Laura began as a litigator and has grown into a trusted advisor for public agencies. Laura provides a full range of legal services, beginning with a focus on prevention and education through training, continuing with daily advice and counsel, and when necessary, vigorous defense in litigation and discipline appeals. Laura has a demonstrated record of success in handling all facets of litigation, from trial to appeal, including in the areas of wage and hour, discrimination, constitutional, and tort claims, both in State and Federal court. Laura is a dynamic trainer, who draws on her legal expertise and commitment to her clients' success in her work as one of the firm's top presenters. Laura presents on such topics as the elimination of bias, privacy, social media, leaves and investigations. Laura has been honored to present for such groups as the League of California Cities, the California Special Districts Association, the California Background Investigators Association, the County Counsels' Association of California, as well as a countless number of the firm's employment consortiums. Additionally, she was one of the presenters of the firm's statewide Firefighter Bill of Rights Act seminars.
Laura's trial experience includes successfully completing a three-week, FLSA collective action, federal jury trial, with a complete defense verdict on the related retaliation claims, and a bench trial on affirmative defenses and damages. Laura has an extensive background handling cases which claim violation of First Amendment freedom of speech and union activities, due process, harassment and retaliation claims, as well as writs of mandamus under CCP 1085 and 1094.5.
One of the most rewarding and continuous aspects of Laura's practice is responding to requests from agencies for guidance on how to manage and address concerns involving employees. In this regard, Laura also regularly reviews and revises agency policies and drafts employee handbooks and manuals.