson Sidley Austin LLP4 Years Ranked
  22. Zachary Hutton
    Zachary Hutton Paul Hastings LLP2 Years Ranked
  23. George S Howard JrQuarles & Brady LLP
5
Band 5
  1. Adam Abrahms
    Adam Abrahms Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP3 Years Ranked
  2. Adam Karr
    Adam Karr O'Melveny & Myers LLP2 Years Ranked
  3. Andrew Paley
    Andrew Paley Seyfarth Shaw LLP2 Years Ranked
  4. Brett Burns
    Brett Burns Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP4 Years Ranked
  5. Danielle Hultenius Moore
    Danielle Hultenius Moore Fisher Phillips3 Years Ranked
  6. David Raizman
    David Raizman Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC2 Years Ranked
  7. Emily Burkhardt Vicente
    Emily Burkhardt Vicente Hunton Andrews Kurth1 Years Ranked
  8. Eric Akira Tate
    Eric Akira Tate Morrison Foerster1 Years Ranked
  9. Esra A Hudson
    Esra A Hudson Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP2 Years Ranked
  10. Felicia A Davis
    Felicia A Davis Paul Hastings LLP3 Years Ranked
  11. Fermin H. Llaguno
    Fermin H. Llaguno Littler Mendelson, PC3 Years Ranked
  12. George W Abele
    George W Abele Paul Hastings LLP2 Years Ranked
  13. Jennifer Baldocchi
    Jennifer Baldocchi Paul Hastings LLP3 Years Ranked
  14. Jon D Meer
    Jon D Meer Seyfarth Shaw LLP3 Years Ranked
  15. Jonathan Brenner
    Jonathan Brenner Epstein Becker & Green PC1 Years Ranked
  16. Katherine A Roberts
    Katherine A Roberts Sidley Austin LLP3 Years Ranked
  17. Katherine V A Smith
    Katherine V A Smith Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP3 Years Ranked
  18. Kerry Garvis Wright
    Kerry Garvis Wright Glaser, Weil, Fink, Howard, Jordan & Shapiro, LLP1 Years Ranked
  19. Lorraine Ocheltree
    Lorraine Ocheltree Duane Morris LLP3 Years Ranked
  20. Mark Theodore
    Mark Theodore Proskauer Rose LLP6 Years Ranked
  21. Michael S. Chamberlin
    Michael S. Chamberlin BakerHostetler LLP3 Years Ranked
  22. Michele Maryott
    Michele Maryott Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP2 Years Ranked
  23. Nicole Buffalano
    Nicole Buffalano Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP2 Years Ranked
  24. Peter J. Woo
    Peter J. Woo Jackson Lewis P.C.3 Years Ranked
  25. Robert F. Millman
    Robert F. Millman Littler Mendelson, PC9 Years Ranked
  26. Robin Samuel
    Robin Samuel Baker McKenzie2 Years Ranked
  27. Ron Holland Greenberg Traurig, LLP3 Years Ranked
  28. Ruth Zadikany
    Ruth Zadikany Mayer Brown LLP3 Years Ranked
  29. Sharon Bauman
    Sharon Bauman Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP3 Years Ranked
  30. Tao Leung
    Tao Leung Hogan Lovells US LLP2 Years Ranked
  31. Thomas E Hill
    Thomas E Hill Holland & Knight LLP10 Years Ranked
  32. Troy Valdez
    Troy Valdez DLA Piper LLP (US)1 Years Ranked
  33. Walter Stella
    Walter Stella Cozen O'Connor3 Years Ranked
  34. Gary McLaughlinMitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP
U
Up and Coming
  1. Candice T Zee
    Candice T Zee Vedder Price1 Years Ranked
Associates to watch
  1. Philippe Lebel
    Philippe Lebel Proskauer Rose LLP3 Years Ranked

All Lawyers profiles

S
Senior Statespeople
  1. David Kadue
    S
    David Kadue
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Senior Statespeople | 21 Years Ranked
    David Kadue is a highly respected litigator esteemed for his expertise in labor and employment law. He draws on longstanding experience in defending against claims of discrimination, as well as handling retaliation and harassment disputes.
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  2. Fred W Alvarez
    S
    Fred W Alvarez
    Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP
    Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Senior Statespeople | 21 Years Ranked
    Fred Alvarez of Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP is a much admired employment law expert with a wealth of experience representing employers in trials and appellate matters.
