Tag Archives: CDF Labor Law LLP

CDF Labor Law LLP Expands Firm Leadership, Elevates Six Women

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- CDF Labor Law LLP is proud to announce the promotion of two attorneys to Partner and four to Senior Counsel, all of whom are talented women employment defense litigators. These promotions reflect our commitment to cultivating an inclusive environment that values and advances our team members' diverse skills and contributions. These individuals, part of our nearly 50-strong legal team, exemplify CDF's dedication to guiding and defending employers in California's complex labor and employment legal terrain.

"Each recently elevated attorney at CDF Labor Law LLP has consistently showcased exceptional legal acumen and an unwavering commitment to superior client service," stated Firm Managing Partner Marie DiSante. "In applauding these advancements, we reaffirm our firm's steadfast dedication to delivering top-tier talent to safeguard, defend and advocate for employers throughout California."

CDF New Partners (in alphabetical order by first name):

Desiree J. Ho (San Diego - Partner) has extensive experience across diverse industries and understands the vital role of tailored solutions for clients. She is well-versed in defending employers in wage and hour litigation, including PAGA and class actions, as well as single and multi-plaintiff lawsuits for discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and other employer-related claims. She advocates taking preemptive measures to best protect clients against wage and hour and other areas of exposure, works with clients to develop strong policies and practices, and guides businesses through difficult employment decisions. Desiree was named to the 2024 list of "Ones to Watch" by Best Lawyers in America(R). She received her J.D. from UCLA School of Law in 2016.

Erin A. Owen (San Diego - Partner) prioritizes personalized service, crafting strategies aligned with client goals in both employment and business litigation. She is deeply committed to her client's well-being and synthesizes a deep understanding of their business, culture, and risk tolerance to best address their legal needs. Erin's employment litigation expertise spans class and PAGA wage and hour disputes, single and multi-party wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, among other claims, across diverse industries. In business litigation, she handles breach of contract, business torts, trade secret litigation, and shareholder / partner / principal disputes, showcasing knowledge of issues unique to businesses at different stages of their lifecycle. Her comprehensive experience includes counseling businesses planning for and in the transactions process, including managing litigation and its impact on a transaction critical to an organization. Erin graduated from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1996.

CDF New Senior Counsel (in alphabetical order by first name):

Candace R. DesBaillets (San Francisco - Senior Counsel) advises and defends employers, providing practical solutions to mitigate risks. With expertise in wage and hour compliance, termination risk assessment, family and medical leave, and disability accommodation, she handles litigation matters spanning discrimination, harassment, retaliation, contracts, and employment-related torts. Candace has a diverse client portfolio across industries, such as technology, retail, food and beverage, construction, healthcare, and aerospace. Her experience includes representing employers in state and federal courts and before agencies like the EEOC, CRD, and DLSE. With a background in critical gender studies, she offers unique insights to help employers navigate California's dynamic legal landscape. Candance was named to the 2023 and 2024 lists of "Ones to Watch" by Best Lawyers in America(R). She graduated from Berkeley School of Law in 2016.

Dalia Z. Khatib (Sacramento - Senior Counsel) defends California employers on a variety of issues, with a special emphasis on wage and hour class actions, as well as Private Attorney General Act (PAGA) litigation. She has successfully defended employers throughout all stages of litigation, including through trial. In addition to her legal acumen, Dalia's unique background includes helping manage a family-owned marketing and software development company. This hands-on experience managing a workforce has given her a unique perspective in her legal practice and a deep understanding of the challenges that businesses face, particularly in the dynamic landscape of California. This perspective allows Dalia to provide comprehensive guidance to employers on all employee-related issues, including termination, leaves of absence, wage and hour regulations, and compliance with California's privacy regulations impacting employers. Dalia was named to the 2024 list of "Ones to Watch" by Best Lawyers in America(R). She graduated from Davis School of Law in 2018.

Linda Wang (Los Angeles - Senior Counsel) represents clients in diverse industries, including healthcare, food and beverage, manufacturing, and retail. Her practices focus on single-plaintiff FEHA claims, wage and hour disputes, and PAGA and class actions. Wang has also assisted clients in navigating the new California privacy laws (CFRA), including drafting workplace privacy policies. She has successfully defeated wage and hour class action, including obtaining a complete denial of class certification motion in favor of employer. Beyond litigation, she advises on workplace disputes, wage compliance, and privacy laws, showcasing a comprehensive approach to client needs. Fluent in Mandarin, Linda provides legal advice in Mandarin and offers pro bono support, demonstrating her commitment to accessibility and client well-being in the complex landscape of California labor law. Linda was named to the 2024 list of "Ones to Watch" by Best Lawyers in America(R). She graduated from Irvine School of Law in 2017.

Tashayla "Shay" Billington (Sacramento - Senior Counsel) defends California companies against wage and hour class actions and single-plaintiff claims involving discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful termination, and employment-related torts. She also excels in strategic legal maneuvers, conducting thorough discovery processes, and handling motions, mediations, and arbitrations with a track record of success. She has notable experience in defending unfair labor practice charges and counseling both unionized and non-unionized employers on various aspects of labor relations. Committed to protecting businesses and ensuring compliance with California's dynamic employment laws, she also provides comprehensive legal representation with assertive and innovative strategies to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape. Shay was named to the 2023 and 2024 lists of "Ones to Watch" by Best Lawyers in America(R). She graduated Order of the Coif and Order of the Barristers from McGeorge School of Law in 2015.

About CDF Labor Law LLP

For 30 years, CDF Labor Law LLP has distinguished itself as one of the top labor, employment and business immigration law firms in California, representing employers in single-plaintiff and class action lawsuits and advising employers on related legal compliance and risk avoidance. The firm has five offices throughout California - in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego.

For more information, visit: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/ and find CDF on LinkedIn to learn more about how the firm protects California employers.

For access to timely alerts on the latest California labor and employment law developments, sign up for the firm's blog by visiting: https://www.CalLaborLaw.com/.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/attorneys/bio/marie-disante

https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/attorneys/bio/desiree-j-ho

https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/attorneys/bio/erin-a.-owen

https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/attorneys/bio/candace-r.-desbaillets

https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/attorneys/bio/dalia-z-khatib

https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/attorneys/bio/linda-wang

https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/attorneys/bio/tashayla-shay-billington

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdflaborlaw/

CDF Labor Law LLP is proud to announce the promotion of two attorneys to Partner and four to Senior Counsel, all of whom are talented women employment defense litigators. These promotions reflect our commitment to cultivating an inclusive environment that values and advances our team members' diverse skills and contributions. These individuals, part of our nearly 50-strong legal team, exemplify CDF's dedication to guiding and defending employers in California's complex labor and employment legal terrain.

Related link: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/

A PAGA Victory to Bring in the New Year: Trial Court Holds LWDA Responsible for Prevailing Employer’s Costs

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Last week a trial court in Alameda County entered an order permitting Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. to recover nearly $125,000 in costs from the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA). Hobby Lobby incurred these costs during six years of hard-fought litigation involving claims brought under California's Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), CDF Labor Law LLP announced today.

