John Z. LaCrosse helps California public agencies navigate complex labor and employment matters through strategic litigation, proactive advice and counsel, and workplace investigations. As an attorney in Liebert Cassidy Whitmore’s San Diego office, he represents cities, counties, public safety agencies, special districts, and other public employers throughout California.
John’s litigation practice focuses on defending California public agencies in state and federal courts, as well as before administrative agencies. He strategically guides clients through every stage of litigation, from early case assessment and discovery through drafting dispositive motions and other substantive briefs, and preparing matters for trial. His experience includes defending public agencies against claims involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, disability accommodation, wage and hour issues, constitutional and other employment-related disputes.
In addition to his litigation practice, John serves as a trusted advisor to public agency employers on a broad range of employment and governance issues. He counsels clients regarding the interactive process and reasonable accommodation, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), protected leave laws, retirement issues, Brown Act compliance, employee discipline, and other personnel matters. By partnering with clients to address issues proactively, John helps public agencies minimize legal risk, avoid litigation whenever possible, and develop practical, legally sound solutions that support their operational objectives.
John is a member of the firm’s Retirement, Benefits and Disability Practice Group, where he advises public agencies on retirement and disability matters involving the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). His practice includes counseling employers regarding disability retirement, industrial disability retirement, retirement-related employment issues, representing employers in CalPERS disability retirement matters, and navigating complex CalPERS administrative proceedings. John also regularly presents and provides training to public agencies on retirement-related issues and developments affecting California public employers.
Before beginning his legal career, John worked as a television news producer and reporter, where he developed strong investigative, interviewing, and communication skills that continue to inform his approach to litigation and workplace investigations.
