Southern California Best Lawyers 2025
Gregory D. Helmer and Andrew H. Friedman Recognized by Best Lawyers
“It is a tremendous honor to have been once again selected to the Best Lawyers’ list of top labor and employment law attorneys in Southern California,” Gregory D. Helmer
November 1, 2024 – Best Lawyers has selected Gregory D. Helmer and Andrew H. Friedman of Helmer Friedman LLP for inclusion in its ranking of the top labor and employment law attorneys in Southern California for 2025. “It is a tremendous honor to have been once again selected to the Best Lawyers’ list of top labor and employment law attorneys in Southern California,” Gregory D. Helmer commented.
For over 40 years, Best Lawyers has been widely regarded by lawyers and the public as the most reliable measure of legal integrity and distinction in the United States. Being recognized by Best Lawyers is a true testament to the excellence of Read More ->
Court of Appeal Rules Against Anthem/Elevance Health Attempt to Force Arbitration
Helmer Friedman LLP Defeats Anthem/Elevance Health’s Effort to Force Employee to Arbitrate
October 25, 2023 (Los Angeles, CA) – In a significant legal development, the California Court of Appeal has determined that Anthem Health, now operating as Elevance Health, cannot compel arbitration in the case involving long-term employee Mr. Gregory Antoniono. This ruling (Case B327595) from the Second Appellate District, Division 3, paves the way for the proceedings to continue in the Los Angeles County Superior Court before a judge and jury instead of an arbitrator.
“After litigating this issue for the better part of two years, we are pleased that the Court of Appeal reached what we believe to be the correct decision. When an individual is forced to arbitrate, they are giving up their fundamental constitutional right to a jury trial. As with all constitutional rights, we should analyze any waiver with an extremely Read More ->
CLA 2024 Employment Law in Review
California Lawyers Association Invites Andrew H. Friedman To Present “2024 Employment Law in Review.”
Helmer Friedman LLP is pleased to announce that the Labor and Employment Law Section of the California Lawyers Association has invited Mr. Friedman to speak at a MCLE webinar entitled: “2024 Employment Law in Review.”
The Labor and Employment Law Section of the California Lawyers Association describes the program as: “Experienced practitioners will review the top employment law cases from the past year, with an emphasis on the cases of greatest utility to employment law practitioners.”
Mr. Friedman is speak along with Anthony J. Oncidi of Proskauer.
The MCLE program will take place on December 11, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. PST. Advanced registration is required.
To learn more about the webinar or to sign up, please visit: https://calawyers.org/section/labor-and-employment-law/events/
ERTSC 2025 Legal Update of New Employment Laws and Cases
Employment Round Table of Southern California Invites Andrew H. Friedman To Speak On “2025 Legal Update of New Employment Laws and Cases.”
Helmer Friedman LLP is pleased to announce that the Employment Round Table of Southern California has invited Mr. Friedman to speak at a free MCLE webinar entitled: “2025 Legal Update of New Employment Laws and Cases.”
The Employment Round Table of Southern California describes the program: “Our two panel members, Andrew Friedman of Helmer Friedman and Anthony Oncidi of Proskauer, will highlight new employment laws recently signed by Governor Newsom and discuss these new laws as well as the most significant employment cases of 2024. Whether you are an experienced human resources expert/employment attorney or new to the field of labor and employment law, this webinar will Read More ->
PBA 2024 Employment Law Year In Review
Pasadena Bar Association Invites Andrew H. Friedman To Present “2024 Employment Law Year In Review”
Helmer Friedman LLP is pleased to announce that the Labor & Employment Section of the Pasadena Bar Association has invited Mr. Friedman to speak at an MCLE webinar entitled: “2024 Employment Law Year In Review.”
The Pasadena Bar describes the program: “2024 was another bumper year for employment law appellate decisions. This fast-paced panel will cover the top employment cases of the past year, including cases from the United States and California Supreme Courts, the Ninth Circuit, and California Courts of Appeal.”
Mr. Friedman is speaking along with Anthony J. Oncidi of Proskauer.
The MCLE program will take place on Friday, December 13, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. PST.
To learn more about the webinar or to sign up, please visit: https://dev.pasadenabar.org/upcoming-events/#!event/2024/12/13/labor-employment-section-2024-employment-law-year-in-review
2024 Employment Mediation Institute
Southern California Mediation Association Invites Andrew H. Friedman To Speak At Its 2024 Employment Mediation Institute
August 8, 2024 – Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to announce that the Southern California Mediation Association has invited Andrew H. Friedman to speak at the organization’s 2024 Employment Mediation Institute.