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  3. Garry G Mathiason
    S
    Garry G Mathiason
    Littler Mendelson, PC
    Littler Mendelson, PC | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Senior Statespeople | 21 Years Ranked
    Garry Mathiason is an esteemed practitioner with niche expertise in employment issues related to AI and robotics. His practice also covers a broader range of labor law issues and employment disputes.
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  4. Gary Siniscalco
    S
    Gary Siniscalco
    Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
    Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Senior Statespeople | 21 Years Ranked
    Gary Siniscalco has notable expertise in a range of disputes and investigations, including those involving allegations of discrimination. He is noted for his expertise in OFCCP compliance.
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  5. Jeffrey A. Berman
    S
    Jeffrey A. Berman
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Senior Statespeople | 18 Years Ranked
    Jeffrey Berman is particularly noted for his representation of healthcare entities and educational institutions in matters such as wage and hour disputes. He is also noted for his counsel on religious mandates.
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  6. Nancy L Abell
    S
    Nancy L Abell
    Paul Hastings LLP
    Paul Hastings LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Senior Statespeople | 21 Years Ranked
    Nancy Abell is an impressively experienced practitioner who is regarded as a leader in the labor and employment space. She takes on contentious issues such as pay equity disputes and discrimination cases.
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  7. Paul Cane
    S
    Paul Cane
    Paul Hastings LLP
    Paul Hastings LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Senior Statespeople | 21 Years Ranked
    Paul Cane is well regarded for his extensive expertise in appellate matters and arbitration agreements. His experience covers wage and hour disputes, harassment claims and discrimination allegations.
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  8. Paul Grossman
    S
    Paul Grossman
    Paul Hastings LLP
    Paul Hastings LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Senior Statespeople | 21 Years Ranked
    Paul Grossman has a wealth of expertise in whistle-blower, wrongful discharge and discrimination matters.
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Star Individuals
  1. Lynne C. Hermle
    Lynne C. Hermle
    Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
    Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Star Individuals | 20 Years Ranked
    Lynne Hermle is esteemed throughout the market for her strength in industry-changing employment law disputes. She frequently handles high-profile matters for household names in the technology sector.
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1
Band 1
  1. Anthony J Oncidi
    1
    Anthony J Oncidi
    Proskauer Rose LLP
    Proskauer Rose LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 1 | 19 Years Ranked
    Anthony Oncidi advises an impressive roster of entertainment and media companies on big-ticket employment law disputes, as well as handling labor law mandates. He also offers experience in acting for management-side clients from industries such as healthcare and financial services.
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  2. Apalla Chopra
    1
    Apalla Chopra
    O'Melveny & Myers LLP
    O'Melveny & Myers LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 1 | 13 Years Ranked
    Apalla Chopra is a fine choice of counsel for large-scale internal investigations into allegations of misconduct, as well as acting on litigation such as discrimination claims.
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  3. Elena Baca
    1
    Elena Baca
    Paul Hastings LLP
    Paul Hastings LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 1 | 15 Years Ranked
    Elena Baca is experienced in highly contentious employment litigation including discrimination and wage and hour disputes. She also chairs the firm's global employment law department.
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  4. Malcolm Heinicke
    1
    Malcolm Heinicke
    Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
    Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 1 | 12 Years Ranked
    "He's really good at the big-picture takeaways as well as getting into the details. He's an excellent writer, very clear and concise in his communications, and has an affable manner with how he deals with opposing counsel in courts; that gains him credibility."
    Key sectors
    Energy and Utilities|Financial Services|Retail and Consumer
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2
Band 2
  1. Catherine A Conway
    2
    Catherine A Conway
    Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
    Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 2 | 15 Years Ranked
    Catherine Conway is a litigator who frequently acts on wage and hour class actions, as well as discrimination, harassment and retaliation disputes.
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  2. Jeffrey D Wohl
    2
    Jeffrey D Wohl
    Paul Hastings LLP
    Paul Hastings LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 2 | 19 Years Ranked
    Jeffrey Wohl defends leading companies from a range of sectors against class actions involving diverse employment law claims, bringing to bear extensive trial experience.
