+ Professional Degrees, Certifications, Awards and Organizations

• Named in SD Business Journal's Women of Influence in Law (2024)
• Adjunct Professor at University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (2020-2023)
• California Women Leaders, Member
• Shareholder and Senior Faculty of T9 Mastered
• Atticus Innovation Award, 2018
• Sacramento Business Journal 2018 Best of the Bar
• Sacramento Magazine’s Top Lawyers List (2015-2019)
• Past-President of Association of Workplace Investigators (Board member since October 2009)
• Senior Faculty of Association of Workplace Investigators Training Institute (2011 - present)
• University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, Board of Directors, Alumni Association (November 2019 - present)
• Co-chair of Workplace Investigations Subcommittee of the American Bar Association, a Subcommittee of ABA Employment Rights and Responsibilities Committee, Labor and Employment Law Section (2014 to present)
• Committee Member of ASIS, Investigations Standards Technical Committee (2015)
• Master, Anthony M. Kennedy Inn of Court (September 2006 – present)
• American Inns of Court
  • Member, Executive Committee Member
  • Program Awards Committee (2010 – 2011)
• Volunteer Instructor for Street Law International (2008)
• University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, Board of Directors, Alumni Association (1995-1997)
• Member, Sports Lawyers Association
• Member, State Bar of California, Labor & Employment Section
• Member, Sacramento County Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association, Employment Law Section
• Member, The Fellows of the American Bar Foundation
• Member, Women Lawyers of Sacramento
• AWI Certificate Holder, AWI Training Institute (AWI-CH)
• Chair, Association of Workplace Investigators Outreach Committee
• Super Lawyer (2010 - 2024)
• Fellow, American College of Labor & Employment Lawyers

+ Notable Speeches and Presentations

• "Bridge Over Troubled Water: Key Considerations in Working with an External Investigator" Presentation – Association of Corporate Counsel Arizona Chapter (March 26, 2024)
• “Credibility in Workplace Investigations - Learned from Our Furry Friends” – National Labor & Employment Law Symposium in Steamboat Springs, CO (February 5, 2024)
• Webinar: “Women Empowering Women: Practical Advice and Tips” – ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law’s Women’s Affinity Group (September 12, 2023)
• Webinar: “Workplace Investigations: Reflections on a Growth Industry” – Association of Workplace Investigators (February 15, 2023)
• “Workplace Investigation - Independence and Conflict Issues” – National Labor & Employment Law Symposium in Park City, UT (February 6, 2023)
• Webinar: "High Profile Investigations and How They Compare or Differ from a Typical Investigation" – Berkeley Center on Comparative Equality & Anti-Discrimination Law, (January 23-26,2023)
• “The Impact of Covid 19 on Workplace Investigations” – Australian Association of Workplace Investigators (May 11, 2021)
• "Strategically Navigating POBR/FBOR Investigations’ Three Biggest Challenges" – CALPELRA’s 45th Annual Conference (November 19, 2020)
• "Snap Judgments And First Impressions: How Unconscious Bias Impairs Effective Workplace Investigations" – CALPELRA’s 45th Annual Conference (November 17, 2020)
• Orange County Bar Association – Labor & Employment Law Section Symposium, (September 18, 2020)
• Webinar: "Understanding and Reducing Bias in the Legal Field" – Van Dermyden Maddux Law Corporation, (September 17, 2020)
• Webinar: "Investigations Primer in a Remote Workplace" – The Greater Merrimack Valley Human Resource Association, (September 3, 2020)
• "Getting it Right in the Wake of the #MeToo Era" – The Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education’s 45th Annual Labor & Employment Law Institute, at the Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth, MI (August 25-26, 2020)
• "Business Not As Usual – The Impacts of COVID-19 on the Local Practice of Law" - Anthony M. Kennedy American Inn of Court, (August 25, 2020)