Mr. Friedman will speak on a panel with Phyllis Cheng and Anthony J. Oncidi entitled “2024’s Review of 2023 Labor & Employment Law Cases.”
The SCMA describes this panel as: “A fast-paced and lively presentation from two prominent employment litigators (one defense-side and one plaintiff-side) who will discuss the most important recent cases of interest to employment mediators and litigators. A mediator will moderate this panel and discuss cases pending before the California Supreme Court.”
The SCMA’s 2024 Employment Mediation Institute will take place virtually on Saturday, August 10, 2024.
To learn more about the 2024 Employment Mediation Institute and/or to register Read More ->
Lawsuit Alleges Grindr Sold User Info Including Sexual Orientation and Location
Grindr allegedly sold a prominent Catholic priest’s sensitive personal information, causing him to lose his position as the general secretariat for the National Conference of U.S. bishops.
July 18, 2024 (Los Angeles) – Jeffrey Burrill subscribed to the Grindr app, which collected his sensitive personal data, including information about sexual orientation and location. Grindr failed to protect Burrill’s sensitive information and knowingly allowed it to be sold to third parties, according to a lawsuit filed by Helmer Friedman LLP and The Carr Law Group (Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 24STCV17896).
Grindr’s failure to protect sensitive personal data and its subsequent sale to third parties has caused immeasurable harm. Consumers deserve transparency and security,
especially when dealing with such private information.
Grindr, based in California, owns and operates a social networking application under federal trademark registration number 3873295. The application provides online chat rooms for social networking on Read More ->
Disability Discrimination, Harassment Lawsuit Filed Against Anthem Blue Cross
19-Year Veteran Employee of Anthem Blue Cross and Elevance Health Alleges that Healthcare Companies Fired Him During His Painful Recovery from Life-Threatening Heart Bypass Surgery
June 27, 2024 (BEVERLY HILLS, California) – Mr. Luis Ortiz, a long-term employee in the underwriting department of Anthem Blue Cross and Elevance Health, has filed a lawsuit alleging that he was discriminated against and harassed based on his medical condition and disability when the company fired him during his difficult recovery from open-heart surgery. Elevance Health, Inc., Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company, Blue Cross of California, the Elevance Health Companies of California, and several other related entities are named as defendants. (Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 24STCV15952). The Los Angeles law firm of Helmer Friedman LLP announced the filing today.
Plaintiff Luis Ortiz, a California resident, alleges that on February 17, 2022, after having undergone a Read More ->
Wage & Hour Conference CLA
California Lawyers Association Invites Andrew H. Friedman To Speak At The 40th Annual Meeting Of The Labor And Employment Law Section
July 18 & 19, 2024 – Helmer Friedman LLP is pleased to announce that the California Lawyers Association has invited Andrew H. Friedman and Anthony J. Oncidi to team up once again to present at the 40th Annual Meeting Of The Labor And Employment Law Section, a fast-paced presentation covering the top employment law cases from the past year, with an emphasis on the cases of greatest utility to employment law practitioners.
To register for this program, which will take place at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa, please go to https://www.ieventreg.com/event/long.php?event_id=7007c3c7aea958fe8f7851d3623240da
JAMS (In)Famous Annual Employment Law Update
JAMS: Mediation, Arbitration and ADR Services Invites Andrew H. Friedman & Tony Oncidi To Reprise Their (In)Famous Annual Employment Law Update
February 28, 2024 – Helmer Friedman LLP is pleased to announce that JAMS: Mediation, Arbitration and ADR Services has invited Andrew H. Friedman and Tony Oncidi (of Proskauer) to provide a private reprise of their infamous Annual Employment Law for the organization’s neutrals on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.
SCCBA (In)Famous Annual Employment Law Update
Santa Clara County Bar Association Invites Andrew H. Friedman & Tony Oncidi To Reprise Their (In)Famous Annual Employment Law Update
March 1, 2024 – Helmer Friedman LLP is pleased to announce that the Labor and Employment Law Section of the Santa Clara County Bar Association has invited Andrew H. Friedman and Tony Oncidi (of Proskauer) to reprise their infamous Annual Employment Law on Friday, March 1, 2024.
