Lauren Joyce Email & Phone Number

Goleta, California, Us

★ Oversee and manage all aspects of employment law and employee benefits, advising leadership on matters regarding wage and hour, discrimination, harassment, leave laws, health and retirement benefits, and other applicable benefit programs.★ Develop, implement, and continuously update company-wide policies, procedures, and handbooks related to employee benefits, wellness programs, and leave policies, ensuring alignment with legal requirements and best practices★ Provide proactive legal advice and training to HR, management, and employees on employment law matters, employee benefits, workplace policies, and best practices★ Lead internal investigations into allegations of misconduct, discrimination, harassment, and benefits-related issues★ Advise on hiring, performance management, discipline, termination decisions, and employee benefits offerings to ensure compliance with legal and company requirements and to accurately identify risk★ Oversee and manage employment-related litigation and benefits-related compliance audits, including responding to government agency complaints, mediation, arbitration, and working with outside counsel as needed★ Review, draft, and negotiate employment-related contracts and employee benefits-related documents, such as offer letters, confidentiality agreements, separation agreements, and plan documents★ Monitor and analyze legal developments and trends in California and federal employment law and employee benefits regulations to anticipate and mitigate potential impacts on the company★ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure employment law and employee benefits considerations are integrated into broader company initiatives and strategic planning

Goleta, California, Us

★ Supports a rapidly-growing business, advising leadership on employment matters, compliance issues, contract administration, and risk management. Oversees outside counsel, subpoena responses, and records production.★ Subject Matter Expert and strategic advisor across the organization on employment-related obligations. ★ Established a formal corporate compliance program and contract life cycle management process from the ground up. Administers the NAVEX RiskRate and EthicsPoint systems used for whistleblowing and third-party due diligence. Oversees compliance worldwide.★ Manages subpoena responses and records production.★ Proactively tracks changes in the regulatory landscape to implement policies and practices as needed.★ Advises all business units, building legal tools and strategies to facilitate business-unit functions, including Sales, Marketing, Research & Development, and Operations. Counsels the People & Culture team on matters of policy administration and Labor & Employment law.★ Introduced a contract life cycle management system that enabled faster approvals, expediting the sales contract process by 50%.

Santa Barbara, Ca, Us

★ Advised leadership and management on employment law issues and maintaining compliance with legal requirements and collective bargaining agreements across multiple represented functions. Managed multiple concurrent legal matters, securing positive outcomes and minimizing liability.★ Maintained accountability for protecting the University’s interests in complaints, disciplinary measures, leaves of absence, separation actions, disability accommodations, discrimination, Worker’s Compensation, litigation, and wage and hour laws.★ Drafted and negotiated legal agreements that included settlements, non-disclosure agreements, releases, and waivers.★ Led investigations into alleged violations of laws, regulations, and university policies.

Santa Barbara, Ca, Us

★ Represented businesses and government agencies in civil litigation, with a focus on employment and labor matters, also managing matters regarding real property, land use, contracts, and tort defense. Responsible for advice and counseling, as well as all phases of litigation and dispute resolution.★ Counseled clients on investigations, classification, separations, performance management, and employment risk identification and cost-effective risk mitigation strategies.★ Created and implemented policies to maintain compliance with state and federal regulations and laws, including the ADA, FLSA, FMLA, and privacy legislation.★ Recognized on the Southern California Rising Star List in 2018 in the category of Super Lawyers – Rising Star.

Santa Barbara, Ca, Us

★ Advised businesses regarding employment matters and represented clients in employment litigation matters, including administrative actions before the Office of Administrative Hearings and the Employment Development Department.★ Litigated cases, handling motion practice, discovery, depositions, alternative dispute resolution, and settlement negotiations.★ Created policies and agreements and generally supported the human resources function of business across sectors, including hospitality, agriculture, technology, and healthcare.

★ Established a law practice, representing clients in administrative hearings, trials, and in arbitration.★ Hired and managed a team of two administrative staff and up to four attorneys.★ Developed experience in bench and jury trials, arbitrations, and administrative hearings.