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  3. Katherine M. Forster
    2
    Katherine M. Forster
    Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
    Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 2 | 12 Years Ranked
    Katherine Forster represents clients in a range of high-stakes disputes such as wrongful termination claims, as well as advising on internal and external investigations.
    Key sectors
    Art and Entertainment|Financial Services|Retail and Consumer|Technology, Media and Telecoms (TMT)
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  4. Terry Sanchez
    2
    Terry Sanchez
    Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
    Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 2 | 18 Years Ranked
    Terry Sanchez has experience in a broad range of labor and employment matters, from harassment and wage and hour disputes to wrongful termination claims.
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  5. Tracey A Kennedy
    2
    Tracey A Kennedy
    Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
    Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 2 | 15 Years Ranked
    Tracey Kennedy's impressive employment litigation and trial practice includes harassment and discrimination claims and retaliation suits.
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  6. Linda Miller Savitt
    Ballard Rosenberg Golper & Savitt, LLP, | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 2
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3
Band 3
  1. Barbara Miller
    3
    Barbara Miller
    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 3 | 6 Years Ranked
    Barbara Miller is recognized for her trial and appellate experience in labor and employment law. Her experience includes wage and hour issues and discrimination claims.
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  2. Charles S Birenbaum
    3
    Charles S Birenbaum
    Greenberg Traurig, LLP
    Greenberg Traurig, LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 3 | 16 Years Ranked
    Charles Birenbaum is particularly highlighted for his traditional labor law expertise, while also advising on wider employment matters. His practice includes both contentious mandates such as wage and hour class actions and advisory work.
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  3. Cheryl D. Orr
    3
    Cheryl D. Orr
    Faegre Drinker
    Faegre Drinker | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 3 | 9 Years Ranked
    "She provides sophisticated and nuanced legal advice and strategy, listens to clients, and addresses any concerns or problems immediately."
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  4. Debra L Fischer
    3
    Debra L Fischer
    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 3 | 11 Years Ranked
    Debra Fischer frequently represents clients in disputes involving noncompete and trade secrets issues. She is also recognized for her handling of sensitive internal investigations.
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  5. Eric Amdursky
    3
    Eric Amdursky
    O'Melveny & Myers LLP
    O'Melveny & Myers LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 3 | 5 Years Ranked
    Eric Amdursky is recognized for his strength in litigating complex employment law disputes, including trade secrets and retaliation allegations. He also advises on issues arising from corporate transactions.
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  6. 3
    Glen E. Kraemer
    Hirschfeld Kraemer LLP
    Hirschfeld Kraemer LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 3 | 7 Years Ranked
    "He is always available and goes above and beyond with great advice that shows he considers the legal, social, and business impact in our decision making."
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  7. Gregory W Knopp
    3
    Gregory W Knopp
    Proskauer Rose LLP
    Proskauer Rose LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 3 | 12 Years Ranked
    Gregory Knopp is noted for his prowess in wage and hour matters, including employee misclassification claims.
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  8. Harry I. Johnson
    3
    Harry I. Johnson
    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 3 | 3 Years Ranked
    "Harry was critical in formulating a solution to an incredibly complicated situation, and then worked seamlessly with our team to execute the solution on a very quick timeline."
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  9. Jesse A Cripps Jr.
    3
    Jesse A Cripps Jr.
    Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
    Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 3 | 11 Years Ranked
    Jesse Cripps is recognized for his expertise in major disputes such as discrimination claims and wage and hour disputes.
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  10. Julie A Totten
    3
    Julie A Totten
    Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
    Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 3 | 6 Years Ranked
    Julie Totten has experience in a broad range of labor and employment matters, including classification, retaliation and wrongful termination issues.
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  11. Kenneth D Sulzer
    3
    Kenneth D Sulzer
    Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP
    Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 3 | 15 Years Ranked
    "He is incredibly smart and focused, and develops good relationships with people on both sides of his cases, which works to his advantage."
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  12. Leslie Abbott
    3
    Leslie Abbott
    Paul Hastings LLP
    Paul Hastings LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 3 | 8 Years Ranked
    "Her advice is very helpful in navigating the tough California legal landscape efficiently and in a cost-effective manner."
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  13. Mary Dollarhide
    3
    Mary Dollarhide
    DLA Piper LLP (US)
    DLA Piper LLP (US) | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 3 | 3 Years Ranked
    Mary Dollarhide is experienced with handling wage and hour class actions as part of her impressive labor and employment practice.