For more information about or to register for the Santa Clara County Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Law Section’s webinar – Review of 2023 Labor & Employment Law Cases & Statutes, please visit https://members.sccba.com/event-calendar/Details/review-of-2023-labor-employment-law-cases-statutes-1050719?sourceTypeId=Website
LACBA (In)Famous Annual Employment Law Update
The Los Angeles County Bar Association Invites Andrew H. Friedman & Tony Oncidi To Reprise Their (In)Famous Annual Employment Law Update
March 28, 2024 – Helmer Friedman LLP is pleased to announce that the Labor and Employment Law Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association has invited Andrew H. Friedman and Tony Oncidi (of Proskauer) to reprise their infamous Annual Employment Law Update at the Section’s 44th Annual Labor & Employment Law Symposium on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in downtown Los Angeles. The LACBA Labor and Employment Law Section describes the Friedman-Oncidi panel as follows: “2023 produced a blizzard of new employment laws and appellate decisions. To bring you up to speed, Andrew H. Friedman of Helmer Friedman LLP and Tony Oncidi of Proskauer Rose LLP will reprise their infamous annual update on employment law. During their presentation, Mr. Friedman Read More ->
Extended Review of New Employment Law Cases
Andrew H. Friedman And Tony Oncidi To Present An Extended Review Of New Employment Cases And Law For Pincus Professional Education
January 2024 – On January 16, 2024, Pincus Professional Education will be presenting an extended and more in-depth version of the annual employment law review that Andrew H. Friedman and Tony Oncidi perform for many state and local bar associations up-and-down the California coast. More information about the presentation that Mr. Friedman and Mr. Oncidi will be providing for Pincus Professional Education can be accessed at https://new.pincusproed.com/product/2nd-annual-employment-law-year-in-review-2023-new-cases-and-laws-ca-federal-recorded-package/
BHBA And PBA Invite Andrew H. Friedman To Present Annual Review of Employment Cases
Beverly Hills And Pasadena Bar Associations Invite Andrew H. Friedman To Present An Annual Review Of Employment Cases
January 2024 – The Pasadena and Beverly Hills Bar Associations have asked Andrew H. Friedman and Tony Oncidi of Proskauer to reprise their famous “Annual Review of Employment Cases” for their respective Labor and Employment Law Sections. Those presentations will take place on January 19th and 24th, 2022, respectively.
During their presentations, Mr. Friedman and Mr. Oncidi will cover the top employment law cases from the past year, with an emphasis on the cases of greatest utility to employment law practitioners. Mr. Friedman and Mr. Oncidi have been providing their annual update of employment law cases to the California legal community – up and Read More ->
Labor & Employment Law Review Article Co-Authored by Andrew Friedman
Andrew H. Friedman, Ramit Mizrahi, Anthony J. Oncidi Author Article For the California Labor & Employment Law Review
January 2024 – Andrew H. Friedman, Ramit Mizrahi (an employment law mediator with The Mizrahi Law Firm), and Anthony “Tony” J. Oncidi (a partner in and Co-Chair of the Labor and Employment Department of Proskauer Rose LLP – a defense-side employment law firm) have once again co-authored an article – THE TOP EMPLOYMENT CASES OF 2023 – for the California Lawyers Association and the California Labor & Employment Law Review. The article can be viewed here.
Andrew H. Friedman Super Lawyers Top 100
January 2024 – According to the California Bar Association, there are over 70,000 lawyers in the Southern California area. Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to announce that the lawyer rating service Super Lawyers has named Andrew H. Friedman to its list of the Top 100 attorneys in Southern California. The complete Top 100 list can be found here.
Andrew Friedman Reviews Most Important Cases of 2023 for CLA
California Lawyers Association Invites Andrew H. Friedman to Review the Most Important Cases of 2023 December 12th
Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to announce that the Labor and Employment Law Section of the California Lawyers Association has asked Andrew H. Friedman and Tony Oncidi to reprise their Annual Employment Law Update on December 12, 2023. The Labor and Employment Law Section describes the program as: “A comprehensive review of the most significant employment law cases from 2023 every employment law practitioner should know.” For more information and/or to register, please visit – https://calawyers.org/event/webinar-a-3-year-review-of-the-most-significant-employment-law-cases/
Defeating Arbitration Clauses Article by Erin Kelly Published in Advocate Magazine
Big news! We’re thrilled to share that one of our very own attorneys, Erin Kelly, has been featured in the latest edition of Advocate Magazine! The article, titled “Discovery Aimed At Defeating An Arbitration Clause in Employment Cases,” is a fascinating read that highlights the importance of pre-hearing discovery in keeping a case in court. Erin offers some great tips and real-life examples on how to uncover evidence that can defeat a motion to compel arbitration.
Advocate Magazine is the largest magazine for plaintiffs’ trial attorneys in the United States and is owned by the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA). This is Erin’s second article to be published by the magazine – she’s really making waves in the industry! We’re so proud of her achievement and Read More ->
Best Lawyers Recognizes Gregory D. Helmer in Employment Law
We at Helmer Friedman LLP are thrilled to announce that Gregory D. Helmer has been recognized for his exceptional work in Employment Law in The Best Lawyers in America® 2023 edition.