The lawsuit was based on allegations that Hobby Lobby failed to allow retail store workers to use suitable seats while they were working. Since the outset of the case in 2017, Hobby Lobby maintained that the placement of seats in retail stores and the use of seats by working employees would create a risk of injury. The lawsuit culminated in a three-week bench trial in February and March of 2023, which resulted in a complete victory for Hobby Lobby. The trial court filed its order requiring the LWDA to pay for Hobby Lobby's costs after several rounds of briefing related to the matter in which both the plaintiff and the State of California attempted to avoid any accountability for the failed PAGA claim.

CDF Labor LLP partners Brent M. Giddens and Corey J. Cabral, Chair of CDF's PAGA Litigation Practice, represented Hobby Lobby in this lawsuit since the time it was filed in 2017, at trial, and through the present.

Plaintiff's Effort to Avoid Liability for Costs

After judgment was entered in Hobby Lobby's favor, the company sought to recover its costs as the prevailing party. California's general cost shifting rule, set forth in Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) section 1032, provides that prevailing parties are entitled to recover their costs as a matter of right unless "otherwise expressly provided by statute." Recoverable costs are determined by statute. A prevailing party can only recover attorney fees as a recoverable cost if authorized by statute that "refers to the award of 'costs and attorney's fees.'" (CCP §§ 1033.5(a)(10)(B) and 1033.5(c)(5).)

Plaintiff responded to Hobby Lobby's effort to recover of costs by filing a motion to tax. Therein, she argued that the PAGA's attorney fee and cost provision, Labor Code section 2699(g)(1), serves as an exception to California's general cost shifting rule. The PAGA's fee and cost provision states, "Any employee who prevails in any action shall be entitled to an award of reasonable attorney's fees and costs." Plaintiff also argued that public policy prohibits the recovery of costs by defendant-employers that successfully defend PAGA claims. She claimed that making PAGA plaintiffs liable for an employer's costs would have a "chilling effect" on PAGA litigation and undermine its purpose.

Hobby Lobby's Request to Recover Costs from the LWDA

Hobby Lobby opposed Plaintiff's motion to tax, demonstrating that PAGA's fee and cost provision is not an express exception to the general cost shifting rule. It merely establishes that attorney fees are a recoverable cost for prevailing employees; it does not foreclose a prevailing employer from recovering its costs. As for Plaintiff's public policy arguments, Hobby Lobby made the novel argument that the LWDA is responsible for an employer's costs resulting from an unsuccessful PAGA lawsuit. The company's argument was predicated on the unique relationship between a PAGA plaintiff and the LWDA. Specifically, in any PAGA lawsuit, the LWDA is the "real party in interest," the plaintiff serves as a "proxy" or "agent" of the LWDA, and the plaintiff has no personal right or interest at stake. And the LWDA retains "primacy over private enforcement efforts." Moreover, the California Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal have held that PAGA does not violate constitutional separation of powers requirements because the LWDA retains sufficient control over PAGA litigation to render it a constitutional delegation of authority.

Just three days after Hobby Lobby filed its opposition-before the matter was fully briefed-the trial court weighed in on the matter. The court entered an order continuing the hearing date for plaintiff's motion to tax, inviting the LWDA to file an amicus brief, and setting a schedule for supplemental briefing. The trial court requested that the LWDA and the parties address several topics, including the reciprocity of benefit and burden as it applies to the LWDA and factual information about the dollar value of civil penalties the LWDA collected through PAGA cases.

The LWDA's Response to the Trial Court's Order

The LWDA declined to file an amicus brief and, instead, enlisted the Department of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) to intervene on its behalf. The DLSE argued that it had a right to intervene on behalf of the LWDA because it was authorized to administer the PAGA pursuant to delegations from the LWDA and the Department of Industrial Relations, and because the LWDA had a material interest in the outcome of the trial court's decision of allocation of liability for Hobby Lobby's costs. However, as discussed further below, the DLSE parroted Plaintiff's arguments that no employer may recover costs resulting from a failed PAGA action.

Hobby Lobby opposed the DLSE's intervention, arguing that it was an unnecessary procedural tactic aimed at precluding the LWDA's liability for "pre-intervention costs." The trial court ultimately granted the DLSE's request to intervene but noted that the intervention-status "will not determine the substantive issue of whether the LWDA is responsible for the costs."

The DLSE then filed a brief in support of Plaintiff's motion to tax costs and agreeing with Plaintiff's argument that employers have no right to recover costs as a prevailing party in a PAGA lawsuit. The DLSE claimed that the trial court should interpret the PAGA's fee and cost provision as a "one-way cost shifting" provision akin to that in California's minimum wage laws. The DLSE did not address the value of civil penalties the LWDA collected through PAGA cases. Nonetheless, the DLSE's argument relied on the oft-cited legislative purpose of the PAGA-to supplement and increase enforcement of the Labor Code by public agencies which lack adequate resources. Moreover, the DLSE disavowed the LWDA's control over PAGA litigation. The DLSE went as far as to claim the "LWDA cannot prevent an aggrieved employee from pursuing a PAGA claim that it would not otherwise prosecute."

CDF's Public Records Requests

When the trial court invited the LWDA's amicus brief and requested financial information about PAGA civil penalties, Hobby Lobby's counsel doubted the DLSE would provide the information. Accordingly, soon after the trial court invited the LWDA's amicus brief, the firm submitted Public Record Act requests to the LWDA seeking financial information related to PAGA litigation, including the amount of civil penalties the LWDA recovered in recent years. In doing so, the firm obtained evidence that undermines the oft-cited and out-of-date findings that the LWDA has "scarce" or "limited" resources.

As anticipated, the evidence established that the LWDA has received a staggering amount of civil penalties from PAGA litigation. In just the last three fiscal years, the LWDA has received approximately $375 million in civil penalties. The evidence also demonstrated the funds were not being used as required under PAGA. Specifically, Labor Code section 2699(i) states that the civil penalties received by the LWDA are "for enforcement of labor laws, including the administration of this part, and for education of employers and employees about their rights and responsibilities under this code, to be continuously appropriated to supplement and not supplant the funding to the agency for those purposes." The LWDA's records indicate the PAGA funds have been used to make a $107,000,000 "loan" to the General Fund, to supplant funding to the agency's various departments, and other non-enforcement uses. However, many of the funds are simply not allocated to any use and remain in the Labor and Workforce Development Fund.

Hobby Lobby's Supplemental Briefing

In its supplemental briefing, Hobby Lobby buttressed its arguments that the PAGA's fee and cost shifting provision can only be interpreted as authorizing prevailing employees to recover attorney's fees as a cost under CCP sections 1032, 1033.5(a)(10)(B), and 1033.5(c)(5). The PAGA's fee and cost provision does not displace California's general cost shifting rule, and it is not a "one-way cost shifting" provision, as claimed by Plaintiff and the DLSE. Further, Hobby Lobby established that although the LWDA is not a formal party to PAGA litigation, it is the only "real party in interest" to a PAGA claim, and it has control over PAGA litigation. Hobby Lobby cited to the Legislature's delegation of authority to the LWDA to promulgate regulations under PAGA, the PAGA's notice provisions, and the LWDA's efforts to intervene in and control the resolution of other PAGA cases. Moreover, it is well established that if the LWDA directly enforced the Labor Code by filing an action and the employer prevailed, the LWDA would be liable for the employer's costs.