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  14. Melinda S Riechert
    3
    Melinda S Riechert
    Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
    Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 3 | 17 Years Ranked
    Melinda Riechert is experienced in a range of high-profile employment law disputes, including defending against discrimination and wrongful termination suits. Her clients include technology companies and service providers.
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  15. Richard Simmons
    3
    Richard Simmons
    Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
    Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 3 | 20 Years Ranked
    Richard Simmons is well regarded for his experience in big-ticket class actions involving wage and hour issues.
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  16. 3
    Robert Siegel
    O'Melveny & Myers LLP
    O'Melveny & Myers LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 3 | 19 Years Ranked
    Robert Siegel is a go-to labor lawyer for market-leading airlines. He handles matters such as collective bargaining and high-value claims brought under the Railway Labor Act.
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  17. Timothy Long
    3
    Timothy Long
    Greenberg Traurig, LLP
    Greenberg Traurig, LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 3 | 3 Years Ranked
    Timothy Long is noted for his skill in contentious employment matters, including discrimination claims and employee misclassification and other wage and hour disputes.
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  18. Adam Levin
    Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 3
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4
Band 4
  1. Andrew Livingston
    4
    Andrew Livingston
    Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
    Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4 | 8 Years Ranked
    Andrew Livingston often takes on wage and hour class actions for clients in a range of industries, as well as handling disputes such as wrongful termination claims.
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  2. Brian T Ashe
    4
    Brian T Ashe
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4 | 15 Years Ranked
    Brian Ashe brings significant experience in defending against wage and hour class and collective actions, including misclassification disputes.
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  3. Cameron Fox
    4
    Cameron Fox
    Paul Hastings LLP
    Paul Hastings LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4 | 3 Years Ranked
    Cameron Fox handles a variety of contentious matters on behalf of employers, including discrimination, sexual harassment and wrongful termination claims.
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  4. Erin Connell
    4
    Erin Connell
    Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
    Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4 | 2 Years Ranked
    Erin Connell has developed a strong practice in the area of discrimination litigation, with notable expertise in defending large-scale pay equity disputes.
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  5. Jennifer B Rubin
    4
    Jennifer B Rubin
    Mintz
    Mintz | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4 | 3 Years Ranked
    "Jennifer is commercially savvy and that allows her to 'look around the corners' at what our company may be facing in the future, and help us prepare for it."
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  6. Jessica R. Perry
    4
    Jessica R. Perry
    Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
    Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4 | 10 Years Ranked
    Jessica Perry represents an impressive roster of clients in major employment disputes such as class actions. She acts for management facing claims such as gender discrimination and pay equity issues, and frequently acts on nationwide mandates.
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  7. Joan B. Tucker Fife
    4
    Joan B. Tucker Fife
    Winston & Strawn LLP
    Winston & Strawn LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4 | 10 Years Ranked
    Joan Fife is particularly highlighted for her wage and hour expertise, which forms part of a broader class and collective action practice. Her clients include companies in the energy, financial services and technology industries.
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  8. Judith Droz Keyes
    4
    Judith Droz Keyes
    Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
    Davis Wright Tremaine LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4 | 19 Years Ranked
    Judith Keyes represents clients in sexual harassment and discrimination claims as well as providing counsel on the employment aspects of M&A. Her practice also includes increasing activity as a mediator.
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  9. Kate Gold
    4
    Kate Gold
    Proskauer Rose LLP
    Proskauer Rose LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4 | 3 Years Ranked
    Kate Gold represents employers in litigation, often involving discrimination and sexual harassment allegations and wage and hour class actions.
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  10. Koray Bulut
    4
    Koray Bulut
    Goodwin
    Goodwin | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4 | 4 Years Ranked
    Koray Bulut of Goodwin comes recommended for his handling of employment law disputes such as harassment and trade secret violation claims, as well as wage and hour actions.
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  11. Laura J. Maechtlen
    4
    Laura J. Maechtlen
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4 | 3 Years Ranked
    Laura Maechtlen handles gender discrimination and sexual harassment lawsuits, and also advises employers on the implementation of diversity and inclusion policies.
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  12. Laura R Petroff
    4
    Laura R Petroff
    Winston & Strawn LLP
    Winston & Strawn LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4 | 15 Years Ranked
    Laura Petroff represents clients in a range of employment law matters, from wage and hour disputes to harassment and discrimination claims.
