Mark S. Spring has more than 20 years of experience handling labor and employment law matters throughout Northern California.  Spring’s practice is focused on litigation triggered by all types of employment related disputes and the representation of management in union-management relations. 

He maintains a significant litigation prevention practice, advising national and regional clients on adopting employment policies to comply with California law and on social networking issues.  Spring also represents public figures, elected officials, executives and athletes in high-profile sexual harassment lawsuits and investigations.

Spring’s reputation for excellence is built upon an impressive record as lead trial counsel in high-stakes employment litigation in both federal and state court.  In addition to his courtroom and trial work, he regularly represents California employers in discrimination, harassment, wage and hour, and employee safety issues in administrative matters and hearings before the DFEH, EEOC DLSE, Cal-OSHA, CUIAB and other state and federal agencies.

On the traditional labor side, Spring has a successful record of dealings with union locals from the Teamsters, UFCW, Laborers, SEIU and Stationary Engineers.  He negotiates union contracts, handles ULP charges, resolves grievances, represents clients at grievance arbitrations, and manages secondary picketing issues and other strike related litigation and matters.  In addition, he assists non-union employers with union avoidance efforts, and advises and counsels employers during union campaigns.

Spring uses his litigation knowledge to advise clients of all sizes on how to comply with California’s maze of employment related laws and regulations.

Large and small companies rely on him to help draft policies and handbooks, and to guide them when questions related to California employment law arise.  He has significant experience and success advising national companies with California workforces on best approaches for adapting existing policies to comply with state regulations.  

Social networking issues in the workplace is a major area of his recent client counsel. Spring is a frequent presenter on this topic and works with clients across a variety of industries to draft policies and implement consistent practices that resolve the employment and labor related issues stemming from use of this technology in the workplace.

A frequent speaker to employment-related groups and associations, in his off-the-clock hours, Spring pursues his love of basketball and has served as a coach to a number of high school and youth school teams.

Education

George Washington University Law School, J.D., with honors, 1991

•     Journal of International Law and Economics, 1990-1991
•     The Advocate Student Newspaper, Asst. Editor, 1989-1991
•     U.S. Dept. of Justice, Office of Special Investigations, Law Clerk

Georgetown University, B.S. Finance, cum laude, 1988

•     Dean’s Citation for Outstanding Contributions to the University, 1988
•     Varsity Men’s Lacrosse Team, 1984-1985

Brasenose College, Oxford University, Summer 1987

•    Comparative Business Program

Written Opinions

Kulshestha v. First Union Commercial Corp., 33 Cal. 4th 601 (2004)

English v. IKON Office Solutions, Inc., 94 Cal. App. 4th 708C (2001)

Ho v. IKON Office Solutions, Inc., 143 F.Supp. 2d 1163 (N.D. Cal. 2001)

Rains v. Criterion Systems, Inc., 80 F.3d 339 (9th Cir. 1996)

Publications

The Employer Survival Guide for the Hospitality Industry, Co-authored with Jeremy Naftel, 2003

Presentations

"NLRB Developments - Appropriate Aggressiveness or a Moving Target?," American Bar Association Section of Litigation's Annual CLE Conference, Chicago, April 2013

"Social Media & The NLRB," 2013 California State Legislative Conference, CalSHRM, April 2013

"New Laws & Regulations in the Golden State for 2013," CDF Webinar Series, November 2012

"Social Media & The NLRA: Important Information for Employers," CDF Webinar Series, May 2012

"Social Media In Your Workplace: Here To Stay, So What Are You Doing About It," Association of Corporate Counsel, Southern California Chapter, February 2012

"Changes in California Labor and Employment Laws: Get Ready for 2012," CDF Webinar Series, December 2011

"Essentials in California Employment Law,"  CSU Sacramento - Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Administration, April 2011 and November 2011

"Social Media in the Restaurant Industry," California Restaurant Association Education Seminar, October 2011

"Social Networking in the Workplace - Why This Issue Must be Addressed in Your Workplace Today and How, " CDF Webinar Series, March 2011 and August 2011

“Social Media in the Workplace,” Association of Corporate Counsel, Sacramento Chapter, May 2011

“Significant Risks Related to Employment Law for California Employers,” Sacramento State Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, April 2011

“Key Labor and Employment Issues for 2011,” Vistage Executive Group 037, March 2011

“Facebook, MySpace and Twitter: How to Best Address and Utilize Social Networking in the Workplace,” California Parks and Recreation Society, February 2010

“Looking Ahead to 2010 - New Labor and Employment Laws for the Coming Year,” Sacramento Human Resource Association, December 2009

“Employee Free Choice Act is Coming – Time to Prepare,” CDF Seminar Series, February 2009

Professional Affiliations / Leadership / Awards

Northern California Super Lawyers, 2008 & 2009

Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ Rated

American Employment Law Council (AELC), Member, 2007-present

Sacramento County Bar Association Diversity Hiring and Retention Committee, Member, 2005-present

Sacramento No Glass Ceiling Task Force, Board of Directors, 2005-2007

University of Phoenix, Sacramento Campus, Employment law/Business law adjunct lecturer, 1998-2001

Sacramento Area Human Resources Association, Legal and Legislative Director/Board of Directors, 1998-2000

Civic Activities

Volunteer Basketball Coach – Georgetown University/U.S. State Department Balkan Basketball Diplomacy Project – Bar, Montenegro – August 2011 and August 2012

Assistant JV Girls Lacrosse Coach, Oak Ridge High School, 2011-present

Rolling Hills Middle School, Head girls basketball coach, 2010-2011

El Dorado Hills Youth Lacrosse Club, Coach, 2007-2010

Folsom High School, Assistant varsity boys basketball coach, 2000-2002; 2006-2009

Temple Or Rishon, Board of Directors, 1996-1998

Folsom Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Folsom Program Graduate

Pro Bono

Provide pro bono services to a variety of non-profit organizations in Sacramento, including Shalom Jewish School and Temple Or Rishon Congregation.  Counsel includes representing these organizations in employee disputes, negotiations with their executives, and providing general guidelines on employment policies and situations.

Spring is also on an attorney panel for the ABA Military Pro Bono Project.  The program provides pro bono representation for members of our armed services.