Hobby Lobby argued that the LWDA's failure to exercise control over PAGA litigation does not render it powerless to do so-the LWDA has both available methods and the means to control PAGA claims and prevent wasteful litigation. To that point, Hobby Lobby maintained that "the significant amount of money the LWDA has received as a result of PAGA settlements and judgments in just the last few years should preclude the DLSE (and, frankly, all California courts) from continuing to rely on the oft-repeated notion that PAGA should be construed and applied with the understanding that the 'LWDA lacks adequate staffing and resources...' " Furthermore, Hobby Lobby demonstrated the if the LWDA did lack the ability to exercise such control over PAGA litigation, the statute would be subject to constitutional challenges based on a complete delegation of the LWDA's enforcement discretion to private attorneys.

The Trial Court's Order and Anticipated Appeals

The trial court agreed with Hobby Lobby at every turn and, on December 28th, it issued a 35-page, full-throated order roundly rejecting the DLSE's arguments. You can find a copy of the order here - https://www.callaborlaw.com/_images/blog_files/2023.12.28_Order_Granting_in_Part_Motion_of_Plaintiff_to_Strike_.pdf.

This appears to be the first occasion on which the LWDA has been found liable for the costs of a prevailing employer in a PAGA case.

Although the LWDA will undoubtedly appeal the decision-just as plaintiff appealed the trial court's judgment on the merits-we are confident that the trial court's analysis and decision will withstand scrutiny. While the effect of this order is yet to be seen, we believe it is a significant victory for California employers. One can reasonably suspect that the LWDA will begin taking a more active role in the PAGA notice process and any subsequent litigation to prevent, or put a stop to, the more frivolous and wasteful PAGA lawsuits that have been burdening employers and causing economic waste across the state.

Employers faced with PAGA claims can now implement strategies during the PAGA's notice period that may increase the chances of preventing a lawsuit and litigation strategies that will increase the likelihood of an earlier and more favorable resolution. But, if forced to defend unwarranted PAGA claims, employers should be able to hang their hat on actually recovering their litigation costs because the LWDA clearly has the funds to pay for them, unlike a judgment-proof plaintiff.

About CDF Labor Law LLP

For close to 30 years, CDF Labor Law LLP has distinguished itself as one of the top labor and employment defense firms in California, representing employers in single-plaintiff and class action lawsuits, and advising employers on related legal compliance and risk avoidance. The firm has five offices throughout California - in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego.

For more information, visit: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/ and find CDF on LinkedIn or Twitter to learn more about how the firm protects California employers.

Last week a trial court in Alameda County entered an order permitting Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. to recover nearly $125,000 in costs from the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA). Hobby Lobby incurred these costs during six years of hard-fought litigation involving claims brought under California's Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), CDF Labor Law LLP announced today.

Related link: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/

CDF Labor Law LLP Named to Bloomberg Law’s 3rd Annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Framework

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- CDF Labor Law LLP is pleased to announce that it has been named to Bloomberg Law's third annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Framework for the third consecutive year. CDF is one of 55 U.S.-based law firms that was recognized for its level of disclosure of diversity-related metrics and distinguished performance against six core pillars and more than 85 metrics: demographics, leadership and talent pipeline, recruitment and retention, business innovation and strategy, marketing, and diversity and inclusion in the community. The DEI Framework report is available for complimentary download at http://blawgo.com/UXoPcVq.

"We are honored to once again be included on the Bloomberg DEI Framework list. This acknowledgement is a testament to our firm's commitment to creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace," said Alison Tsao, Partner and Chair of CDF's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. "We remain committed to continuing our work to create a more inclusive law firm and provide meaningful opportunities for advancement to our employees and to the legal profession as a whole."

This acknowledgment of CDF's efforts in DEI comes on the heels of the firm's achievement of Diversity Lab's Mansfield Certification Plus status and inclusion in the Orange County Business Journal's Embracing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Special Report.

"DEI remains a critical factor for general counsel seeking to engage law firms that reflect their values, and we've brought our industry expertise and strength in data analytics to bear in assessing how law firms are performing in this critical arena," said Joe Breda, president, Bloomberg Law. "Through a demonstrated commitment to DEI, CDF is helping to move the legal industry forward and we're pleased to recognize their performance."

About CDF Labor Law LLP:

For close to 30 years, CDF Labor Law LLP has distinguished itself as one of the top labor, employment, and business immigration law firms in California, representing employers in single-plaintiff and class action lawsuits and advising employers on related legal compliance and risk avoidance. The firm has five offices throughout California - in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego.

For more information, visit: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/ and find CDF on LinkedIn to learn more about how the firm protects California employers.

About Bloomberg Law:

Bloomberg Law combines the latest in legal technology with workflow tools, comprehensive primary and secondary sources, trusted news, expert analysis, and business intelligence. Our deep expertise and commitment to innovation provide a competitive edge to help improve attorney productivity and efficiency. For more information, visit Bloomberg Law at: https://pro.bloomberglaw.com/in-house-counsel/.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/attorneys/bio/alison-tsao

https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/news/article/cdf-labor-law-llp-achieves-mansfield-certification-plus

https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/news/article/cdf-included-in-orange-county-business-journals-embracing-dei-special-report

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cdflaborlaw/

CDF Labor Law LLP is pleased to announce that it has been named to Bloomberg Law's third annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Framework for the third consecutive year. CDF is one of 55 U.S.-based law firms that was recognized for its level of disclosure of diversity-related metrics and distinguished performance against six core pillars and more than 85 metrics.

Related link: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/

CDF Labor Law LLP Achieves Mansfield Certification Plus

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF), a preeminent California-based labor and employment defense and business immigration law firm, is pleased to announce that the firm has officially achieved Diversity Lab's Mansfield Certification Plus status.

This certification recognizes the actions CDF has taken over the past 18 months to document its continuing commitment to diversify its attorney ranks, and particularly in leadership roles, by broadening the slate of talent considered for recruitment and internal leadership roles. Our Certification "Plus" status indicates that, in addition to successfully meeting the certification requirements, CDF has achieved 30% representation of historically underrepresented lawyers in current leadership roles and pathway activities. In fact, we have far exceeded the 30% baseline for plus certification. Currently, underrepresented lawyers (women lawyers, underrepresented racial and ethnic lawyers, LGBTQ+ lawyers and lawyers with disabilities) represent over 68% of all of our attorneys, and 65% of underrepresented lawyers occupy firm governance roles.

"Diversity, equity and inclusion are foundational values at the core of our firm. Achieving this certification shines a light on CDF's ongoing efforts to mirror the diversity of our clients and of the communities in which we practice," said CDF's Firm Managing Partner, Marie DiSante. "Those efforts, which began on the day we opened our doors nearly 30 years ago, have yielded powerful results within our firm, and we hope to be a role model for businesses of all types as we continue those efforts into the future."

"This is our first year participating in certification, and achieving the Plus Certification is a significant accomplishment," said CDF's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Chair, Alison Tsao. "It demonstrates the firm's continued commitment to diversity and inclusion across all leadership levels and is consistent with the firm's strategic goal to increase engagement and provide advancement opportunities for women attorneys and attorneys from diverse backgrounds."

In keeping with this promise, CDF has already committed to pursuing re-certification through Diversity Lab for their 2023/2024 cohort for Mansfield.