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  13. Maria Rodriguez
    4
    Maria Rodriguez
    McDermott Will & Emery LLP
    McDermott Will & Emery LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4 | 9 Years Ranked
    Maria Rodriguez takes on a range of employment law disputes, including defending against discrimination claims on behalf of clients such as entertainment companies.
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  14. Matthew Kane
    4
    Matthew Kane
    BakerHostetler LLP
    BakerHostetler LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4 | 3 Years Ranked
    Matthew Kane has considerable expertise in wage and hour issues, and acts on behalf of clients in the energy, financial services and logistics industries, among others. He co-leads the firm's employment and wage and hour class actions team.
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  15. Michele Haydel Gehrke
    4
    Michele Haydel Gehrke
    Reed Smith LLP
    Reed Smith LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4 | 4 Years Ranked
    Michele Gehrke is a fine choice of litigator for both class actions and single-plaintiff disputes, including discrimination and retaliation claims.
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  16. Rick Bergstrom
    4
    Rick Bergstrom
    Jones Day
    Jones Day | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4 | 14 Years Ranked
    Rick Bergstrom has a varied practice, which includes trade secrets disputes, discrimination claims and PAGA class actions.
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  17. Sandra R McCandless
    4
    Sandra R McCandless
    Dentons
    Dentons | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4 | 10 Years Ranked
    Sandra McCandless has expertise in both domestic and cross-border labor and employment matters, including advising on compliance concerns and defending against harassment claims.
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  18. Scott J. Witlin
    4
    Scott J. Witlin
    Barnes & Thornburg LLP
    Barnes & Thornburg LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4 | 11 Years Ranked
    Scott Witlin of Barnes & Thornburg LLP handles a wide array of issues on behalf of employers, including labor relations matters and wage and hour litigation. He is particularly experienced in the entertainment industry.
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  19. 4
    Stephen J Hirschfeld
    Hirschfeld Kraemer LLP
    Hirschfeld Kraemer LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4 | 14 Years Ranked
    Stephen Hirschfeld assists management-side clients with an impressive range of employment law issues, including harassment disputes and misconduct investigations. He also advises clients such as educational institutions on labor law concerns.
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  20. Thomas R. Kaufman
    4
    Thomas R. Kaufman
    Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
    Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4 | 5 Years Ranked
    Thomas Kaufman is a fine choice of litigator for state and federal wage and hour actions arising from a range of industries.
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  21. Wendy Lazerson
    4
    Wendy Lazerson
    Sidley Austin LLP
    Sidley Austin LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4 | 4 Years Ranked
    Wendy Lazerson is noted for her ability to handle high-stakes class actions as well as single-plaintiff litigation and internal investigations. Her experience includes discrimination and whistle-blower matters.
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  22. Zachary Hutton
    4
    Zachary Hutton
    Paul Hastings LLP
    Paul Hastings LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4 | 2 Years Ranked
    Zach Hutton is recognized for his handling of wage and hour litigation, where he represents notable clients within the automotive and technological fields.
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  23. George S Howard Jr
    Quarles & Brady LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 4
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5
Band 5
  1. Adam Abrahms
    5
    Adam Abrahms
    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 3 Years Ranked
    Adam Abrahms specializes in labor relations and often represents clients in the healthcare sector.
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  2. Adam Karr
    5
    Adam Karr
    O'Melveny & Myers LLP
    O'Melveny & Myers LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 2 Years Ranked
    Adam Karr is noted for his experience in handling significant wrongful termination disputes, as well as large-scale class actions.
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  3. Andrew Paley
    5
    Andrew Paley
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 2 Years Ranked
    Andrew Paley is well known for his expertise in wage and hour litigation.
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  4. Brett Burns
    5
    Brett Burns
    Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
    Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 4 Years Ranked
    Brett Burns frequently acts for high-profile clients across a variety of industries on contentious employment matters. He is experienced with handling wage and hour class and collective litigation on behalf of employers.
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  5. Danielle Hultenius Moore
    5
    Danielle Hultenius Moore
    Fisher Phillips
    Fisher Phillips | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 3 Years Ranked
    Danielle Moore regularly represents clients in PAGA and federal wage and hour disputes, and is also adept at handling discrimination and wrongful termination claims.
