About Amy
Experienced in representing companies of all sizes, Amy S. Williams aggressively defends California employers in class action and single plaintiff matters. Williams represents management in actions alleging discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage and hour violations in state and federal court as well as before various administrative agencies. In particular, Williams represents employers that have workforces in California who are increasingly finding themselves having to defend against costly PAGA lawsuits due to the technicalities of California wage and hour laws that continue to evolve. Williams has been successful defending these types of claims, as well as defending claims of wage and hour violations. Indeed, Williams is one of the few attorneys who has litigated a PAGA claim through trial.
Williams also lectures and provides her clients with guidance on innovative strategies to avoid PAGA claims, as well as how to manage and defeat these types of claims if avoidance is not possible. She also counsels employers on preventative measures with regard to all types of employment-related litigation, including reviews of general employment policies and wage and hour issues, and assists employers in conducting internal investigations.
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Education
University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, J.D., 2003
Arizona State University, B.S., Exercise Science/Physical Therapy, cum laude, 1997
Publications
"Sit or Stand Is the Question for California Employers," Co-Author, Today's General Counsel, Summer Edition, July 2019
"How To Protect Against The Continued Onslaught Of Wage And Hour Litigation," Orange County Business Journal, October 2015
Presentations
"Cutting Edge Trends in PAGA Litigation," Co-Presenter, Sports & Fitness Industry Association, November 2018
"Cutting Edge Trends in PAGA Litigation," Co-Presenter, Retail Industry Leaders Association's 2018 Retail Law Conference, October 2018
"California Labor and Employment Law Year in Review – Key Developments from 2017 and Tips to Ensure Compliance in 2018," Co-Presenter, Orange County Bar Association, February 2018
"What California Employers Need to Know About Wage & Hour Class Actions & PAGA Lawsuits," CDF Webinar Series, October 2015
"Employee Handbook Update 2014 for California Employers," CDF Webinar Series, February 2014
"Top Hiring Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them," CDF HR Roundtable, August 2013
"Employment Law Update 2013: An Update for Employers," Orange County Tech Alliance, 2013
"Hot Topics and New Developments in Human Resources: A Legal Update, National Human Resources Association, 2011
"Employment Law Update: The Biggest Employment Law Challenges," ADP, 2007
"Employment Law Update: Romance and Rudeness in the Workplace," HR Link, 2006
Professional Affiliations/Leadership/Awards
Orange County Bar Association, 2005-present
Listed, Super Lawyers Southern California Rising Star, 2012 & 2015
