Expert advisor to employers on California employment law and strategic litigation defense.

I work closely with business leaders and the HR team to provide strategic counsel to the NFL Network and NFL Digital Media. I am responsible for managing employee relations issues and implementing and overseeing workplace investigations, policies and procedures at NFL LA (+1k employees). Key responsibilities include:• Conduct timely, fair and thorough workplace investigations • Create, revise and interpret HR policies and the NFL handbook • Consult on accommodation requests and flexible work arrangements• Conceive and provide HR training, including wage and hour training and workplace expectations • Provide guidance and support for informal and formal performance management including responsibility for all warnings, performance improvement plans, and progressive discipline recommendations• Oversee exit interview process and data analysis• Evaluate and assist with all involuntary terminations, including severance/separation negotiations and agreements• Consult and assist with high volume staffing decisions • Consult on morale and culture issues, including department or interpersonal conflicts• Evaluate classification questions and vendor contracts• Consult on NFL LA events and initiatives to ensure risks are evaluated • Oversee personnel conflict management at tentpole events• Provide guidance on all CA and federal employment laws and ensure compliant practices• Oversee 360 evaluations• Assist with broader HR Dept and NFL LA initiatives as needed• Partner with cross-functional teams on their investigations as needed• Act as advisor to new disability ERG (NFL Able)• Help establish a positive and engaging workplace culture that promotes respect and integrity • Coach managers and provide training on performance management techniques• Provide strategic counsel to senior management addressing complex personnel issues • Provide expert advice on hiring issues, including background checks and interview guidelines

Represented employers in the health care, manufacturing, hospitality, pest control, entertainment, retail, and transportation industries, among others.Represented management in single and multi-plaintiff litigation, including the defense of wage and hour, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and accommodation claims, and in matters before the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board, and other administrative agencies.Counseled clients on compliance with state and federal leave laws and on employee handbooks and policies, discipline and separation procedures, and social media and workplace privacy issues.Negotiated copyright ownership and administrative agreements and drafted confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements for clients in the entertainment industry, analyzed issues relating to the fair use of published music, and counseled on issues relating to independent trailer music publishers.

Advised employers on fair employment practices and representing management in labor disputes, administrative proceedings and litigation. Background knowledge of health care, entertainment and construction industry transactions.

Associate at full service law firm in Los Angeles. Focuses of practice include employment law, litigation, and entertainment law.