Hello!

Thank you for visiting my web site and learning about Employment Matters. 

I founded Employment Matters because I thrive on tackling the thorniest workplace problems.  As a lawyer, an HR professional, and a business person, with years of experience in each discipline, I provide a uniquely thorough understanding of the implications of workplace challenges and potential conflicts.

With the multiple perspectives gained through my experience, I am able to meet the demands of a workplace neutral, always avoiding partisan advice or biased assessments. Acting as a workplace neutral means more than simply remaining impartial—it requires a comprehensive grasp of workplace dynamics in order to understand the ways in which one decision might affect the staffing infrastructure of an entire organization.

For more than twelve years, I have been conducting and overseeing workplace investigations. I have mediated a broad range of internal and external disputes and negotiated settlement agreements for a range of organizations. As an executive coach, I have helped managers to better understand the implications – both legal and organizational – of their actions and develop effective communications.  

My wealth of knowledge of HR policies and practices is of tremendous value as an expert witness to both plaintiff and defense for issues such as whether the employer has taken reasonable steps to address and prevent discrimination and harassment, has met its obligation regarding disability accommodations, or if an investigation has met the standard of care.

In all my work, attorneys, executives and HR professionals respect my ability to analyze problems across disciplines, to collaborate openly and frankly, to interface with all levels of employees, and to generate imaginative solutions.  

In addition to being a mediator for the EEOC, I am an adjunct faculty at the Golden Gate University School of Law where I teach the practical, day-to-day implications of employment discrimination in the workplace.  At the University of San Francisco, I have also taught negotiation and conflict resolution skills, human resources, and business law at the graduate and undergraduate levels. 

I hold the designation of AWI-CH, (the Association of Workplace Investigators  Certificate Holder) which has been certified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) – Certificate Accreditation Program. 

In my previous roles, I have:

• Overseen HR policies, procedures and practices and managed teams of HR professionals

• Conducted and/or supervised numerous workplace investigations

• Managed outside counsel and employment litigation

• Mediated a broad range of internal and external disputes and negotiated settlement agreements

• Trained managers in employment law, communications and conflict resolution skills

• Led international workshops focusing on improving communications and breaking down the walls of generational hostilities between conflicting countries

Having lived abroad for almost a decade is a defining part of who I am.   A world-view empowers me to better understand the different points of view and experiences that often lead to, and are the key to resolving, workplace conflicts.

While I now make my home in North Berkeley with my husband and two cats, I am an avid traveler to all parts of the world with good food, fantastic wine, and interesting people.

Speaking Engagements

Past Speaking Engagements:

• “Getting Down To Business After a Workplace Investigation”. AWI Annual Conference, September 2017 (Co-presenter with Mimi Zemmelman)

• "Post-Investigation Mediation – Restoring “Business as Usual”, AWI Webinar, April 28, 2016

• "Post-Investigation Mediation – Restoring “Business as Usual”, HRWest, March 9, 2016

• "Addressing the Aftermath of a Workplace Investigation with Workplace Mediations", JAMS/Community Boards, August 4, 2015

• "What Every Lawyer Needs to Know About Workplace Investigations", San Francisco Lawyers Network, May 28, 2015

• "The Trusted Advisors Guide to Workplace Investigations", Council of Business Advisors, April 28, 2015

• Workplace Mediations Among High Conflict Reorganizations & Workplace Investigations, Webinar Series with Workplace Mediations Group, May 20, 2014 (Co-presenter with Lorene Schafer, Esq.)

• Common-Sense ER: Saving Your Workplace, Northern California Human Resources Association, HRWest 2014 Annual Conference, April 30, 2014

• "Because I Said So”: Dealing With Power Imbalances in Workplace Disputes, Community Boards/JAMS, February 4, 2014 (Co-presenter with Maureen Hochler)

• High-Stakes Emotions: The Unique Challenges of Resolving Workplace Conflict, Community Boards/JAMS, June 4, 2013

• Emotions, Conflict and Assumptions, Community Boards, October 8, 2005

• Harassment Solutions through Conflict Resolution, American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, National Conference “Resolution and Resilience in New York, N.Y., April 17, 2004 (Co-presenter with Michele Lane, Esq.)

• Harassment Solutions through Conflict Resolution, Queen’s Bench, San Francisco, CA, April 1, 2004 (Co-presenter with Michele Lane, Esq.)

A Uniquely "Neutral" Employment Law Practice