For over 40 years, Best Lawyers has been widely regarded by lawyers and the public as the most reliable measure of legal integrity and distinction in the United States. Being recognized by Best Lawyers is a true testament to the excellence of one’s practice.
Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® is based on a comprehensive peer-review survey that includes more than 13.7 million confidential evaluations of peers this year. Lawyers are not allowed to pay any fee to participate in or be recognized by Best Lawyers.
Making Trials Less Trying
Andrew H. Friedman to Speak at The Rutter Group’s “Making Trials Less Trying” MCLE Program
October 4 – 6, 2023 – Helmer Friedman LLP is excited to announce that Andrew H. Friedman will be speaking at The Rutter Group’s upcoming trial advocacy program – “MAKING TRIALS LESS TRYING: A Step-by-Step Approach for Achieving Winning Verdicts.”
Mr. Friedman will be speaking on a panel with a fantastic lineup of speakers, including the Presiding Justice for the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division 8 – Justice Maria E. Stratton, Michael D. Stein of Tisdale & Nicholson, LLP, and theatre professional Rachel Stein.
The Rutter Group describes this program as follows: “While most civil actions settle, many do not. In those instances, an attorney must possess a litany of skills to Read More ->
Pincus 18th Annual Superior Court Boot Camp
Andrew H. Friedman to Speak at The Pincus 18th Annual Superior Court Boot Camp
October 13, 2023 – Andrew H. Friedman will speak at the 18th Annual Superior Court Boot Camp, presented by Pincus Professional Education. Mr. Friedman will be speaking alongside multiple Superior Court judges, including Hon. Lawrence H. Cho (Los Angeles Superior Court), Hon. Harold W. Hopp (Riverside Superior Court), Hon. Kira L. Klatchko (Riverside Superior Court) and Hon. Laura A. Seigle (Los Angeles Superior Court). Also speaking with Mr. Friedman will be many preeminent plaintiff and defendant employment attorneys and other litigators, including Rachel Gezerseh (Panish | Shea | Boyle | Ravipudi LLP), Angel James Horacek (Law Offices of Angel J. Horacek, P.C.), Courtney Abrams (Courtney Abrams, P.C.), Jason Liang (Liang Ly LLP), Ryan T. Moore (Fox Rothschild LLP), Adam K. Shea (Panish | Shea | Boyle | Ravipudi LLP), Matthew C. Slentz (Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, Read More ->
2023 Employment Mediation Institute Featuring Andrew H. Friedman
The Southern California Mediation Association Invites Andrew H. Friedman To Speak At Its 2023 Employment Mediation Institute
Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to announce that the Southern California Mediation Association has invited Andrew H. Friedman to speak at the organization’s 2023 Employment Mediation Institute. Mr. Friedman will speak on a panel with Phyllis Cheng and Anthony J. Oncidi entitled “A Review of the Most Recent, Cutting-Edge Developments in California Employment Law.” The SCMA’s 2023 Employment Mediation Institute will take place in downtown Los Angeles at Loyola Law School on Saturday, August 5, 2023. To learn more about the 2023 Employment Mediation Institute and/or to register to attend, please visit – https://scmediation.org/page/EMI2023Home
Elder Abuse Awareness Day
At Helmer Friedman LLP, our attorneys are dedicated to defending the rights of seniors who have suffered physical abuse, neglect, fraud, and other financial crimes. Our older community members, who may be vulnerable, deserve our protection.
Sadly, financial institutions, banks, insurance companies, contractors, and even family members have exploited our seniors. We aim to prevent such mistreatment from occurring. #ElderAbuseAwarenessDay #ElderAbuse
Cal State University Sued for Gender Discrimination
Lawsuit Accuses California State University, President Tomás Morales, and Dean Jake Zhu of Equal Pay Act Violations, Gender Discrimination, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, and Other Illegal Behavior
Courtney Abrams, PC & Helmer Friedman LLP Represent Current California State University Employees Accusing CSU Of Illegal Employment Practices
March 14, 2023 (Los Angeles, California) – On this 2023 Equal Pay Day, Courtney Abrams of Courtney Abrams, PC & Andrew H. Friedman of Helmer Friedman LLP announced today the filing of a lawsuit against the Board of Trustees of the California State University (“CSU”), the President of CSU’s San Bernardino campus, Tomás Morales, and the Dean of the Palm Desert Campus of CSU, San Bernardino, Jake Zhu.
