Ms. Thompson was raised on the Big Island of Hawaii and graduated from the University of Hawaii. In 2004, Ms. Thompson earned her Juris Doctorate from Lincoln Law in Sacramento, receiving honors for her oral arguments in Moot Court. Ms. Thompson brings five years of legislative experience, having worked for the Judicial Council's Office of Governmental Affairs, the California Redevelopment Association, and as a volunteer for Assemblyman Darrell Steinberg. Ms. Thompson is a trial attorney. She represents both employees and employers. Her practice consists of resolving employment issues, including the following: Fair Employment and Housing Act and Title VII claims, including race, national origin, age, gender, sex discrimination, sexual harassment, hostile work environment and retaliation Wrongful termination in violation of public policy Whistleblower actions Breach of contract claims Labor Code § 132(a) claims before Workers' Compensation Appeals Board Hearings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) Hearings before the California Labor Commissioner and Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Wage and hour claims Ms. Thompson also counsels employers regarding: Preparation and assessment of employee handbooks Audit and compliance review of existing employee handbooks, and policies and procedures In-house seminars on sexual harassment rules and regulations for foreign and domestic employers Pre-disciplinary or termination counseling Negotiation of severance packages Investigations Reorganizations, reductions in force and plant closings (WARN Act) Wage and hour issues Leave laws (FMLA and CFRA) Arbitration and other dispute resolution procedures Protection of proprietary information and trade secrets As a result of a practice representing both employees and employers, Ms. Thompson is able to anticipate opposing counsel's strategies and far more effectively represent her clients. Ms. Thompson has a reputation for courtesy and professionalism, while aggressively advocating on behalf of her clients. Ms. Thompson frequently is asked to lecture to statewide business organizations as well as to private businesses and associations throughout the Southern California area on avoiding employment-related litigation, wage and hour issues, discrimination, preparing employee handbooks and company policies, updates as to legislative changes to State and Federal labor laws and sexual harassment and management issues.