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  6. David Raizman
    5
    David Raizman
    Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC
    Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 2 Years Ranked
    David Raizman is well known for his expertise in the discrimination and disability rights space.
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  7. Emily Burkhardt Vicente
    5
    Emily Burkhardt Vicente
    Hunton Andrews Kurth
    Hunton Andrews Kurth | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked
    "Emily provides efficient, strategic, and thorough representation. She is well-versed on the evolving employment landscape in California and offers strategic and practical guidance to stay ahead of and resolve employment-related issues. Her experience and sharp legal mind make her a go-to resource for employment-related needs."
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  8. Eric Akira Tate
    5
    Eric Akira Tate
    Morrison Foerster
    Morrison Foerster | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked
    Eric Akira Tate routinely represents companies in trade secret and whistleblower claims among other employment matters.
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  9. Esra A Hudson
    5
    Esra A Hudson
    Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP
    Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 2 Years Ranked
    Esra Hudson represents notable clients in the entertainment space, helping them navigate wage and hour litigation, trade secrets claims and discrimination matters.
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  10. Felicia A Davis
    5
    Felicia A Davis
    Paul Hastings LLP
    Paul Hastings LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 3 Years Ranked
    "She has a good mind for thinking through different ways of analyzing a problem. She has good relationships with experts and does a good job of presenting information."
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  11. Fermin H. Llaguno
    5
    Fermin H. Llaguno
    Littler Mendelson, PC
    Littler Mendelson, PC | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 3 Years Ranked
    Fermin Llaguno handles a variety of contentious matters on behalf of employers, including wage and hour class and collective actions and discrimination claims. His expertise also encompasses wrongful termination and retaliation disputes.
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  12. George W Abele
    5
    George W Abele
    Paul Hastings LLP
    Paul Hastings LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 2 Years Ranked
    George Abele demonstrates notable strength in handling employment litigation. He handles a broad array of issues, including wage and hour class actions and sexual harassment litigation.
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  13. Jennifer Baldocchi
    5
    Jennifer Baldocchi
    Paul Hastings LLP
    Paul Hastings LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 3 Years Ranked
    "She's a very strong advocate and presents well in front of any audience. She offers really good client care and is highly responsive. She keeps the client's goals and needs front and center in all the work she does."
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  14. Jon D Meer
    5
    Jon D Meer
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 3 Years Ranked
    Jon Meer is noted for his proficiency in handling class action litigation, where he has managed matters for a variety of major employers. He is notably adept at handling wage and hour matters.
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  15. Jonathan Brenner
    5
    Jonathan Brenner
    Epstein Becker & Green PC
    Epstein Becker & Green PC | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked
    "Jonathan Brenner's knowledge, experience, and advice is invaluable. He gives consistently sound advice and we've achieved excellent results."
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  16. Katherine A Roberts
    5
    Katherine A Roberts
    Sidley Austin LLP
    Sidley Austin LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 3 Years Ranked
    Katherine Roberts represents employers on a range of contentious matters including wage and hour and retaliation disputes, as well as traditional labor law.
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  17. Katherine V A Smith
    5
    Katherine V A Smith
    Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
    Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 3 Years Ranked
    Katherine Smith handles a broad array of work on behalf of employers, including wage and hour class actions and discrimination and sexual harassment claims.
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  18. Kerry Garvis Wright
    5
    Kerry Garvis Wright
    Glaser, Weil, Fink, Howard, Jordan & Shapiro, LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked
    Kerry Garvis Wright of Glaser, Weil, Fink, Howard, Avchen & Shapiro, LLP has a strong track record in defending high-stakes employment disputes.
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  19. Lorraine Ocheltree
    5
    Lorraine Ocheltree
    Duane Morris LLP
    Duane Morris LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 3 Years Ranked
    "Lorraine is a consummate professional whose depth and breadth of legal knowledge, combined with her understanding of her clients' practical business considerations and risk tolerance, make her an indispensable asset to any company."
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  20. Mark Theodore
    5
    Mark Theodore
    Proskauer Rose LLP
    Proskauer Rose LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 6 Years Ranked
    Mark Theodore garners recognition for his representation of clients in traditional labor matters. He frequently appears on disputes before the NLRB.
