Our People

Jolina Abrena, an Associate in the Los Angeles office, represents Liebert Cassidy Whitmore clients in all matters pertaining to labor and employment law.  An experienced litigator, Jolina has extensive experience in all aspects of the litigation process, including trials and appeals.  Jolina was second chair in the underlying case of Benach v. County of Los Angeles (2007) 149 Cal.App.4th 836, and has presented oral argument before the California Courts of Appeal.  Jolina also represents clients at administrative hearings, and advises clients about compliance with employment discrimination laws, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act, regulatory requirements and labor agreements.  She has conducted thorough investigations, and provided harassment trainings. 

Allen Acosta is an Associate in Liebert Cassidy Whitmore’s Los Angeles office, where he represents clients in all facets of labor and employment law, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and federal civil rights’ claims.  Allen is an experienced employment litigator and has successfully represented government agencies before state and federal courts.  He is experienced in all aspects of the litigation process, including depositions, dispositive motions, trial and appeals.  Allen has also conducted major investigations, including investigations involving allegations of cyber-crime and misconduct related to a major government infrastructure project.  As a former Assistant District Attorney in New York, Allen handled several trials and felony investigations. 

Liz is an accomplished advocate with experience litigating a wide array of labor and employment cases in state and federal trial and appellate courts. Liz has successfully represented employers in matters ranging from single plaintiff lawsuits to wage and hour class and collective actions. Her litigation experience includes numerous successful summary judgment motions, defeating class certification, and decertifying collective actions. Liz's litigation practice also includes handling matters in arbitration and before administrative agencies where she has been effective at obtaining favorable results for the firm's clients.

Ronnie is an Associate in Liebert Cassidy Whitmore’s Los Angeles Office where he assists clients in matters pertaining to labor and employment law. Ronnie has experience in all phases of litigation, from the pleading stage through trial. He represents cities, counties, and public schools in legal matters arising out of public employment, including issues pertaining to discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation. 

Megan Atkinson is an Associate in the Los Angeles office of Liebert Cassidy Whitmore, where she represents public entities in labor and employment law matters.  She regularly defends against claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour violations.  She litigates in both state and federal court and has experience from pre-litigation through trial.  In 2018, she served as second chair in a nine-week jury trial. Megan was selected as a 2019 Southern California Rising Star by Super Lawyers.

Daniella Bahrynian is an Associate in Liebert Cassidy Whitmore’s Los Angeles office where she assists public sector agencies and educational institutions on a variety of matters including labor, employment, and education law. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Daniella taught third grade for three years through Teach for America. Her passion for education and this direct experience with students, teachers, and administrators has helped shape Daniella’s approach to practicing law.

Bruce Barsook has been with the firm since 1981 and has concentrated in education and public sector employment and labor law for more than thirty years. Bruce has extensive expertise in education and employment law issues including traditional labor relations, discipline, conflicts of interest, retirement, open meeting laws and employment discrimination.  He has a wealth of experience in collective bargaining, fact finding hearings, court litigation, arbitrations, and other employment law administrative proceedings. In negotiations, Bruce excels in forging strong, effective relationships both with clients and with employee organization representatives. Additionally, Bruce advises schools and community colleges regarding board, faculty, staff, and student issues, including discipline, leaves and contractual issues.

Steve is the Chair of the firm's Retirement, Health and Disability Practice Group and works to ensure that our firm stays on the cutting edge of the law related to these important areas. He has an extensive labor relations practice and unparalleled retirement law expertise. Steve has acted as chief negotiator for many public agencies in labor negotiations with their employee groups, helping them reduce payroll and other costs. He also advises clients on contract interpretation issues and represents clients in grievance matters and is frequently called on to assist agencies in times of fiscal crisis.

As Manager of Legal Support Services, Janae is responsible for hiring, training and supervising the secretarial staff and the legal records department in the Los Angeles office.  She also assists in the development and application of firmwide procedures in these areas. 

Michael Blacher is the Chair of the firm's Private Education Practice Group. He represents educational institutions in all aspects of labor, employment, and education law. Michael has successfully defended claims involving alleged harassment, discrimination and retaliation, disability accommodation, First Amendment, and alleged violation of wage and hour laws. Michael also advises educational institutions in Office of Civil Rights investigations and has handled a number of Title IX cases. Michael often advises boards on governance and other issues, including updates to bylaws. He works extensively on contractual matters such as employment and enrollment agreements as well as employee and student handbooks. Michael also represents clients during arbitrations and administrative hearings.