Marie L. Wrighten

Marie brings to the table extensive experience in litigating a broad spectrum of employment issues, including sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage and hour claims, unfair competition, and unfair trade practices. Her experience is bolstered by her successful representation of both public and private companies in single-plaintiff and class-action lawsuits.

Marie adeptly manages cases from inception through successful resolution, including her skilled use of dispositive motion practice in the pleading and summary judgment phases of litigation. Marie also excels in trial advocacy and alternative dispute resolution processes such as mediation and arbitration. She has first-chaired over twenty-five jury trials in state and federal courts, prepared numerous appellate briefs, and delivered oral arguments before various appellate courts.

In her previous role as Senior Counsel of Litigation for Nestlé USA, Inc., Marie oversaw nationwide litigation for the company’s various business units, and she was also instrumental in developing the company’s e-Discovery platform, a testament to her innovative and forward-thinking approach. Prior to that, she served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of California and the District of Columbia for nearly three years. She also spent two years as an Assistant District Attorney, leading trial teams and departments.

In addition to her experience in labor and employment law, Marie is well-versed in complex civil litigation and white-collar criminal law. The depth of experience ranges from a myriad of business disputes, including breach of contract, trademark and copyright infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets, defamation, and fraud, to high-exposure personal injury cases, product liability, toxic torts, environmental litigation, and hospitality services liability lawsuits.

• American Bar Association, Member
• Los Angeles County Bar Association, Member

Baseball is Marie’s first love.  Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, she cheers very loudly for the Cleveland Guardians, whether in the stands or on TV. She roots for the Dodgers, as her National League team.  In addition, she is a huge Cleveland Browns fan.  Marie is also a live music enthusiast and a regular at the Hollywood Bowl.

• "All About the Benjamins: Pay Transparency, Pay Equity Litigation & SB1162," featured panelist, California Association of Black Lawyers (CABL), April 2023