• Webinar: "Elevating the Remote Interview – Making Credibility Determinations in Remote Interviews" – Van Dermyden Maddux Law Corporation, (July 16, 2020)
• Webinar: "Elevating the Remote Interview – Setting the Stage for an Effective Remote Interview" – Van Dermyden Maddux Law Corporation, (June 4, 2020)
• AWI Webinar: “A New Normal? Conducting Remote Investigations” – Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) Webinar, (March 20, 2020)
• “Why Employees REALLY Sue” – National Labor & Employment Law Symposium at the Hotel Park City, in Park City, UT (January 9, 2020)
• “Credibility Determinations for Mediators in the #MeToo Era” – 2019 Southern California Mediation Association Annual Conference in Los Angeles, CA (November 2, 2019)
• Australian Master Class – Australian AWI Conference in Sydney, Australia (October 23, 2019)
• “Workplace Investigations, Part I & Part II” – California Association of Licensed Investigators’ Annual Conference – Las Vegas, NV (June 1, 2019)
• T9 Mastered’s “Essential 3-Day Training for Campus Investigators” – Pasadena, CA (June 4-6, 2019)
• “She Said, He Said” – College of Labor and Employment Lawyers’ program “Me Too 2019: New Laws, New Approaches”, San Francisco, CA (May 30, 2019)
• “Effective Corporate Investigations” – National Employment Law Council Annual Conference, in San Diego, CA (Apr 24-26, 2019)
• T9 Mastered’s “Essential 3-Day Training for Campus Investigators” – Pasadena, CA (March 12-14, 2019)
• “The Development and Dismantling of a Culture of Criminality: Baylor University and the Cost of Indifference.” – 8th Annual Institute on Law & Policy at Creighton University, Omaha NE (Dec 4, 2018)
• “Advanced Issues in Reporting and Responding to Harassment Investigations in the #MeToo Era.” – ABA 12th Annual Section of Labor and Employment Law Conference, San Francisco, CA (Nov 7-10, 2018)
• “One Year Later: Investigations in the Post-Weinstein Era” – 2018 American Employment Law Council Conference, Palm Beach, FL (Oct 10-13, 2018)
• “Investigations in the Post-Weinstein Era” – ABA 12th Annual Section of Labor and Employment Law Conference, Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, CA (Oct 11, 2018)
• T9 Mastered’s “Essential 3-Day Training for Campus Investigators” – Seattle, WA (September 25-27, 2018)
• T9 Mastered’s “Essential 3-Day Training for Campus Investigators” – Napa, CA (May 22-24, 2018)
• “Dealing with a Dishonest Party with a Twist: Truth or Consequences Presented by the Workplace Investigations Subcommittee” – ABA Employment Rights & Responsibilities Committee and Ethics & Professional Responsibility Committee Midwinter Meetings March 20-24, 2018 Clearwater Beach, Florida (March 21, 2018)
• “Work After Weinstein: The #MeToo Movement’s Impact on Workplace Investigations” – Carothers DiSante & Freudenberger, LLP webinar (March 14, 2018)
• T9 Mastered’s “Advanced 2-Day Training” – Westin Sacramento, CA (February 27-28, 2018)
• “Got Bias? Understanding and Eliminating Unconscious Bias in the Legal Profession.” – McGeorge School of Law MCLE Program in Sacramento, CA (January 27, 2018)
• “Workplace Investigations: Overcoming Difficult Issues” – 2018 National CLE Conference Labor and Employment Law Program at the Vail Mountain Marriott in Vail, CO (January 3-7, 2018)
• T9 Mastered; Claremont McKenna College (October 23-25, 2017)
• “Advanced Master Class on Effective Investigations” – The American Employment Law Council’s 2017 Conference at the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, CA (October 18-21, 2017)
• Full-time Faculty at the Association of Workplace Investigators’ September 2017 Training Institute for Workplace Investigators in Austin, Texas (September 11-15, 2017)
• T9 Mastered; Monterey Peninsula College (June 13-15, 2017)
• New Hampshire Bar Association: “Legal and Practical Tips for Conducting Good-Faith Investigations into EEO and Harassment Claims” – CLE, Concord, NH (May 11, 2017)
• Sacramento Valley Paralegal Association MCLE training luncheon at Parasec in Sacramento (April 11, 2017)