A comprehensive overview of CDF's ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as a full list of the firm's accolades, can be found here - https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/diversity-equity-inclusion.

About CDF Labor Law LLP:

For close to 30 years, CDF Labor Law LLP has distinguished itself as one of the top employment and labor defense and business immigration firms in California, defending, advising and counseling national and regional employers with California employees and workforces, as well as California-based startups, midsize ventures, and privately and publicly held companies and Fortune 500 corporations on legal compliance.

We are dedicated to creating an environment that provides opportunities for people with varied backgrounds for our attorneys and administrative professionals. CDF continues to be ranked highly for its hiring and promotion of women and minorities and is committed to supporting the communities in which we work and live.

Learn more: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/

CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF), a preeminent California-based labor and employment defense and business immigration law firm, is pleased to announce that the firm has officially achieved Diversity Lab's Mansfield Certification Plus status.

Related link: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/

CDF Labor Law LLP Expands Firm Leadership, Elevates Three Attorneys to Partner

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Labor, employment and business immigration law firm CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF) is proud to announce the elevation of three outstanding attorneys to partner. These individuals are among the close to 50 CDF attorneys who aggressively defend and guide employers through the challenging legal landscape in California.

"Each of our new partners has consistently demonstrated exceptional legal acumen and excellent client service across broad industries for California employers," said Firm Managing Partner Marie DiSante. "CDF continues its commitment to providing the best talent to protect, to defend, and to advocate for our clients."

CDF New Partners (in alphabetical order by first name):

Alessandra C. Whipple (Orange County - Partner) advises and defends clients in the full-range of matters involving California labor and employment law, including disputes involving wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination and retaliation, defamation, breach of contract, unfair competition, trade secrets, and whistleblower claims. Prior to joining private practice, she served as in-house counsel for a California commercial bank where she advised on matters concerning public disclosure, corporate strategy, and labor and employment issues. Combining her business experience and legal acumen, she counsels clients on compliance strategies and implementation to enable them to take a proactive approach to mitigate the risks and costs associated with employment matters. Alessandra was listed on the 2023 list of "Ones to Watch" by Best Lawyers in America(r). She received her J.D. from George Washington University School of Law in 2015.

Brian E. Cole II (Orange County - Partner) represents local, regional and national employers in all aspects of California labor and employment law and related litigation. His counsel and litigation experience spans the full scope of employment law and workplace claims, ranging from wrongful termination, employment discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation, to wage and hour matters. Brian's practice has a special emphasis on defending complex and sophisticated wage and hour class and representative action litigation matters. He frequently evaluates, develops strategies for, and manages complex Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) and class action lawsuits, including highly technical claims relating to suitable seating, regular rate of pay and overtime calculations, arbitration agreements, interstate commerce, and wage statements. Brian's clients operate in various industries, including retail, trucking, health care, and emergency medical services. Brian was listed on the 2023 list of "Ones to Watch" by Best Lawyers in America(r). He graduated Order of the Coif from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles in 2015.

Sander van der Heide (Sacramento - Partner) represents employers of all sizes in a broad range of employment law matters, including wage and hour, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and other labor and employment-related claims. In particular, he focuses on complex, high-stakes wage and hour class action and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) litigation. As an experienced trial counsel, he has successfully represented clients through trial and appeals. In addition to litigation, Sander also provides preventative advice and counsel on employment policies, procedures, and best practices to mitigate litigation risk and ensure compliance with ever-changing California employment laws. Sander was listed on the 2023 list of "Ones to Watch" by Best Lawyers in America(r). He graduated cum laude from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 2009.

About CDF Labor Law LLP

For close to 30 years, CDF Labor Law LLP has distinguished itself as one of the top labor, employment and business immigration law firms in California, representing employers in single-plaintiff and class action lawsuits and advising employers on related legal compliance and risk avoidance. The firm has five offices throughout California - in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego.

For more information, visit: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/ and find CDF on LinkedIn or Twitter to learn more about how the firm protects California employers.

For access to timely alerts on the latest California labor and employment law developments, sign up for the firm's blog by visiting: https://www.callaborlaw.com/.

Labor, employment and business immigration law firm CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF) is proud to announce the elevation of three outstanding attorneys to partner. These individuals are among the close to 50 CDF attorneys who aggressively defend and guide employers through the challenging legal landscape in California.

Related link: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/

Vistage Recognizes Marie DiSante with 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF) proudly congratulates Marie DiSante, Founding and Firm Managing Partner, for being named the recipient of the Vistage 2022 Orange County "Lifetime Achievement Award." Vistage is the world's largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. The "Lifetime Achievement Award" honors members with a track record of bold decisions benefiting their companies, communities and beyond, and who are an inspiration to their Vistage peers.

Marie co-founded CDF back in 1994 when law firm leaders primarily were men, and at that time she vowed to mentor and create leadership positions for women and diverse attorneys. Almost 30 years later, she has done just that. She has been at the helm of the firm since its inception, and she and her partners have grown CDF to five offices spanning the state, and from six to close to 50 attorneys (69% of whom are women or diverse attorneys).

Marie's transformative leadership has been instrumental in establishing CDF's thriving and diverse culture and laying a solid foundation for the next generation of leadership. She has been continually recognized for advancing and empowering women and diverse attorneys in the legal industry.

In addition to Marie's passion and focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, Marie has honed her business acumen through Vistage and leaned into collaboration, fast decision-making, and conservative financial management to lead the firm's growth and success. She has guided CDF through its expansion, the recession in 2009, and the recent global COVID pandemic. Her advice for new leaders is to remain nimble in any type of leadership role. Her adaptability and forwarding thinking led CDF to offer flexible work schedules before remote work became prevalent during the pandemic.

Marie's Management Tips:

* Pencil out what needs to be done and how much it will cost; then double it. Cash is king.

* Don't micromanage - give others power to make decisions and to implement them.

* Recognize your strengths and then surround yourself with others who have different strengths to complement yours.

Marie's leadership in the business community shapes her value-driven counsel to employers of all sizes - from start-ups to Fortune 500 enterprises. A big believer in empowerment, Marie now is focused on transitioning CDF leadership to the next generation. "When you support individuals and teams and give them the tools to succeed, it leads to the overall success of an organization," said Marie DiSante.

Don't just take Vistage's and CDF's word for it. Hear directly from Marie via the following video link as she answers the following questions:

1 - One accomplishment she is particularly proud of.

2 - A leader experience that makes her smile.

3 - What leadership philosophy inspires her.

4 - The lesson that has been most pivotal to her journey in the firm.

5 - One business trend that excites her.

Link to interview with Marie DiSante: https://vimeo.com/747382437/5d85c12ce0.

About CDF:

For close to 30 years, CDF Labor Law LLP has distinguished itself as one of the top labor, employment and immigration law firms in California, representing employers in single-plaintiff and class action lawsuits and advising employers on related legal compliance and risk avoidance. The firm has five offices throughout California - in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. For more information, visit: www.CDFLaborLaw.com and find CDF on LinkedIn or Twitter to learn more about how the firm protects California employers.

For access to timely alerts on the latest California labor and employment law developments, sign up for the firm's blog by visiting: https://www.CalLaborLaw.com.

