Brendan Sapien is a partner in the Los Angeles office and a member of the Labor & Employment Practice. Mr. Sapien has resolved a wide range of employment litigation matters, including wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, wage and hour, whistleblower, breach of contract, consumer protection, and various other civil claims at all stages of litigation. Mr. Sapien has obtained a number of favorable verdicts and dismissals for clients in state, federal, and administrative matters, both at the trial and pre-trial stage. Mr. Sapien also has appellate law experience obtaining favorable rulings before the California Court of Appeal.

Mr. Sapien also specializes in class action and Private Attorney General Act (“PAGA”) litigation in both the wage and hour and consumer context. He has successfully defended such actions by strategically compelling such matters to arbitration and achieving the dismissal of the class and PAGA claims, prevailing in Oppositions to Motions for Class Certification, and defeating such actions via class wide Motions for Summary Judgment.

Further, Mr. Sapien assists employers in all industries developing best practices for hiring, firing, paying, providing leaves of absence, maintaining personnel policies, and disciplining employees, in compliance with California and federal employment laws. Additionally, Mr. Sapien works with employers to proactively resolve employee relations issues and mitigate the potential risk of future employment litigation.

Mr. Sapien has experience handling the following matters:

• Wrongful Termination and Discrimination Litigation
• Wage and Hour Litigation, including Class and PAGA Action
• Employment Counseling and Investigation
• Discrimination and Harassment Litigation
• Drafting Employment Policies, Including Employee Handbooks
• Employee Severance Agreements and Termination Materials

Mr. Sapien also regularly represents educational institutions and schools in resolving special education matters, due process claims, and assisting in IEP and other special education service issues.

Additional Legal Experience:

• General Counsel’s Office for Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Law Clerk
• Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Certified Law Clerk
• Bet Tzedek Legal Services, Law Clerk