About Me
Practice Areas:
Sexual Harrassment
Discrimination
Emotional distress
Breach of contract
Fraud
Failure to pay overtime
Missed meal and rest breaks
Whistleblower Retaliation
Medical Leave Violations
Educational History:
J.D., Stanford Law School, 2009
B.A., Harvard College, with honors, 2006
Experience:
I have dedicated my career to labor and employment law. My experience is unique because I've represented both employers and employees in my career. This means that I understand cases from both sides, something that attorneys working on only one side for years have difficulty doing. I received my training at the largest labor and employment law firm in the country, and further honed my skills at a highly respected California law firm before deciding that representing employees in lawsuits ("plaintiffs") best aligned with my core values.
My entire career has been spent working on harassment and discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination, and wage and hour lawsuits. I have appeared before the California Labor Commissioner and have worked on cases before the DFEH, EEOC, and NLRB, as well as worked on cases in state and federal court.
My cases have involved employment in tech companies, restaurants, the trucking industry, banking, schools, health care institutions, small business, and large corporations.
My Values Set Me Apart. Here's Why:
Accessibility - When you call my number, it’s me answering the phone. You aren’t going to explain your case three different times to three different case managers. It’s just me. And if I’m able to, I will answer the phone and give you a preliminary assessment on the spot, even if it’s Friday at 10pm or the Saturday afternoon of a holiday weekend. If I’m conscious, I’m answering calls. This is not a 9-5 operation. And, yes, you can definitely text me. In fact, that is the preferred way to contact me! (415) 819-8444.
Integrity - More than anything else in this business, I have learned that lawyers who are trusted by other lawyers are the most successful in the longterm. Some lawyers play pointless games and try to cheat their way to the top, only to irreparably damage their clients' cases and their professional reputations. I practice law ethically and responsibly, so that people who work with me know that they can trust me. For clients, this means that I will not pressure you into making decisions that only benefit myself. For opponents, this means that I act in good faith and I expect the same. Pointless games will get you nowhere.
Insight - My intellect allows me to see right to the heart of a case and immediately identify the critical issues that will either make or break a lawsuit. My experience working for both employers and employees is especially useful, as it allows me to weigh arguments from the perspectives of both sides. This objectivity makes me a particularly effective advocate, as I am able to pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of cases in ways that other attorneys are not.
Creativity and Problem-Solving - My goal is to help you find a solution to your legal problem the best way I can. My goal is not to automatically file as many legal documents in your name as possible. My approach to every case is specifically tailored to your situation and your needs.
Practicality - I am focused on achieving results for my clients. This means that I do not seek to drum up legal bills and other costs by performing unnecessary and costly research or by filing pointless motions to the court that could have been resolved by a simple phone call to the other side. Don't get me wrong - my legal research and written work are first-rate and I will not hesitate to go to court if I believe it is best to do so. I just know when to stop and pick up the phone, something that some lawyers have difficulty doing. My efficiency and practicality allow me to focus my time, energy, and intellect on the most important aspects of your case.
Plain language - Whenever possible, I use plain English when communicating with clients, opponents, and the court. I have the insight to know that using lawyer words like "thereupon" (then) and "heretofore" (before) doesn't make your case stronger, it just makes your words longer. I focus on what's important: communicating clearly and understandably.
Innovation - San Francisco is home to countless startups and entrepreneurial ventures, of which my law firm is a part. Unlike some old-fashioned lawyers who despise change, I welcome it. To that end, much of my work is paperless. Files are available to clients electronically 24/7 and I welcome the use of Zoom and other video chat methods.
My Unique Approach:
Access to Information
I don’t want to hide information from you. I will keep you updated as to every development in your case, 100% of the time. And I'll make sure that the information I give you is understandable - not a bunch of lawyer lingo that you'd need a law dictionary to understand. You will always be updated and knowledgeable about your case.
Personal Attention
When you hire me, you get my full attention. I focus my efforts on a select few cases that I believe in. I don't farm the work out to associates, paralegals, or temporary contractors, which allows me to ensure that everything produced by my firm is top quality.
Plain English
I don’t enjoy using $5 words and fancy lawyer jargon. If people want to know how smart I am, they can read my diplomas and they can read my work. My goal is to communicate clearly in plain English. And if you ever don’t understand anything, just ask! Some lawyers get antsy when their clients start asking questions. I’m not afraid of questions. I want you to be comfortable with your case.
