Theresa Cunningham Email and Phone Number

Our Commissions oversees recruitment, hiring, promotion, job description updates, the classification system and merit rules for the classified employees. Review data of Commission actions taken and present in annual report and budget to Board of Trustees.

Perform harassment, hostile work environment and retaliation claims for investigation reports for public and private employers under state and federal employment statutes. I interview and determine credibility of witnesses and gather and analyze documentary evidence. I draft comprehensive investigation reports with findings of fact and conclusions of law in order to provide an analytical roadmap for the reviewing court or agency. Apply applicable burden of proof to findings. Compile and analyze statistics in hiring, promotion and HR practices.I mediate complex Title VII discrimination, harassment and retaliation cases for EEOC. Review and perform further research to supplement submitted mediation briefs. Analyze federal and state employment claims, violations of personnel rules and analyze disputes under collective bargaining agreements. Review and analyze loss of wage and other employment damage claims.

I continued my research, analysis, legal writing, litigation and transaction experience gained in the Santa Rosa City Attorney's Office. At County Counsel, I researched, analyzed, drafted investigation reports and pleadings, presented oral argument in employee personnel issues, claims and disputes. I researched and drafted personnel and civil service regulations. I researched, analyzed claims and drafted pleadings in my representation of the Sheriff's Department in Superior Court in Pitchess motions. I researched and drafted Sheriff's department standard operating procedures, such as use of force and high-speed chases. Researched, compiled statistics, analyzed, drafted and administered data base of public works and Sonoma County Airport agreements and leases. Researched, analyzed and drafted public works, professional services and real property leases, licenses and use agreements. Analyzed risk of loss, indemnity and insurance requirements for contracts.

Represented City in all aspects of municipal law including employment, labor, contracts, personal injury, and police use of force cases. Tried cases in state and federal court. Researched, analyzed and drafted appeal briefs in state and federal court. Extensive research, writing and law and motion and discovery practice. Developed curriculum and taught classes in contract administration, conflict of interest laws and compliance with harassment, hostile work environment and discrimination laws to staff, managers and elected officials. Set insurance reserves, estimated future liability and developed mitigation plans with risk management and insurer. Researched, analyzed, drafted and administered public works and professional services agreements, police department standard operating procedures, ordinances and resolutions. Represented police department in Pitchess motions and return of weapons cases. Reviewed police department grant applications, drafted written reports and presented grant acceptance reports to City Council. Prosecuted municipal code violations. Advised HR department in employment matters, reasonable accommodation and the interactive process. Compiled, tabulated and analyzed employment statistics for State and Federal agencies. Advised Planning Commission in land use matters. Employed as an Assistant City Attorney and as a contract attorney.