Kathy H. Gao

Partner

Kathy H. Gao represents corporate clients in complex wage and hour class, collective, and representative actions, as well as in sexual harassment, workplace discrimination, and wrongful termination matters. Kathy has appeared in both state and US federal court, and has experience at the appellate level. She provides corporate clients with effective, innovative, and strategic guidance in high-stakes, high-profile complex litigation, and advises on ways to minimize risk from potential employment issues, compliance with the latest laws and regulations, and implementation of policies and practices that avoid litigation whenever possible.

video

Independent Contractors or Employees?

Workers are demanding more flexibility in their work arrangements than ever before and companies have been receptive to this growing trend. In Dynamex, the California Supreme Court announced a new "ABC" test that transforms many workers who were formerly independent contractors into employees. This course gives you the guidance you need to apply this new test and help you reduce the risk of misclassifying employees as independent contractors.

Extended Profile

Additionally, Kathy has experience litigating single plaintiff and class action accessibility matters related to compliance with ADA Titles I, II, and III, and comparable state and local accessibility laws. Kathy works with management and has represented and counseled clients in a broad range of industries including automotive, banking and financial services, fashion and luxury goods, hospitality, life sciences and biotechnology, logistics, manufacturing and industrial, medical and healthcare, pharmaceutical, real estate, restaurant, retail, sports and entertainment, technology, and transportation.

Education

Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, 2008, J.D.
University of California, Berkeley, 2004, B.A.

Admissions

California
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
U.S. District Courts for the Central, Eastern, Northern, and Southern Districts of California

Awards and Affiliations

Member, Practice Group of the Year, Employment, Law360 (2017)

Finalist, The Recorder’s Litigation Department of the Year – Labor and Employment (2013)