The lawsuit, Clare Weber & Anissa Rogers v. Board of Trustees of the California State University (the State of California acting in its higher education capacity); Tomás Morales, an individual; and Jake Read More ->
Annual Employment Law Review
Andrew H. Friedman and Tony Oncidi to Reprise Their Annual Employment Law Update for Los Angeles County Bar Association
March 1, 2023 – Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to announce that the Labor and Employment Law Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association has asked Andrew H. Friedman and Tony Oncidi to reprise their Annual Employment Law Update on March 23, 2023, at the Section’s 43rd Labor and Employment Law Symposium. The presentation – entitled “An Oncidi/Friedman Annual Employment Law Review” – will mark the third time that Mr. Friedman and Mr. Oncidi have presented their annual update presentation, as a team, to the Los Angeles County Bar Association. In addition, Mr. Friedman and Mr. Oncidi have each separately also presented their annual update to the Los Angeles County Bar Association with other speakers.
The Labor and Employment Law Section describes the program as: “This past year, as Read More ->
Workplace Investigators Law Review Article
Helmer Friedman Attorneys Author Front Page Law Review Article About Workplace Investigators
March 1, 2023 – Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to congratulate 
Andrew H. Friedman and Courtney Abrams on the inclusion of their article “Attorney Workplace Investigations: Neither Impartial Nor Independent“ in the most recent edition of the California Labor & Employment Law Review on the review’s front cover.
Erin Kelly & Andrew H. Friedman Author Article For The Advocate Magazine
New Employment Laws of 2023, Advocate Magazine
February 1, 2023 – Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to announce that the February 2023 Advocate Magazine, a journal of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles, contains an article written by Helmer Friedman LLP attorneys Erin Kelly and Andrew H. Friedman – 2023’s new employment laws (with a bit of color commentary). The article can be reviewed here.
Andrew H. Friedman Named Super Lawyers Top 100 Southern California List
Super Lawyer of the Year!
February 1, 2023 – According to the Los Angeles County Bar Association, there are over 25,000 lawyers in the Los Angeles area. Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to announce that the lawyer rating service Super Lawyers has named Andrew H. Friedman to its list of the Top 100 attorneys in Southern California.
Chambers USA Awards Andrew H. Friedman With Its Highest Possible Rating (“Band 1”) for Labor & Employment Law
January 1, 2023 – Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to announce that Chambers USA, the Nation’s leading legal data and analytics provider, awards Mr. Friedman with its highest possible rating (“Band 1”) for Labor & Employment – see https://chambers.com/lawyer/andrew-h-friedman-usa-5:25940936. Chambers bases its ranking on the following qualities:
The qualities on which rankings are assessed include technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, and commitment.
Chambers rankings are considered the definitive mark of excellence across the legal industry. A ranking from Chambers shows that a law firm has stood out in the most rigorous, independent and in-depth research process of any legal directory on the market, and has emerged as one of the best in the field. According to a review published in Chambers USA, “Andrew Friedman of Helmer Friedman is recognized among peers for his work representing both individuals and classes in a variety Read More ->
Andrew H. Friedman, Ramit Mizrahi, Anthony J. Oncidi Author Article For the California Labor & Employment Law Review
January 2023 – Andrew H. Friedman, Ramit Mizrahi (an employment law mediator with The Mizrahi Law Firm), and Anthony “Tony” J. Oncidi (a partner in and Co-Chair of the Labor and Employment Department of Proskauer Rose LLP – a defense-side employment law firm) have once again co-authored an article – THE TOP CASES OF 2022 – for the California Lawyers Association and the California Labor & Employment Law Review. The article can be viewed here.
Pasadena County Bar Association Asks Andrew H. Friedman And Tony Oncidi To Reprise Their Annual Employment Law Update
Pasadena County Bar Association Annual Employment Law Update
January 18, 2023 – Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to announce that the Labor and Employment Law Section of the Pasadena County Bar Association has asked Andrew H. Friedman and Tony Oncidi to reprise their Annual Employment Law Update on January 18, 2023.