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  21. Michael S. Chamberlin
    5
    Michael S. Chamberlin
    BakerHostetler LLP
    BakerHostetler LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 3 Years Ranked
    Michael Chamberlin of BakerHostetler acts on behalf of employers in a broad array of disputes, including wage and hour class actions and labor relations matters.
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  22. Michele Maryott
    5
    Michele Maryott
    Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
    Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 2 Years Ranked
    Michele Maryott is well regarded for handling PAGA and gender discrimination claims. She has experience of representing notable corporate clients.
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  23. Nicole Buffalano
    5
    Nicole Buffalano
    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 2 Years Ranked
    Nicole Buffalano is held in high regard for her ability to assist clients from a wide spectrum of sectors, including sports, food and beverage and hospitality. She routinely assists with collective bargaining agreement negotiations, as well as representing clients in arbitrations.
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  24. Peter J. Woo
    5
    Peter J. Woo
    Jackson Lewis P.C.
    Jackson Lewis P.C. | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 3 Years Ranked
    Peter Woo is well versed in handling discrimination claims, including defending clients before the EEOC.
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  25. Robert F. Millman
    5
    Robert F. Millman
    Littler Mendelson, PC
    Littler Mendelson, PC | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 9 Years Ranked
    Robert Millman is highly adept at assisting with labor matters such as union organizing and collective bargaining negotiations. His clients include companies from the healthcare sector.
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  26. Robin Samuel
    5
    Robin Samuel
    Baker McKenzie
    Baker McKenzie | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 2 Years Ranked
    "Robin takes the time to understand the situation, asks the right questions, and offers thorough, thoughtful and practical advice for complex employment situations."
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  27. 5
    Ron Holland
    Greenberg Traurig, LLP
    Greenberg Traurig, LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 3 Years Ranked
    Ron Holland is well versed in labor relations issues, and also experienced with wage and hour matters.
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  28. Ruth Zadikany
    5
    Ruth Zadikany
    Mayer Brown LLP
    Mayer Brown LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 3 Years Ranked
    Ruth Zadikany of Mayer Brown litigates the full gamut of state and federal wage and hour claims as well as handling discrimination disputes.
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  29. Sharon Bauman
    5
    Sharon Bauman
    Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP
    Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 3 Years Ranked
    Sharon Bauman regularly handles discrimination matters before the EEOC and also assists clients with wage and hour issues.
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  30. Tao Leung
    5
    Tao Leung
    Hogan Lovells US LLP
    Hogan Lovells US LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 2 Years Ranked
    Tao Leung of Hogan Lovells is the head of the labor and employment practice in California. He represents clients in a broad array of matters, including wage and hour litigation and trade secrets disputes, as well as providing general counsel.
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  31. Thomas E Hill
    5
    Thomas E Hill
    Holland & Knight LLP
    Holland & Knight LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 10 Years Ranked
    Thomas Hill acts for employers on both state and federal disputes, including actions brought under the FLSA. His strong client roster includes financial institutions, manufacturers and technology companies.
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  32. Troy Valdez
    5
    Troy Valdez
    DLA Piper LLP (US)
    DLA Piper LLP (US) | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked
    Troy Valdez frequently acts on a range of employment law matters, including wage and hour class actions.
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  33. Walter Stella
    5
    Walter Stella
    Cozen O'Connor
    Cozen O'Connor | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5 | 3 Years Ranked
    "Employment law matters can be time-sensitive and he's able to respond as needed. He is always very timely and responsive."
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  34. Gary McLaughlin
    Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Band 5
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U
Up and Coming
  1. Candice T Zee
    U
    Candice T Zee
    Vedder Price
    Vedder Price | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Up and Coming | 1 Years Ranked
    Candice Zee acts on the full range of employment matters, from discrimination and retaliation claims to wage and hour class actions.
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Associates to watch
  1. Philippe Lebel
    Philippe Lebel
    Proskauer Rose LLP
    Proskauer Rose LLP | Labor & Employment
    2023 | Associates to watch | 3 Years Ranked
    Philippe Lebel assists employers with an array of contentious mandates, including wage and hour class actions as well as whistle-blower disputes.
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Related Rankings

Labor & Employment: Mainly Plaintiffs - California
Labor & Employment: Highly Regarded - California
Labor & Employment: The Elite - California