Constangy partners Lara de Leon, Michelle Meek and Carolyn Sieve presented our fifth-annual California employment law update webinar on Nov. 14. SHRM, HRCI and California CLE credits were offered for this webinar.
The webinar, “Buckle Up, California! 2025 is Just Around the Corner,” discussed important information California employers need to know as they head into the New Year. They addressed PAGA changes, increased FEHA protections and enforcement, new independent contractor requirements, new challenges to enforcing arbitration agreements, and much more.
To access a recording of the webinar, click the link below.
Lara is an experienced trial lawyer and client advocate. Her extensive career has involved representing companies of all sizes, across many industries, in all aspects of employment law. Lara has successfully defended clients in the courtroom, before administrative agencies, and on appeal. In addition to litigation, Lara has spent her two-plus decades of experience partnering with clients to counsel them through complex issues involving discrimination, retaliation, accommodation, and wage and hour compliance. Lara has also developed a passion for guiding clients through high-stakes matters involving pay equity, harassment, leave of absence and accommodations. Lara has had the distinct experience of working as in-house counsel for two large, multi-national corporations, which gives her a unique perspective on how to address the intricate issues facing organizations and their employees.
Michelle is a seasoned attorney specializing in labor and employment law, bringing over 15 years of experience to her practice. She has a strong track record of defending employers in high-stakes cases involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage and hour disputes. Michelle has represented employers in single-plaintiff, class, and collective actions, with significant industry experience in hospitality and education, including charter and private institutions. Her experience extends to handling complex cases in both arbitration settings and state and federal courts, ensuring clients receive a vigorous and tailored defense. Beyond litigation, Michelle partners with clients to prevent legal issues before they arise. She collaborates with employers to develop business-minded strategies that address a wide range of employment-related matters. This includes crafting policies and procedures to enhance workplace compliance regarding leaves of absence, disciplinary issues, terminations, and handling complaints of harassment and discrimination.
Carolyn represents management in a wide range of matters including wage and hour disputes, class action litigation, wrongful termination, discrimination and harassment claims, and appellate matters. Carolyn also has extensive experience representing plaintiffs and defendants in contract disputes and trade secrets litigation. She has also defended corporate clients in litigation involving business torts, unfair business practices, and consumer class action claims. In addition to her litigation practice, Carolyn provides counseling and advice to employers on a wide range of issues employers face, including leaves and accommodations, terminations, compliance with wage-and-hour laws, and restrictive covenants and protection of trade secrets. Carolyn handles litigation in both federal and state courts.