This program will mark the 4th time that Mr. Friedman and Mr. Oncidi have presented this program to the Beverly Hills Bar Association. The Labor and Employment Law Section describes the program: “2022 was another bumper year for employment law appellate decisions. This fast-paced panel will cover the top employment cases of the past year, including cases from the United States and California Supreme Courts, the Ninth Circuit, and California Courts of Appeal.” For more information and/or to register, please visit – https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/553442903570446604
Beverly Hills Bar Association Asks Annual Employment Law Update Beverly Hills Bar Association
Andrew H. Friedman and Tony Oncidi to Reprise Their Annual Employment Law Update for Beverly Hills Bar Association
January 31, 2023 – Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to announce that the Labor and Employment Law Section of the Beverly Hills Bar Association has asked Andrew H. Friedman and Tony Oncidi to reprise their Annual Employment Law Update on January 31, 2023. This program will mark the 13th time that Mr. Friedman and Mr. Oncidi have presented this program to the Beverly Hills Bar Association. The Labor and Employment Law Section describes the program as: “The program presents a plaintiff and defense view of the key employment cases decided and California employment laws enacted in the past year. Emphasis will be placed on the practical implications of the year’s new cases and statutes.” For more information and/or to register, please visit – https://myemail.constantcontact.com/2022-Employment-Law-Year-In-Review.html?soid=1102591689817&aid=Hawlf-NIvm0
Employment Practices Liability Symposium
Nation’s Leading Insurance Underwriting Society Invites Andrew H. Friedman To Speak At Its Employment Practices Liability Symposium
February 13, 2023 – Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to announce that the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (“PLUS”) has invited Andrew H. Friedman to its 2023 Annual Employment Practices Liability Symposium.
The Symposium will take place on February 13, 2013, in New York City. PLUS has asked Mr. Friedman to speak on a panel entitled “EPLI Trends from Coast to Coast” and the organization has described the panel topics as: “Hear from renowned plaintiffs’ counsel from New York and California on the latest trends in cases they are bringing and planning to bring in two of the most difficult jurisdictions and from a top defense attorney on defense counsels’ efforts to prepare their clients to for the next big thing.” Read More ->
Advanced Mediation – Practical Skills for Experienced Litigators
Andrew H. Friedman to Speak at the California Lawyers Association’s Advanced Mediation Conference
December 1 & 2, 2022 – Helmer Friedman LLP is pleased to announce that the California Lawyers Association, Labor and Employment Law Section, has asked Andrew H. Friedman to speak at the organizations Advanced Mediation Conference: Practical Skills for Experienced Employment Litigators. Mr. Friedman will be speaking alongside many other plaintiff employment attorneys, defense employment attorneys, and mediators. The deadline to register for the Early Bird discounted price of just $75.00 is November 24, 2022. To learn more about this program and/or to register, please visit – https://pheedloop.com/2022AdvancedMediation/site/home/.
Helmer Friedman LLP Welcomes New Attorney Erin Kelly
September 9, 2022 – 
Helmer Friedman LLP announces with great pleasure: that Erin Kelly, previously employed by the law office of Steven J. Kaplan, has joined them. Ms. Kelly, who received her B.A. in Peace and Conflict Studies from U.C. Berkeley, represents employees in all aspects of employment-related litigation, including wage and hour violation claims.
Ms. Kelly is admitted to practice in California State and the District of Columbia. While in law school, Ms. Kelly worked in the Civil Advocacy Clinic, where she represented employees in wage and hour law claims.
Superior Court Boot Camp
Andrew H. Friedman to Speak at The Pincus 17th Annual Superior Court Boot Camp
October 7, 2022 – Andrew H. Friedman will speak at the 17th Annual Superior Court Boot Camp, presented by Pincus Professional Education. Mr. Friedman will be speaking alongside multiple Superior Court judges, including Hon. Lawrence H. Cho (Los Angeles Superior Court), Hon. Harold W. Hopp (Riverside Superior Court), Hon. Kira L. Klatchko (Riverside Superior Court) and Hon. Laura A. Seigle (Los Angeles Superior Court). Also speaking with Mr. Friedman will be many preeminent plaintiff and defendant employment attorneys and other litigators, including John L. Barber (Lewis Brisbois), Virginia Milstead (Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP), Kimberly A. Valentine (Valentine Law Group), John P. Blumberg (Blumberg Law Corporation), Damian D. Capozzola (The Law Offices of Damian D. Capozzola), Angel James Horacek (Law Offices of Angel J. Horacek, P.C.).
This practical, two-part webinar will cover a wide Read More ->
The Art Of The Deposition
The Rutter Group Invites Andrew H. Friedman To Speak About “The Art Of The Deposition”
On September 16, 2022, The Rutter Group will feature Andrew H. Friedman in a webinar entitled “The Art of the Deposition Winning the Trial Before Trial.” The Rutter Group describes the webinar as:
Contrary to popular opinion, trials generally turn not on what happens in the courtroom but on which party elicits the most useful deposition testimony. Formulating clear, probing deposition questions and genuinely listening to the deponent’s answers are critical to eliciting testimony that can be used later, sometimes much later, to achieve a successful outcome in the case. Presented by experienced trial counsel from both the plaintiff’s and the defendant’s side of the aisle, this “how to” program includes an actual mock deposition demonstration highlighting the techniques discussed during the program. Invaluable for both experienced and novice attorneys alike, this program Read More ->
Employment Law Treatise Added to Case Text AI-Powered Database
Helmer Friedman LLP’s Two-Volume Employment Law Treatise Added To Nation’s Leading Electronic Legal Research Company’s Searchable Database
June 10, 2022 – Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to announce that Casetext, the Nation’s leading provider of A.I.-powered legal research technology, has partnered with James Publishing, the Nation’s leading provider of practical law books, and will feature Andrew H. Friedman’s two-volume, 2,000-page employment law treatise – Litigating Employment Law Discrimination Cases (James Publishing 2005 – 2022) – in its electronic database. As part of the rollout of this new partnership, Valerie McConnell, Casetext’s Vice-President of User Success, released a video interview of Mr. Friedman about his book.
