Abby focuses on business litigation. Her experience spans all stages of litigation, from initial fact investigation and drafting pleadings, through discovery and motion practice, to trial. She has represented employers in both class and individual actions, defending against allegations of wage-and-hour violations, misclassification, and discrimination. She also has substantial experience counseling on various employment issues, including compliance with California employment laws. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Abby advised clients across a wide range of industries on compliance with the evolving COVID-19 restrictions. Additionally, Abby has assisted in conducting independent workplace investigations on a wide range of issues, including sexual misconduct and equal pay.
Abby was managing editor for the Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review while at Loyola Law School and served as an extern to the Honorable Manuel L. Real of the United States District Court, Central District of California.
Abby enjoys giving back to her community by assisting her law school trial team as an alumni coach.
Representative Matters
Achieved complete defense verdict after a two-week jury trial on behalf of a top national insurance company alleging misclassification of nine insurance adjusters.
Part of team that achieved decertification of an 800-member class of California employees.
Achieved a nuisance value settlement in an employment discrimination case.
Involved in the class-wide settlement of reimbursement claims for a group of sales employees.
Represented a retail company in a California Department of Industrial Relations hearing and negotiated a nominal settlement.
Conducted internal investigation into disparate pay allegations for a technology company.
Conducted internal investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct for nationwide real estate management company.
Counseled California employers regarding sick leave policies and practices.
Drafted COVID-19 policies for several nationwide employers.
Drafted multistate handbook for large nationwide employer.
Represented Bodega Latina Corporation in its acquisition of Smart & Final Holdings, Inc. from funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, Inc. for approximately $620 million.
Represented TowerBrook Capital Partners L.P. and Further Global Capital Management in connection with the acquisition of all outstanding shares of common stock of ProSight Global, Inc.
Publications
2020: COVID-19 Versus the First Amendment, Daily Journal, January 22, 2021 (with Alexis Miller Buese and Dino LaVerghetta).
AB 685: Clarifying COVID-19 Workplace Regulations, Daily Journal, January 6, 2021 (with Wendy M. Lazerson and Galit A. Knotz).
Assembly Bill 685: What California Employers Need to Know, Daily Journal, October 7, 2020 (with Wendy M. Lazerson and Galit A. Knotz).
Presentations
Speaker, Hot Topics in California Employment Law: Key Changes and Developments for 2022, Webinar, Sidley Austin LLP, December 2021.
Speaker, MCLE Mini Marathon─A Look Ahead: Legal and Practical Considerations for Employers Regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine and Return to Work, Webinar, Sidley Austin LLP, June 2021.