About Ashley
Ashley A. Halberda advises and represents clients in matters involving California labor and employment law. During her years of practice, Halberda has gained extensive experience in representing employers before state, federal and appellate courts in various employment disputes involving claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and wage and hour violations for clients in the banking, retail, insurance, food and beverage, hospitality and manufacturing industries.
Defending clients against class actions and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) matters is a considerable part of Halberda’s practice. She has an undefeated record at trial, as well as on appeal. Her trial experience consists of defending high profile retail and bank clients against claims of misclassification of employees. She has also been successful at arbitration.
In addition to her litigation practice, Halberda plays a critical advisory role to California employers. As she counsels clients on business strategies to ensure compliance with the daunting array of employment laws regulating California businesses, she becomes an extension of her clients’ management team and a true business partner. Her proactive approach alleviates her clients’ worries and staves off potential costly future litigation.
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Areas of Practice
Wrongful Termination and Workplace Tort Litigation
Trade Secrets
Wage and Hour Issues
Class Actions
Workplace Solutions, Advice and Training
Education
University of San Diego, School of Law, J.D., 2010
- San Diego International Law Journal, member, 2009-2010
University of California, Los Angeles, B.A., Majored in French, 2005
Publications
"Problems With Hybrids, And We're Talking About Your Employees, Not Your Car," Orange County Business Journal, October 2022
"Top Tips on How Hotel Employers Can Avoid a Covid Litigation Infection," Hotel Business Review, December 2021
"Heading Into 2022: How California Employers Can Avoid a COVID Legal Infection," Orange County Business Journal, October 2021
"Understanding Employment Law Trends to Keep Pace with the Evolving California Workplace," Co-Author, Orange County Business Journal, November 2020
"5 Tips to Avoid Employment Litigation in the Veterinary Practice," PetVet Magazine, October/November 2020 Issue
"How to Avoid a COVID Legal Infection," Today's Veterinary Business, June 2020
"5 Ways to Comply With Efforts to Crack Down On Sexual Harassment in The Hotel Industry," Hotel Executive, March 2019
"#WhatToDo about #MeToo? An Employer's Guide to Preventing Liability for Workplace Sexual Harassment," Thomson Reuters, February 2018
"The New Shade of Grey Created by California’s Fair Pay Act," Law Practice Today, March 2016
"The New Wave of EEOC Discrimination Claims: Unlocking the Bathroom Door and Other New Focal Points for the EEOC in 2015," Co-Author, HR Advisor: Legal and Practical Guidance, August/July 2015
"Shirts and Shoes Required - But No Hijab," Co-Author, Orange County Attorney Journal, July 2015
"Exempt Employee Overtime Pay: A Very Expensive Oxymoron," Co-Author, Orange County Lawyer, February 2015
"To Waive or Not to Waive? California Employers Question Whether to Include Class Action Waivers in Their Employment Contracts After Emerging Case Law," Orange County Lawyer, July 2013
"The Fallacy Behind Recent Employment Class Action Decisions: Why A Second Look Into the Seemingly Pro-Employer Opinions Reveals More Employee Friendly Case Law," The Advocate, August 2012, at 89-93
Presentations
"The Californication of Non-Compete Laws – Recent Changes That Impact All Employers Across The United States," Co-Presenter, CDF Webinar Series, June 2024
"Developments, Updates and Predictions on Trade Secret and Non-Compete Laws for 2021," Co-Presenter, CDF Webinar Series, March 2021
“California Labor Law Update” Panel Participant, California Mortgage Bankers Association's 2021 Legal Issues & Regulatory Compliance Conference, January 2021
"California Employment Law Update for 2020,” JWA ProVisor's Group, February 2020
"2019 Employment Law Update," NPB ProVisor's Group, February 2019
Professional Affiliations/Leadership/Awards
Listed, Southern California Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2018 - 2023
Orange County Bar Association, 2010 - present
Orange County Trial Lawyers Association, 2010 - present
CDF Labor Law LLP
- Orange County Office Co-Managing Partner, June 2022 - present
Civic Activities
Public Law Center Volunteer- Dissolution for Victims of Domestic Violence, 2013
