Joe Appel Email & Phone Number

Currently, I am the primary legal support for the Human Resources, Public Affairs, Corporate Services, Employee Services, Employee Benefits, Executive Compensation, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion teams, which includes identifying and addressing legal, regulatory, and policy issues. I am also the primary legal point of contact for privacy and AI matters, review and negotiate vendor contracts, and provide corporate governance advice and counsel for the board of directors. I regularly collaborate with a wide range of internal stakeholders, actively manage outside counsel, and engage with other FHLBs.

• Advised clients on best practices for employment processes, including investigations, discipline, and terminations. • Partnered closely with CEOs, CFOs, HR Business Partners, and HR Managers to efficiently achieve company objectives. • Provided counsel regarding leaves of absence, accommodations, interactive process, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour issues. • Offered guidance regarding offer letters, employment contracts, severance agreements, and handbook policies and procedures. • Coached clients on how to proactively limit liability during all phases of the employment relationship and reduce exposure to future claims.• Monitored current legal developments to ensure client compliance with employment laws. • Represented employers during all phases of litigation in state and federal courts, private arbitrations, and administrative agencies against individual and representative actions.

• Represented plaintiffs in all phases of personal injury cases, including wrongful death, catastrophic accidents, and premises liability, as well as workers' compensation litigation.

• Counseled clients regarding leaves of absence and reasonable accommodations.• Advised CEOs and HR Managers on proper final pay procedures, reimbursement practices, and wage statements compliance.• Defended employers against class action and PAGA matters as well as individual claims for disability discrimination, failure to accommodate, and retaliation.• Prosecuted claims on behalf of clients, including misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of contract, and conversion.

• Represented Fortune 500 companies in state and federal court, including as third chair for federal court trial, drafted trial briefs, motions in limine, and jury instructions. • Counseled clients regarding proper worker classification status.• Defended against class action claims.

• Defended companies against actions brought under FEHA, Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, CFRA, FLSA, and the California Labor Code. • Prepared answers, demurrers, motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, and conducted written and e-discovery. • Offered HR Managers guidance on managing leaves of absence, reasonable accommodations, and the interactive process. • Gave presentations on topical employment law issues, including social media in the workplace and independent contractor classification. • Drafted and revised employee handbooks, policies, and procedures.

• Prepared draft appellate court opinions.

• Prepared draft appellate court opinions.

Education record

Juris Doctor, Law

Bachelor Of Arts, Psychology & Spanish