About Vistage:

Vistage is the world's largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 60 years, they have been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-on-one coaching sessions. Today, more than 25,000 members in 25 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families, and communities.

CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF) proudly congratulates Marie DiSante, Founding and Firm Managing Partner, for being named the recipient of the Vistage 2022 Orange County "Lifetime Achievement Award." Vistage is the world's largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses.

Related link: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/

17 CDF Labor Law LLP Attorneys Named to 2023 Best Lawyers® Lists

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF) is pleased to announce nine lawyers have been included in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and eight lawyers were recognized in the 2023 Best Lawyers in America "Ones to Watch" for various employment-related practice areas from metropolitan areas throughout California.

Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Attorneys are reviewed by their peers on the basis of professional expertise and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in good standing.

CDF's 2023 Best Lawyers in America (in alphabetical order by first name).

* Brent M. Giddens (Litigation, Labor & Employment). Brent's practice focuses on defending employers in individual, representative and class actions before California state and federal courts. His clients cover a wide variety of industries, including large national employers as well as small businesses. He is also regularly called upon to advise on complex corporate reorganizations and policy considerations. Further, he has also served as lead defense counsel in numerous NLRB trial proceedings, organization drives, strikes, picketing, and has extensive experience negotiating collective bargaining agreements.

* Dawn M. Irizarry (Employment Law - Management). As the chair of CDF's Healthcare Practice Group, Dawn has substantial experience representing employers throughout the healthcare industry, including hospitals, medical technology companies, physician groups, and urgent care centers. In addition, Dawn has spent years defending clients in a myriad of other industries, including financial services, hybrid automotive, legal and other professional service providers, sports and entertainment, air transportation, publishing, energy, oil and gas, and retail, among others. Dawn's experience includes providing daily advice to her clients on California's complex employment laws and aggressively defending them in the gamut of employment-related claims in federal and state court, as well as in arbitration and before administrative agencies.

* Joel M. Van Parys (Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment). Joel represents management in all aspects of the employer/employee relationship. This includes litigation defense of claims for wrongful termination, discrimination and harassment, retaliation, wage and hour violations, employee misclassification, with an emphasis on independent contractor claims and Unfair Competition.

* John R. Giovannone (Employment Law - Management). John represents employers in the full range of employment law matters, from single plaintiff to class-based wage/hour, contract, discrimination, harassment, and licensing litigation, and including traditional labor proceedings as well. While his bedrock skill set lies in employment litigation and trial advocacy, a major component of his practice involves advice and counsel so as to position his clients to avoid disputes where possible, and to prevail via litigation when necessary.

* Leigh A. White (Class Actions - Defense). Leigh focuses her practice on complex litigation and dispute resolution, ranging from workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, PAGA claims, and wage and hour class actions. With over 25 years defending California employers, she has a proven record of defeating class certification, obtaining favorable settlements, and representing employers at high-stakes trials. She partners with clients in developing business goals and strategies and works closely with employer human resources departments to navigate multifaceted employment law issues in California.

* Marie D. DiSante (Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment). Marie co-founded CDF in 1994 and has helped grow the firm to five offices throughout California - supported by close to 50 attorneys. Marie continually positions her clients at the forefront of emerging and unprecedented class action litigation in the state, and her dual role as a California business owner and entrepreneur allows her to understand client workplace challenges firsthand.

* Mark S. Spring (Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment). Mark leads CDF's traditional labor law practice where he focuses on management representation in union-management relations and employment-related litigation. He has successfully battled and negotiated against a variety of unions, including Teamsters, UFCW, IBEW, Laborers, SEIU and Stationary Engineers. Additionally, he has a successful record representing elected officials, public figures, athletes and executives in sexual harassment lawsuits and other high-profile matters.

* Nicole A. Legrottaglie (Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment). Nicole's practice focuses on defending a broad range of employment claims, including class actions and single plaintiff claims of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage and hour litigation. Additionally, Nicole has significant experience in traditional labor law.

* Tim M. Freudenberger (Employment Law - Management, Litigation - Labor and Employment, and Class Actions - Defense). Tim leads CDF's class action defense practice with a focus on wage and hour issues and PAGA actions. Tim helped shape class certification and trial principles in exemption cases with a successful California Supreme Court decision in the case of Duran v. U.S. Bank Nat. Assn., 59th Cal. 4th 1 (2014). He cemented this victory when he again defeated class certification after the case was remanded to the trial court, which was affirmed on appeal in a decision that discussed the weaknesses and unreliability of survey methodology in these types of exemption cases, Duran v. U.S. Bank, 19 Cal.App.5th 630 (2018).

According to Best Lawyers, recognition by "Ones to Watch" is also based entirely on peer review for attorneys who are in the earlier stages of their careers and have achieved outstanding professional excellence in private practice.

CDF's 2023 Best Lawyers in America "Ones to Watch" (in alphabetical order by first name).

* Alessandra C. Whipple (Labor and Employment Law - Management, and Litigation - Labor and Employment). Alessandra is experienced in advising and defending various employment disputes involving wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination and retaliation, defamation, breach of contract, unfair competition, trade secrets, and whistleblower claims. Her practice includes providing pragmatic day-to-day advice and counseling to companies on how to navigate California's ever-changing labor and employment law landscape.

* Allison O. Chua (Litigation - Labor and Employment). Allison represents and advises employers in all areas of labor and employment law. In particular, she has extensive experience defending employers against claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage and hour disputes in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. Allison also has experience litigating cases involving misappropriation of trade secrets and unfair competition.

* Brian E. Cole II (Labor and Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment). Brian has extensive experience with employment litigation involving claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, breach of contract, unfair competition, and wage and hour violations. He also has experience in defending companies of all sizes against class and PAGA actions.

* Candace R. DesBaillets (Labor and Employment Law - Management). Candace defends employers in individual and multi-plaintiff litigation matters including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, contracts, employment-related torts, and wage and hour claims. She has represented employers in state and federal trial and appellate courts, as well as before agencies including the EEOC, DFEH, and DLSE.

* Corey J. Cabral (Labor and Employment Law - Management, and Litigation - Labor and Employment). As Chair of CDF's PAGA Litigation Practice Group, Corey's practice has a special emphasis on defending employers in wage and hour class action and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) lawsuits. He also has extensive experience with litigation involving claims of gender, disability and age discrimination, retaliation, harassment, defamation and wrongful termination.

* Denisha P. McKenzie (Litigation - Labor and Employment). Denisha's practice has a special emphasis on vigorously defending alleged claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. A significant portion of her practice is also dedicated to defending wage and hour single plaintiff, class action, and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) lawsuits.

* Sander van der Heide (Litigation - Labor and Employment). Sander has extensive experience representing employers in a wide array of employment litigation matters from inception through trials and appeals. His practice focuses on high-stakes litigation representing employers in class and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) actions by using data-driven insights and defenses. In addition to his litigation practice, he advises clients on proactively avoiding litigation and complying with California's complex employment laws.

* Tashayla "Shay" Billington (Labor and Employment Law - Management). Shay has significant experience in traditional labor law and unfair labor practice litigation. She also actively represents clients in Federal and California wage and hour litigation, discrimination and harassment litigation, union avoidance issues, writ litigation, and appellate work.