• “Executives and Alleged Wrongdoing” – ABA’s Section of Labor and Employment Law’s 2017 Employment Rights & Responsibilities Committee Midwinter Meeting in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (March 21-25, 2017)
• “Investigations for Advocates” – The Los Angeles County Bar Association’s 37th Annual Labor & Employment Law Symposium at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles (March 8, 2017)
• T9 Mastered; UC Office of the President in Los Angeles (March 7-9, 2017)
• Association of Workplace Investigators’ February 2017 Training Institute for Workplace Investigators; the Hyatt Regency Monterey (February 20-24, 2017)
• “T9 Mastered Training for Title IX Investigators” – A three-day Title IX intensive training course in San Diego, CA (January 31 – February 2, 2017)
• “Investigating the C-Suite” – ABA Labor and Employment Conference in Aspen, Colorado (January 4-8, 2017)
• “T9 Mastered Training for Title IX Investigators” – A three-day Title IX intensive training course in Berkeley, CA (October 25-27, 2016)
• “Achieving Excellence in Investigations” – 8-hour program for the Oklahoma State Auditors, Oklahoma City, OK (June 23, 2016 )
• “T9 Mastered Training for Title IX Investigators” – A three-day Title IX intensive training course in Orange, CA (June 14-16, 2016)
• “Investigator Training Program: Achieving Excellence in Workplace Investigations at the University of California” – a three-day intensive training course in Oakland, CA (April 26-28, 2016)
• “Investigator Training Program: Achieving Excellence in Workplace Investigations at the University of California” – a three-day intensive training course in Irvine, CA (April 12-14, 2016)
• Senior Faculty at Association of Workplace Investigator’s five-day Training Institute – Santa Barbara, CA (February 22–26, 2016)
• “The Ethics of Workplace Investigations” – joint presentation for the Sacramento County Bar Association (January 19, 2016)
• “Investigating the Executive: Common Perils and Pitfalls Faced When Investigating the Corporate Executive Suite, Parts 1 & 2” – Panel presenter, 9th Annual ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law, Philadelphia, PA (November 4-7, 2015)
• “Preventing Retaliation: Strategies for the In-House Investigator or Advisor,” Presenter, Association of Workplace Investigators, Los Angeles, CA (October 22-24, 2015)
• “But Have You Seen Her Twitter? – Balancing Thorough Investigations Against Privacy Rights,” American Bar Association, Section of Labor and Employment Law Employment Rights and Responsibilities, Midwinter Meeting (March 24-28, 2015)
• “Report Writing Fundamentals” – Association of Workplace Investigators 2015 National Institute Conference (with Amy Oppenheimer) (February 2015)
• “Investigations and the Law” – Association of Workplace Investigators 2015 National Institute Conference (with Michael Robbins) (February 2015)
• “Achieving Excellence in Conducting Workplace Investigations: Gathering Evidence and Report Writing” – City of Long Beach (September 2014)
• “Investigator Training Program: Conducting Effective Workplace Investigations at the University of California” – University of California (April and September 2014)
• “Achieving Excellence in Conducting Workplace Investigations” – Stanislaus County (April 2014)
• “Creating Your Best Work Environment: A Team Approach” – California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board (January 2014)
• “Performance Evaluations” and “Managing Challenging Team Members” – Seniority, Inc. (November 2013)
• “Oh, You Want The Literal Truth? Perfecting The Credibility Analysis In Your Investigative Report” – CalPELRA (November 2013)
• “Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation Prevention Training” – California Department of Developmental Services (September 2013)
• “Achieving Excellence in Conducting Workplace Investigations” – California State Personnel Board (March 2013)
• “Report Writing” – Association of Workplace Investigators 2013 National Institute Conference (February 2013)
• “Other Concerns/Issues During Investigations” – Association of Workplace Investigators 2013 National Institute Conference (February 2013)
