Los Angeles – February 9, 2015 – Venable LLP is pleased to announce that Laura Reathaford has joined the firm's Los Angeles office as a partner in the national Labor and Employment Practice Group. With a focus on management-side employment litigation, Ms. Reathaford specializes in wage and hour collective and class actions, including representative actions under the Private Attorney General Act (“PAGA”). Ms. Reathaford comes from Proskauer Rose in Los Angeles where she was Special Counsel.
"With the rise in PAGA claims and class actions against companies, we have an interest in strengthening our team to serve the clients who seek strong representation in these areas," says Richard J. Frey, Chair of the Venable's West Coast Labor and Employment Practice Group. "Laura has the background and experience that will further enhance our national team of more than 30 attorneys who focus exclusively on labor and employment law."
Douglas C. Emhoff, Partner-In-Charge of the Los Angeles office said, "We're excited to add a partner of this caliber to the firm. Laura is an excellent example of the firm's ability to attract highly talented attorneys in our core practice areas as we continue to steadily grow our presence in the California marketplace."
Ms. Reathaford represents the management of public and private businesses in banking, healthcare, telecommunications and grocery retailers both in California and nationwide.
"There are incredible synergies between Venable and my practice," said Ms. Reathaford. "Venable has a strong reputation in labor and employment and represents industries where my clients are located. I look forward to joining this dynamic group of labor lawyers."
Ms. Reathaford has been admitted to practice in the U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, the California Supreme Court and the U.S. District Courts in Northern and Southern California. Named a Southern California Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2013-14, she holds memberships in the American Bar Association, California State Bar, Los Angeles County Bar and Law Society of Upper Canada.
Ms. Reathaford received her J.D. from Dalhousie University and a B.Comm. from University of Alberta.
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