About CDF Labor Law LLP:

For close to 30 years, CDF Labor Law LLP has distinguished itself as one of the top labor, employment, and business immigration law firms in California, representing employers in single-plaintiff and class action lawsuits and advising employers on related legal compliance and risk avoidance. The firm has five offices throughout California - in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. For more information, visit: www.CDFLaborLaw.com and find CDF on LinkedIn or Twitter to learn more about how the firm protects California employers.

For access to timely alerts on the latest California labor and employment law developments, sign-up for the firm's blog by visiting: https://www.callaborlaw.com/.

CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF) is pleased to announce nine lawyers have been included in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and eight lawyers were recognized in the 2023 Best Lawyers in America "Ones to Watch" for various employment-related practice areas from metropolitan areas throughout California.

Related link: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/

CDF LABOR LAW LLP Named to Bloomberg Law’s Second Annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Framework

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- CDF Labor Law LLP, a California employment, labor and immigration employer-side law firm, was named one of only 43 U.S.-based law firms to earn a place on Bloomberg Law's second Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Framework list.

For the second year in a row, CDF was recognized for its level of disclosure of diversity-related metrics and distinguished performance against six core pillars: demographics, leadership and talent pipeline, recruitment and retention, business innovation and strategy, marketing, and diversity & inclusion in the community.

"CDF is no stranger to DEI. From its inception in 1994, CDF has provided a platform allowing everyone a structural opportunity to advance regardless of their race, gender or sexual orientation," says Marie DiSante, Co-Founder and Firm Managing Partner. "We believe that a firm culture that prioritizes inclusivity leads to better outcomes, for both our firm and our clients," she adds.

"We're proud to once again be recognized by Bloomberg Law by their inclusion of CDF in their DEI Framework report," said Alison Tsao, Partner and Chair of CDF's DEI Committee. "From our recruiting efforts, provision of leadership opportunities, to our strong involvement in DEI efforts in the broader legal community, we work tirelessly to enhance equality and inclusion in our workplace and the legal profession."

Bloomberg Law's DEI Framework was developed in 2021 in collaboration with Bloomberg's Gender-Equality Index team, as well as diversity leads at corporations and U.S.-based law firms. Performance was assessed across more than 85 metrics, each associated with one of the framework's six core pillars.

"The desire to incorporate DEI into the selection process for outside legal services presents a new challenge for the industry, but CDF has distinguished itself as a law firm worthy of consideration," said Joe Breda, President, Bloomberg Law. "Through a demonstrated commitment to DEI, CDF is helping to move the legal industry forward and we recognize their performance by naming them as a member of our 2022 DEI Framework."

CDF continues to make DEI a priority at the firm by participating in the 18-month long certification process for the 2021-2023 cohort of the Midsize Mansfield Rule. Created by the Diversity Lab, the Mansfield Rule is a growing movement to increase diversity in law firm recruitment and promotion practices. It is named after Arabella Mansfield, the first female lawyer in the U.S. It requires law firms to demonstrate year-long progress in increasing diversity in senior recruitment and leadership decisions and consider a minimum of 30 percent diverse candidates for these roles.

About CDF Labor Law LLP:

For close to 30 years, CDF Labor Law LLP has distinguished itself as one of the top labor, employment, and business immigration law firms in California, representing employers in single-plaintiff and class action lawsuits and advising employers on related legal compliance and risk avoidance. The firm has five offices throughout California - in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego.

For more information, visit: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/ and find CDF on LinkedIn or Twitter to learn more about how the firm protects California employers.

For access to timely alerts on the latest California labor and employment law developments, sign-up for the firm's blog by visiting: www.CalLaborLaw.com.

About Bloomberg Law:

Bloomberg Law combines the latest in legal technology with workflow tools, comprehensive primary and secondary sources, trusted news, expert analysis, and business intelligence. Our deep expertise and commitment to innovation provide a competitive edge to help improve attorney productivity and efficiency. Bloomberg Law is the only legal research provider to include continuous enhancements to its platform at no cost to existing subscribers. For more information, visit https://pro.bloomberglaw.com/.

CDF Labor Law LLP, a California employment, labor and immigration employer-side law firm, was named one of only 43 U.S.-based law firms to earn a place on Bloomberg Law's second Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Framework list.

Related link: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/

The Orange County Register Names CDF One of Orange County’s Top Workplaces for Third Year in a Row

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Acclaimed California labor, employment and immigration defense law firm CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF) proudly announces it has been named one of the 2021 Top Workplaces by the Orange County Register for the 3rd consecutive year. The award rounds out a year of numerous accolades for CDF.

The firm was also recently named the smallest one of only 28 US-based law firms to earn a place on Bloomberg Law's inaugural "Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Framework" list, was named a "Top-100 Social Impact Leader" by Law360, and CDF's California Labor & Employment Law Blog was ranked #7 on the list of the "Top 40 California Law Blogs & Websites" by Feedspot.

"Our employees are the basis of our continued success," said Marie DiSante, CDF Founding Partner and Firm Managing Partner. "We are honored that their feedback recognizes our decades of commitment to providing our employees with a diverse and inclusive culture where they can thrive. These very characteristics shined as our teams across California, from the staff to our attorneys, worked together during the pandemic to navigate through uncharted waters. They are the true recipients of this award."

The Orange County Register list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by research partner Energage, LLC, a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools. The anonymous survey measures several aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, execution and connection.

Todd Wulffson, the Managing Partner of CDF's Orange County Office, said that "One of our priorities in 2022 is the same one we have had for over 25 years - to foster a workplace that attracts and retains the best talent to provide the best client service possible for California employers. It has always been our attorneys and staff at CDF that make us great."

About CDF Labor Law LLP

For over 25 years, CDF Labor Law LLP has distinguished itself as one of the top labor, employment and immigration law firms in California, defending employers in single-plaintiff and class action lawsuits and advising employers on related legal compliance and risk avoidance. The firm has five offices throughout California - in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. For more information, visit: www.CDFLaborLaw.com and find CDF on LinkedIn or Twitter to learn more about how the firm protects California employers. For access to timely alerts on the latest California labor and employment law developments, sign-up for the firm's blog by visiting: https://www.callaborlaw.com/.

Acclaimed California labor, employment and immigration defense law firm CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF) proudly announces it has been named one of the 2021 Top Workplaces by the Orange County Register for the 3rd consecutive year. The award rounds out a year of numerous accolades for CDF.

Related link: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/

CDF’s California Labor and Employment Law Blog Listed 7th on Feedspot’s ‘Top 40 California Law Blogs and Websites’

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF), a California-based labor, employment and business immigration defense law firm, proudly announces its California Labor & Employment Law Blog ("blog") has been ranked 7th on Feedspot's recent list of the "Top 40 California Law Blogs and Websites." CDF's blog (www.CalLaborLaw.com) is an online web journal that allows our subscribers to access the most current information on the full spectrum of California-related labor and employment topics, as well as practical solutions for compliance.

CDF is not new to the blogosphere. The firm's California Labor & Employment Law Blog has been operational since 2005 and is being read by over six thousand subscribers. CDF's blog just doesn't cover the law, it takes the guesswork out of the often complicated legal developments and provides our subscribers with a succinct review of how changes to California labor and employment laws impact their workplace and offers suggestions for compliance.