I am very excited that Casetext is collaborating with James Publishing to bring an even larger audience to my book. My Contributing Authors and I are hard at work on the 2023 edition of Litigating Employment Law Discrimination Cases and we couldn’t Read More ->
Labor Employment Law Conference
Employment Law Year in Review
July 14-15, 2022 – 38th Annual Meeting of the Labor and Employment Law Section.
Andrew Friedman and Anthony J. Oncidi will team up once again in this fast-paced presentation covering the top employment law cases from the past year, with an emphasis on the cases of greatest utility to employment law practitioners.
Register for 38th Annual Meeting – Labor and Employment Law.
Helmer Friedman LLP Welcomes New Attorney
April 15, 2022 – Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to announce that Ryan Handley, formerly of Levin & Nalbandyan LLP, has joined the law firm. Mr. Handley, who received his J.D. from Southwestern Law School and his B.A. from the University of Washington (where he majored in International Political and Economic Studies with a focus on Asia), represents employees in all aspects of employment-related litigation, including discrimination and whistleblowing.
Mr. Hanley is admitted to practice in California State and Federal Courts and is an active member of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association and the Asian Pacific American Women Lawyers Alliance. Prior to law school, Mr. Handley was an English teacher in South Korea, where he pushed for his school district to end asbestos construction while employees were on site.
Andrew H. Friedman and EEOC Attorney Taylor Markey Co-Author Article For The Advocate Magazine
May 1, 2022 – Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to announce that the May 2022 Advocate Magazine, a journal of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles, contains an article written by Helmer Friedman LLP attorney Andrew H. Friedman and former Helmer Friedman LLP attorney Taylor Markey, who is now an attorney with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – The best and worst employment developments of 2021. The article can be viewed here.
Forced Arbitration Clauses Take Greatest Toll on Marginalized Groups
The Center for Progressive Reform Releases A Report Revealing That Forced Arbitration Clauses in Corporate Contracts Take Greatest Toll on Historically Marginalized Groups
February 1, 2022, (Washington D.C.) – Forced arbitration is a biased process that allows corporate wrongdoers to not only get away with serious violations of the Nation’s civil rights and employment laws but to also hide that misconduct from the courts and the public eye. It allows serial sexual harassers and abusers to thrive while precluding their victims from obtaining justice. It is well past time for our laws to be amended to prohibit forced arbitration. Today, the Center for Progressive Reform released a report confirming what plaintiff employment attorneys across America already know – forced arbitration clauses favor corporations over workers Read More ->
Bill Ending Forced Arbitration In Sex Harassment and Assault Cases
President Biden To Sign Bill Ending Forced Arbitration In Sex Harassment And Assault Cases
February 10, 2022 (Washington D.C.) – Today, the Senate passed a bill to put an end to forced arbitration for survivors of sexual assault and harassment. The bill, called the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act, was passed with a large bipartisan vote by the House of Representatives earlier in the week and heads to President Biden’s desk for his signature. Sen. Kirstin Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., introduced the bill five years ago and lawmakers negotiated with business leaders to get support for the bill. In a sign of the overwhelming support for the measure, it was approved by voice vote in the chamber. The bill gives individuals a choice between going to court or going to arbitration to resolve allegations in cases related to sexual Read More ->
Super Lawyers Gregory D. Helmer, Andrew H. Friedman 2022
Super Lawyers Names Gregory D. Helmer and Andrew H. Friedman as 2022 Super Lawyers
February 1, 2022 – Los Angeles – Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to announce that the lawyer rating service Super Lawyers has named founding partners Gregory D. Helmer and Andrew H. Friedman as 2022 Super Lawyers.
