Online legal services part of changing landscape
Online legal services are not going away, so traditional attorneys need to adapt to the changing marketplace, according to panelists at a San Diego Law Library event last month.
Education
Law School/Year: University of California, Hastings College of the Law, 1997
College/Year: University of California, Santa Barbara, with honors,1993
Bar Admissions
California; Massachusetts
Practice Areas
Civil Litigation; Discrimination & Civil Rights; Labor
Major Cases
My law practice is devoted to defending companies, nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in employment related litigation, including cases alleging wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour violations, breach of contract, trade secret/unfair competition, and other workplace misconduct. I also dedicate a significant portion of my practice to consulting with employers in order to help them avoid litigation. I routinely prepare employee handbooks and employment-related contracts and policies, and offer proactive training programs on unlawful harassment and best management practices.
Professional Background
I am a founding partner of Andrews Lagasse Branch & Bell LLP, a 100 percent female and minority-owned firm. Prior to starting our firm, I was a partner at one of California's largest law firms, where I practiced in its employment department.
I was selected by my peers as one of the Top 25 Women Lawyers and Top 50 Attorneys in San Diego in 2011 and 2012. I was also included on the list of San Diego Super Lawyers from 2009 through 2012. In 2010 I was honored as one of San Diego's Women Who Mean Business. I was also named a Top Attorney in 2009.
Professional Affiliations
I am a member of the San Diego County Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Section. I also volunteer as a judge for the San Diego Teen Court Program, a diversion program that works in association with the Juvenile Court and I am a member of the Mother Attorneys Mentoring Association. I regularly lecture on employment related topics, including speaking about leave laws for Lorman Education Services and teaching a Personnel Law course for the San Diego Employers Association. I also work closely with risk managers from private companies and insurers to offer training and pre-termination consulting geared toward the reduction of claims.
Personal Background
I am the proud mom of three beautiful elementary school-age children who keep me on my toes whenever I am not practicing law. I spend much of my weekends cheering on the sidelines during their many sporting events. In all my extra time, I enjoy swimming and biking. Last year, I completed my first half iron-man triathlon.
Online legal services are not going away, so traditional attorneys need to adapt to the changing marketplace, according to panelists at a San Diego Law Library event last month.
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