"Amidst the constant fluctuations in California employment law, CDF's Blog Editorial Board communicates the most relevant news and trends for business owners, human resources professionals and in-house counsel on the latest developments in labor and employment law, as well as analysis and commentary regarding best practices," said Editor in Chief of CDF's blog, Mark S. Spring. "Our blog posts have proven especially helpful during this period of unprecedented challenges spurred by the constantly evolving laws, regulations and local ordinances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as they are designed to provide employers with the insight they can leverage immediately."

CDF's Blog Editorial Board closely monitors, tracks and reports on legislative and judicial developments, court decisions, administrative agency opinions and new or revised requirements or regulations, as well as other topics of interest for those responsible for managing a workforce in California and for resolving the problems that often arise in the context of the employer-employee relationship, including such topics as Arbitration Agreements, COVID-19, Class Actions, Court Decisions, Discrimination, Harassment & Retaliation, Employee Hiring, Discipline & Termination, Employee Leaves, Immigration, Internal Investigations, New Laws & Legislation, Non-Compete and Trade Secrets, Cal/OSHA Issues, Personnel Policies and Procedures, Union-Management Relations, Wage & Hour Issues, Workplace Privacy and more.

Feedspot's methodology for its ranking included reviewing post frequency, relevancy, web traffic, social media followers, age of blog, domain authority, to name a few.

CDF's collective intelligence from our dedicated team of employment law attorneys is just one click away on our award-winning blog.

Look to http://www.callaborlaw.com/ for more in-depth coverage of California's legal employment law landscape.

To subscribe to CDF's blog click here or visit https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/tools/announcements.

About CDF Labor Law LLP

For over 25 years, CDF Labor Law LLP has distinguished itself as a powerhouse in labor and employment law in California, defending employers in single-plaintiff and class action lawsuits and advising employers on related legal compliance and risk avoidance. Through decades of dedicated commitment to high-quality legal work and providing consistent and practical management solutions to our clients, CDF has earned a reputation as one of California's leading law firms. The firm has five offices throughout California - in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. For more information, visit: www.CDFLaborLaw.com and find CDF on LinkedIn or Twitter to learn more about how the firm protects California employers.

CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF), a California-based labor, employment and business immigration defense law firm, proudly announces its California Labor & Employment Law Blog ("blog") has been ranked 7th on Feedspot's recent list of the "Top 40 California Law Blogs and Websites."

Related link: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF) proudly congratulates seven partners who were recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© for 2022 and four associates who were recognized in the 2022 Best Lawyers in America© "Ones to Watch" for various employment-related practice areas from metropolitan areas throughout California. In addition, Founding Partner Tim Freudenberger was named by Best Lawyers as the 2022 "Lawyer of the Year" in Class Actions - Defense, in Irvine, California for the third time.

Attorneys on the Best Lawyers list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers on the basis of professional expertise and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in good standing.

According to Best Lawyers, recognition by "Ones to Watch" is also based entirely on peer review for attorneys who are in their earlier stages of their careers and have achieved outstanding professional excellence in private practice.

Only one lawyer is recognized by Best Lawyers for "Lawyer of the Year" based on the highest overall peer-feedback in their specific practice area and geographic region.

CDF's 2022 Best Lawyers in America (in alphabetical order):

Marie D. DiSante (Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment, Irvine, CA). Marie co-founded CDF in 1994 and has helped grow the firm to five offices throughout California - supported by close to 45 attorneys. Marie continually positions her clients at the forefront of emerging and unprecedented class action litigation in the state, and her dual role as a California business owner and entrepreneur allows her to understand client workplace challenges firsthand.

Tim M. Freudenberger (Employment Law - Management, Litigation - Labor and Employment, Class Actions - Defense, Irvine, CA and Lawyer of the Year in Class Actions - Defense, Irvine, CA). Tim leads the firm's class action practice with a focus on wage and hour issues and PAGA actions. Tim helped shape class certification and trial principles in exemption cases with a successful California Supreme Court decision in the case of Duran v. U.S. Bank Nat. Assn., 59th Cal. 4th 1 (2014). He cemented this victory when he again defeated class certification after the case was remanded to the trial court, which was affirmed on appeal in a decision that discussed the weaknesses and unreliability of survey methodology in these types of exemption cases, Duran v. U.S. Bank, 19 Cal.App.5th 630 (2018). Tim was also named the 2022 "Lawyer of the Year" in Class Actions - Defense in Irvine, CA for the third time by Best Lawyers.

Brent M. Giddens (Litigation, Labor & Employment - Los Angeles, CA). Brent's practice focuses on defending employers in class actions, as well as individual actions, before California state and federal courts. His clients cover a wide variety of industries and include large national employers as well as small businesses. He has also served as lead defense counsel in numerous NLRB trial proceedings, organization drives, and has extensive experience negotiating collective bargaining agreements.

Mark S. Spring (Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment, Sacramento, CA). Mark leads the firm's traditional labor law practice and his practice focuses on management representation in union-management relations and employment-related litigation. He has successfully battled and negotiated against a variety of unions, including Teamsters, UFCW, IBEW, Laborers, SEIU and Stationary Engineers. Additionally, he has a successful record representing elected officials, public figures, athletes and executives in sexual harassment lawsuits and other high-profile matters. In 2021, Mark was named by Best Lawyers as Sacramento "Lawyer of the Year" in the Employment Law - Management category.

Leigh A. White (Class Actions - Defense, Irvine, CA). Leigh focuses her practice on complex litigation and dispute resolution, ranging from workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour class actions. With over 25 years defending California employers, she has a proven record of defeating class certification, obtaining favorable settlements, and representing employers at high-stakes trials. She partners with clients in developing business goals and strategies and works closely with employer human resources departments to navigate multifaceted employment law issues in California. In 2020, Leigh was named by Best Lawyers as Orange County "Lawyer of the Year" in Class Actions - Defense category.

Joel M. Van Parys (Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment, Sacramento, CA). Joel represents management in all aspects of the employer/employee relationship. This includes litigation defense of claims for wrongful termination, discrimination and harassment, retaliation, wage and hour violations, employee misclassification, with an emphasis on independent contractor claims and Unfair Competition.

Nicole A. Legrottaglie (Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment, Sacramento, CA). Nicole's practice focuses on defending a broad range of employment claims, including class actions and single plaintiff claims of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage and hour litigation. Additionally, Legrottaglie has significant experience in traditional labor law.

CDF's 2022 Best Lawyers in America "Ones to Watch" (in alphabetical order):

Allison O. Chua (Litigation - Labor and Employment, Los Angeles, CA). Allison represents and advises employers in all areas of labor and employment law. In particular, she has extensive experience defending employers against claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage and hour disputes in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. Allison also has experience litigating cases involving misappropriation of trade secrets and unfair competition.

Brian E. Cole II (Labor and Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment, Irvine, CA). Brian has extensive experience with employment litigation involving claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, breach of contract, unfair competition, and wage and hour violations. He also has experience in defending companies of all sizes against class and PAGA actions.

Cody T. Stroman (Labor and Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment, San Francisco, CA). Cody's practice focuses on representing employers in class, collective, and representative actions. In addition to Cody's litigation practice, he advises clients on ways to proactively avoid litigation and comply with California's complex employment laws.

