ArentFox Schiff Adds Trio of Experienced Employment Litigators in Los Angeles

The group brings extensive experience defending employers in complex wage-and-hour class action litigation and against claims arising under the California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), among other employment disputes in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. Their depth of insights into the complexities of complying with employment and labor laws in California – as well as their focus in industry sectors that face unique workplace issues, including health care, hospitality, retail, and fashion – will further bolster the firm’s leading Labor & Employment practice.

A seasoned employment litigator and trial lawyer, Morgan regularly defends employers in wage-and-hour class actions, PAGA cases, and matters before governmental agencies. Her impressive track record includes defeating numerous class certification motions, prevailing on motions to affirmatively deny class certification, and successfully defending class and PAGA actions through trial. Morgan has represented companies in a range of employment disputes arising under state and federal laws, including claims involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, whistleblowing, and misclassification. She also defends and supports employers facing regulatory audits and provides counsel on various aspects of the employer-employee relationship, including leaves of absence and disability accommodation, employee privacy, and protection of trade secrets.

With a career that spans more than two decades, Daniel has represented employers in high-stakes cases and jury trials across the country. He helps clients navigate all stages of litigation and has a particular focus on defending wage-and-hour class actions, as well as representative actions under the PAGA. Daniel frequently represents employers in matters arising under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Family Medical Leave Act. In addition to his litigation practice, he advises on various human resources and workplace issues, and conducts wage and hour audits designed to limit litigation risks.

Nora represents employers in both federal and California courts in numerous labor and employment matters, with a particular focus on defending wage-and-hour class actions and PAGA actions through trial. Her litigation experience includes defeating several class certification motions, successfully defending certified claims through trial, and representing clients in arbitrations. Nora also provides training on various employment issues and advises employers on compliance with wage and hour laws, classification of independent contractors, and employee discipline and terminations.

“Employers operating in California have to comply with complex, and sometimes conflicting, employment and labor laws at the state and local levels, while navigating the continued increase in lawsuits under PAGA and wage and hour laws. This team’s significant experience with state and federal employment litigation will add great value to our clients in California and beyond.”

Michael L. Stevens, Partner and Labor & Employment Practice Group Leader

“We are thrilled to welcome Morgan, Daniel, and Nora to the Los Angeles office. They bring substantial experience in health care and other industry sectors that align well with the strengths of our firm, and they will add even more depth to our talented bench of attorneys in Southern California.”

Aaron H. Jacoby, Managing Partner of the firm’s Los Angeles office

All three attorneys join ArentFox Schiff from Sheppard Mullin, where they were partners in the firm’s Labor and Employment Practice Group.