• “Harassment, Discrimination & Retaliation Prevention Training” – Office of Statewide Health Planning & Development (January 2013)
• “Got Bias? Eliminating it in the Legal Profession” – University of the Pacific, McGeorge MCLE event (January 2013)
• “Investigator Training Program: Conducting Effective Workplace Investigations at the University of California” – University of California (October 2012)
• “Hot Topics In Investigations of Workplace Complaints” – Law Review CLE (July 2012)
• “Investigator Training Program: Conducting Effective Workplace Investigations at the University of California” – University of California (May 2012)
• “Investigation Training Retreat” – Los Rios Community College District (March 2012)
• “Investigator Training Program” – California State Department of Personnel (March 2012)
• “Mastering the Interactive Process Under Disability Laws – Northern California Human Resources Association (March 2012)
• “Investigation Training Retreat” – Los Rios Community College District (March 2012)
• “Expert Testimony on Trial, By the Experts” – California Association of Workplace Investigators (November 2011)
• “Advanced Investigation Skills: Handling Complex Scenarios” – Northern California Human Resources Association (November 2011)
• “Achieving Excellence in Workplace Investigations” – Van Dermyden Maddux Law Corporation (October 2011)
• “Issues in the Workplace: Employment & Disability Rights” – The ABA Health Law Section, Capital Center for Public Law & Policy, McGeorge Health Law Association and UC Davis Cancer Center (October 2011)
• “What the LOA Do You Know?” – in conjunction with Silvers HR Management (September 2011)
• “What the FFD*…Do you Know? A Practical Look At The Legalities Of Fitness-For-Duty Examinations” – Disability Management Employer Coalition (September 2011)
• “Sexual Harassment Prevention in the Workplace,” Public and Private Employers (2007-2011)
• “How to Conduct Effective Internal Investigations,” Public and Private Employers (2007-2011)
• “Achieving Excellence in Conducting Workplace Investigations” – University of California (August 2 – 4, 2011)
• “Fit for Duty Training for Supervisors & Managers: Substance Abuse” – Sierra Nevada Brewing Company (June 16, 2011)
• “Investigator Training Program: Conducting Effective Workplace Investigations at the University of California” – University of California (March 2011)
• “Workplace Investigations on Trial: How Defendants Conduct Bulletproof Investigations and How Plaintiffs Shoot Them Down” – California Association of Workplace Investigators (November 2010)
• “A Jam-Packed Evening of Employment Law: Tips For Your Practice” – San Joaquin Dental Society (November 18, 2010)
• “Got Bias? Hiring and Firing Without It” – University of the Pacific, McGeorge Bay Area MCLE event (October 30, 2010)
• “Communication and Conflict Resolution In The Workplace” – Yuba County Employers Advisory Council (October 22, 2010)
• “Best Practices for Conducting Workplace Investigations” – Sacramento Employer Advisory Council (October 12, 2010)
• “Hot Topics In Investigations of Workplace Complaints” – California State Bar Annual Conference (September 24, 2010)
• “A Jam-Packed Evening of Employment Law: Tips For Your Practice” – San Fernando Valley Dental Society (September 23, 2010)
• “Managing Disabilities in Unprecedented Times” – Disability Management Employer Coalition, Sacramento Chapter (August 25, 2010)
• “Conducting Effective Workplace Investigations” – University of California (August 3-5, 2010)
• “Losing It At Work – Preventing Violence in the Workplace” – PI’s Declassified radio interview with Francie Koehler (July 2010)
• “What the LOA… Do You Know?” – in conjunction with Silvers HR Management (October 2009)
• Northern California Employment Law & Human Resources Forum, “Monitoring the Electronic Workplace – The Opportunities and Challenges,” San Francisco, California (September 24, 2009)
• CARES Center for AIDS Research, Education and Services, “Understanding the Importance of Diversity, Manners, and Respect in the Workplace,” Sacramento, California (June 25, 2009)