Alessandra C. Whipple (Labor and Employment Law - Management, Irvine, CA). Alessandra is experienced in advising and defending various employment disputes involving claims of wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination and retaliation, breach of contract, unfair competition, trade secrets, and whistleblower claims. Her practice includes providing significant pragmatic day-to-day advice and counseling to companies on how to navigate California's ever-changing labor and employment law landscape.

About CDF Labor Law LLP

For over 25 years, CDF Labor Law LLP has distinguished itself as one of the top labor, employment and immigration law firms in California, representing employers in single-plaintiff and class action lawsuits and advising employers on related legal compliance and risk avoidance. The firm has five offices throughout California - in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. For more information, visit: http://www.cdflaborlaw.com/ and find CDF on LinkedIn or Twitter to learn more about how the firm protects California employers. For access to timely alerts on the latest California labor and employment law developments, sign-up for the firm's blog by visiting: http://www.cdflaborlaw.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT
Dorothy Rausa
CDF Labor Law LLP
drausa@cdflaborlaw.com
949-622-1661

CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF) proudly congratulates seven partners who were recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© for 2022 and four associates who were recognized in the 2022 Best Lawyers in America© "Ones to Watch" for various employment-related practice areas from metropolitan areas throughout California.

Related link: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/

Families Facing Food Insecurity Receive Over 27,000 Meals From Employees at CDF Labor Law

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The stories are endless of jobs suddenly gone forever and families struggling to get by. As cities across the nation continue to deal with the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, employees at CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF) got busy partnering with food banks and programs aimed to get food into the hands of hungry communities.

"There isn't anyone in our five offices who hasn't seen neighbors, friends and family's jobs disappear because of the pandemic, it's heartbreaking," says longtime employee Dorothy Rausa at CDF. "I know I speak on behalf of other employees at the firm when I say how appreciative I am of the firm's stalwart efforts in the communities in which we work and live to help those in dire need."

She adds, "My co-workers were eager to give, plus with our firm's donation it made this project more important, I love that we take action to help others-not just during the holidays-but all year long."

CDF participated in the 5th annual Food from The Bar program, a campaign driven by the Orange County legal community which raises awareness and provides critically needed meals to food-insecure children, families and seniors in Orange County. Though not the largest law firm, CDF alone, through employee donations and firm sponsorship, raised over $9,000, providing 27,000+ meals to those in need.

Hosted by the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, which ran this year's program between June 1, 2021 - July 2, 2021, the legal community raised a record-breaking $117,661.38 which equates to 352,984 meals.

According to Firm Managing Partner, Marie DiSante, the mobilization of employees from all of its five offices throughout California was inspiring "It was an amazing outpouring of generosity. We may not be as large as other firms, but our employees have huge hearts. I couldn't be prouder," she says.

"I don't think anyone could have predicted how desperate the food need is this year," said Megan Hunker, Donor Relations Associate at Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. "CDF's continued support, especially during a year like this has made a significant impact for Orange County children, families and seniors," she adds.

About CDF Labor Law LLP

For over 25 years, CDF has distinguished itself as one of the top employment, labor and immigration firms in California, defending, advising and counseling national and regional employers with California employees and workforces, as well as California-based startups, midsize ventures, and privately and publicly held companies and Fortune 500 corporations on legal compliance. CDF is ranked highly for its hiring and promotion of women and minorities and is committed to supporting the communities in which they work and live.

Its blog, https://www.callaborlaw.com/ has over 5,000 subscribers who seek the up-to-the-minute alerts on what California employers need to know about the state's ever-changing maze of laws and regulations.

For more information, visit: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/.

MULTIMEDIA:

LOGO links for medias:

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RELATED LINKS:

https://www.feedoc.org/food-from-the-bar/

The stories are endless of jobs suddenly gone forever and families struggling to get by. As cities across the nation continue to deal with the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, employees at CDF Labor Law LLP (CDF) got busy partnering with food banks and programs aimed to get food into the hands of hungry communities.

Related link: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/

Santa Ana High School Students Get Mentorship Boost from CDF Labor Law for 10th year

IRVINE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Two high school juniors, from low to moderate income families in Santa Ana are about to get a significant boost to their career path from CDF Labor Law LLP, a California-based labor, employment, and immigration law firm who will sponsor them for an eight-week, paid internship. This is CDF's 10th year participating in Project SELF mentoring program of at-risk youth.

Project SELF was established in 1995 by the Project Youth, Orange County Bar Foundation and the Orange County Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators with the goal to offer at-risk high school juniors, from low to moderate income families in Santa Ana, the opportunity to complete an internship at a law firm or law-related business. Project SELF works to reduce the risk of juvenile delinquency by providing youth with positive alternatives for spending their summers, access to professional and career environments they would not otherwise be exposed to, and the support of positive adult mentors.

"CDF has seen the positive impact Project SELF has on our local youth and we are proud to continue to provide high school students with mentorship and professional development opportunities." said Firm Managing Partner, Marie DiSante.

"We are thankful for CDF's continued partnership and support over the years," said Nancy Garcia, Associate Director at the Project Youth OCBF. Law firms like CDF help shape the future of our local youth by participating in this life-changing Program."

Learn more about Project Youth at: https://projectyouthocbf.org/

About CDF Labor Law LLP

For over 25 years, CDF Labor Law LLP has distinguished itself as one of the top labor, employment, and business immigration law firms in California, representing employers in single-plaintiff and class action lawsuits and advising employers on related legal compliance and risk avoidance. At CDF, diversity, equity and inclusion have been the bedrock of the firm since its inception. Our recruitment and retention programs are aimed at increasing diversity within our firm and in the legal profession.

For more information, visit: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT
Dorothy Rausa
CDF Labor Law LLP
drausa@cdflaborlaw.com
Phone Number: 949-622-1661

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0615s2p-cdflaborlaw-300dpi.jpg

Two high school juniors, from low to moderate income families in Santa Ana are about to get a significant boost to their career path from CDF Labor Law LLP, a California-based labor, employment, and immigration law firm who will sponsor them for an eight-week, paid internship. This is CDF's 10th year participating in Project SELF mentoring program of at-risk youth.

Related link: https://www.cdflaborlaw.com/

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Tag Archives: CDF Labor Law LLP

CDF Labor Law LLP Expands Firm Leadership, Elevates Six Women

A PAGA Victory to Bring in the New Year: Trial Court Holds LWDA Responsible for Prevailing Employer’s Costs

CDF Labor Law LLP Named to Bloomberg Law’s 3rd Annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Framework

CDF Labor Law LLP Achieves Mansfield Certification Plus

CDF Labor Law LLP Expands Firm Leadership, Elevates Three Attorneys to Partner

Vistage Recognizes Marie DiSante with 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award

17 CDF Labor Law LLP Attorneys Named to 2023 Best Lawyers® Lists

CDF LABOR LAW LLP Named to Bloomberg Law’s Second Annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Framework

The Orange County Register Names CDF One of Orange County’s Top Workplaces for Third Year in a Row

CDF’s California Labor and Employment Law Blog Listed 7th on Feedspot’s ‘Top 40 California Law Blogs and Websites’

CDF Labor Law LLP Attorneys Receive Best Lawyers in America© Awards