Education

Law School/Year: The University of Michigan, 1998

College/Year: Macalester College, 1994

Bar Admissions

California; Southern, Central, Northern, Eastern Districts of California; Ninth Circuit

Practice Areas

Civil Litigation, Discrimination & Civil Rights, Labor     

Major Cases

I represent employers in all aspects of employment law, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour, breach of contract and employee mobility/trade secret litigation and counseling. I recently had the privilege of representing a client in a four-month discrimination/harassment trial in Fresno that ended up being the largest, multi-plaintiff discrimination case in the country to go to trial that year. The case involved testimony from more than 30 witnesses and led to multiple stages of closing arguments. While being away from family for that long was difficult, the experience was invaluable and only reinforced my belief in our judicial system. 

Professional Background

Before founding Andrews, Lagasse, Branch & Bell LLP, I was a partner with one of California's largest law firms, practicing in its Employment Group Department from 2003 to 2007, where I oversaw the San Diego office's pro bono, mentor and diversity programs. In 2010, I was selected as one of the Top 50 Super Lawyers in San Diego. I am also included on the 2009 and 2010 lists of San Diego Super Lawyers. In 2008, I was named to San Diego's 40 under 40 honor roll by <i>San Diego Metropolitan</i>.

Professional Affiliations

I am a member of the San Diego County Bar Association’s Labor & Employment Section.  I also continue to serve as a volunteer for the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, and am a current member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County Board of Directors. I have been a speaker for Lorman Education Services regarding employee mobility/noncompete issues, as well as an instructor of personnel law for the Greater San Diego Employers Association in its certificate program for working professionals in human resources.

Personal Background

Prior to joining the board of directors for the San Diego County Big Brother/Little Brother program, I served as a big brother for more than six years. It was one of the most enriching experiences of my life.