• “Lovin’ the Leave Triangle” – American Baptist Homes of the West (May 2009)
• “Employment Law Update” – Sacramento Area High Tech Employers Association (April 8, 2009)
• “Workplace Investigations” – State Personnel Board (March 12, 2009)
• “Non-Profit Board of Directors Fiduciary Responsibilities” – California Dental Association Leadership Education Conference (March 7, 2009)
• “Employment Law Update” – California Dental Association Leadership Education Conference (March 7, 2009)
• JAMS 2009 Labor & Employment Law Update, Sacramento, California (January 28, 2009)
• “Got Bias? Hiring and Firing Without It” – McGeorge Alumni MCLE (January 24, 2009)
• “How to Manage Conflicts of Interest in a Research Setting,” Salk Institute (2009)
• Sacramento Employers Advisory Council, Annual HR Seminar Speaker, “Labor and Employment Law Update” (October 14, 2008)
• Northern California Employment Law & HR Forum Speaker, “Wage and Hour Compliance Snares” (September 12, 2008)
• 14th Annual California State Bar Public Sector Labor & Employment Conference Panelist – “Public Sector Update” (April 2008)
• “Conducting Workplace Investigations–With A Violent Twist” – State Compensation Insurance Fund: (2008)
• “Conducting Workplace Investigations–With A Violent Twist” – Sacramento County Bar Association: (2008)
• “Conflict of Interest Compliance Workshop,” University of California (2008)
• Panel Speaker at “Technology in the Workplace” on behalf of Lorman Education Services in Stockton, CA (December 4, 2007)
• Presented “Workplace Investigations – With A Violent Twist” to Sacramento County Bar Association, Labor & Employment Section (November 27, 2007)
• Panel speaker at “Essential Employment Law Issues for California Business Practitioners” on behalf of the California Continuing Education of the Bar (November 9, 2007)
• “Conducting Workplace Investigations: Keeping It Legal at SEAC” – Sacramento Employers Advisory Council (June 2007)“Disability and Leaves of Absence – the New Plaintiff’s Darling” – National Business Institute (February 2007)
• “2007 Employment Laws Are Here!” – Sheraton Grand Hotel (February 2007)
• “Privacy and Best Management Practices in Law Enforcement” (2006)
• 2006 Employment Law Update at breakfast seminar Sheraton Grand Hotel (February 2006)
• Various sexual harassment and EEO trainings for clients (2006)
• “Sexual Harassment: Leadership Issues,” UC Council of Deans and Vice-Chancellors (2006)
• “Interest Based Bargaining,” National Association of College and University Attorneys Employment Law Workshop (2006)
• “Medical Leave and Disability Accommodation for Faculty,” Workshop for Department Chairs (2006)
• “Privacy in the HIPAA Environment,” Employee Assistance Roundtable (2006)
• “Privacy and Best Management Practices in Law Enforcement” (2006)
• “Legal Issues in the Workplace,” Laboratory Management Institute (2005 – 2006)
• “Sophisticated Hiring in Today’s Workplace” – SAHRA Convention at Sacramento Convention Center (September 2005)
• Various EEO trainings for clients (Jul. 2005)
• “New Laws for 2005” – QCHF DD Symposium (June 2005)
• Disability Law Training to Human Resources Group (May 2005)
• “Where is State Labor Enforcement Headed in 2005” – SCBA Luncheon (March 2005)
• “Conflicts of Interest and Conflicts of Commitment,” Responsible Conduct of Research Series (2004-2006)

+ Publications

• Chapter Author, California Employment Litigation Practice Guide (The Rutter Group)
• Zero Tolerance: Best Practices for Combating Sex-Based Harassment in the Legal Profession (2018)
• “Staying In Your Lane: Neutrality – Not Advocacy – In Conducting C-Suite Investigations” American Bar Association Section of Labor and Employment Law 9th Annual Conference (November 2015)
• “Sexual Harassment In Dentistry: Getting To The “Root” Of The Issue” co-author with Alex M. Sperry, Esq., Journal of the American College of Dentists (2013)
• “An Investigator’s Guide: Achieving Excellence in Conducting Workplace Investigations” (August 2011)
• California Association of Workplace Investigators Quarterly
• “An Investigator’s Guide: Achieving Excellence in Conducting Workplace Investigations” (August 2011)