Andrew Friedman Named Super Lawyers Top 100 Southern California List
Super Lawyers Names Andrew H. Friedman To Its Top 100 Southern California Lawyers List
February 1, 2022 – Los Angeles – According to the Los Angeles Bar Association, there are over 25,000 lawyers in the Los Angeles area. Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to announce that the lawyer rating service Super Lawyers has named Andrew H. Friedman to its list of the Top 100 attorneys in Southern California – https://www.superlawyers.com/california-southern/toplists/top-100-2022-southern-california-super-lawyers/45efb53717e251fff467ff439bbce62e
California Labor & Employment Law Review
Andrew H. Friedman Authors Article For The California Labor & Employment Law Review
January 1, 2022 – Helmer Friedman LLP is proud to announce that the California Labor & Employment Law Review recently published an article co-authored by Andrew H. Friedman, Ramit Mizrahi (of Mizrahi Law, APC in Pasadena), and Tony Onicidi (of Proskauer in Century City). Entitled “Top Employment Law Cases of 2021,” the article highlights the most important employment law cases that were decided in 2021. The article can be read here.
Mediation Strategies and Tactics for Resolving the Employment Law Dispute
February 3, 2022 Pincus Professional Education has asked Andrew H. Friedman to speak on a panel about mediation – Mediation Strategies and Tactics for Resolving the Employment Law Dispute. The panel will also include a prominent employment defense attorney (John L. Barber of Lewis Brisbois) and a preeminent mediator (Angela J. Reddock-Wright with Judicate West).
Pincus describes the program as follows:
At this program, a prominent employment defense attorney (John L. Barber of Lewis Brisbois), a well-known plaintiff employment attorney (Andrew H. Friedman of Helmer Friedman LLP), and a preeminent mediator (Angela J. Reddock-Wright with Judicate West) will discuss (and debate) practical mediation skills for employment litigators (from novice to seasoned). This terrific, practical, three-hour course will teach employment attorneys how best to get cases into mediation (and when to do so), persuasively explain their case to the other Read More ->
Annual Review of Employment Cases Speaking Engagements
The Pasadena Bar Association has asked Andrew H. Friedman and Tony Oncidi of Proskauer to reprise their famous “Annual Review of Employment Cases” for the Labor and Employment Law Section. That presentation will take place on January 12, 2022. During their presentation, Mr. Friedman and Mr. Oncidi will cover the top employment law cases from the past year, with an emphasis on the cases of greatest utility to employment law practitioners. Mr. Friedman and Mr. Oncidi have been providing their annual update of employment law cases to the California legal community – up and down the state – for more than a decade including to the following bar associations and organizations: The Alameda County Bar Association, the Beverly Hills Bar Association, the California Lawyers Association, the Employment Round Table of Southern California, the Los Angeles County Bar Association, the Pasadena Bar Association, the Santa Clara County Bar Association, the Read More ->
Speaking Engagements for Helmer Friedman LLP
Five Bar Organizations Ask Helmer Friedman LLP Attorneys To Speak At Various Seminars In Early 2022.
Helmer Friedman LLP is very pleased to announce that five different bar organizations have requested that the law firm provide speakers at various legal education seminars taking place in early 2022.
The California Lawyers Association has asked Andrew H. Friedman and Samson Spiegelman to speak at the Labor and Employment Law Section’s virtual 2022 New Employment Practitioner Conference which will take place on Thursday and Friday, January 20-21, 2022. Mr. Spiegelman will be speaking on the panel “Gathering, Evaluating, Preserving, and Presenting Evidence in a Virtual World” at noon on Thursday, January 20, 2022.
Mr. Friedman will be moderating the Ethics and Bias panel at noon on Friday, January 21, 2022, along with Judge Michael Marcus (Ret.), Dalisai Nisperos (In-House Employment Counsel at Patagonia Inc.), and Dolores Y. Leal (a Read More ->
Gregory D. Helmer Named Lawdragon Top 500 Plaintiff Employment & Civil Rights Attorneys
LAWDRAGON Names Gregory D. Helmer To Its List Of The Nation’s Top 500 Plaintiff Employment & Civil Rights Attorneys
November 16, 2021 – America has tens of thousands of lawyers representing union members, employees, executives. Out of that number, LAWDRAGON, a legal media company publishing online guides to the nation’s leading lawyers, named Gregory D. Helmer of Helmer Friedman LLP to its list of the Nation’s 500 leading plaintiff employment and civil rights attorneys. “I am honored to be included again on LAWDRAGON’s list of the country’s leading plaintiff employment and civil rights lawyers,” Gregory D. Helmer commented upon learning of his inclusion on LAWDRAGON’s list of top employment/civil rights attorneys. To view all of the attorneys on LAWDRAGON’s list, please visit https://www.lawdragon.com/guides/2021-09-22-the-2021-lawdragon-500-leading-plaintiff-employment-civil-rights-lawyers