OVERVIEW
Warren J. Higgins defends nationwide and regional employers, including their management, in labor and employment matters.
His practice spans the full range of employee-related disputes, from single-plaintiff cases to class actions and representative claims under the California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA).Backed by three decades of experience, Warren has earned a reputation for innovative approaches and achieving winning outcomes for employers in a wide range of businesses and industries, including healthcare, financial services, and retail. He advises and defends employers against every type of claim, including:
- Discrimination
- Harassment
- Retaliation
- Wrongful Termination
- Wage and Hour Violations
Warren also helps employers avoid the types of mistakes that result in costly and time-consuming claims. He navigates clients through a constantly changing legal environment to further their ability to mitigate risk and avoid claims. His guidance covers handling of employee complaints, performance management and terminations. Warren also assists employers in developing effective policies, practices, handbooks, and employment and severance agreements.
With extensive experience across a range of dispute resolution forums, Warren defends employers in California state trial and appellate courts, various U.S. District Courts, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Warren also represents employers in arbitration proceedings and before various administrative agencies, such as the National Labor Relations Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the California Civil Rights Department, the U.S. Department of Labor, the California Department of Labor Standards Enforcement, and the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.
- University of California, Hastings College of the Law – J.D. 1994
- University of California, Los Angeles – B.A. 1991
Employer Race/Disability Discrimination
Represented an employer in a lawsuit filed in state court, alleging claims of race and disability discrimination, wrongful termination and retaliation. The court granted a defense motion to compel arbitration despite plaintiff’s vigorous challenge to the enforceability of the arbitration agreement between the parties. At arbitration, the employer prevailed as to all claims after a multi-day hearing. Defeated plaintiff’s subsequent attempt to vacate the arbitration award in court.
Pregnancy Discrimination Harassment Claim Defense for Employer
Defended an employer and manager in a pregnancy discrimination, harassment, retaliation and wrongful termination case initially filed in state court. Successfully compelled plaintiff to submit claims against all defendants to arbitration based on arbitration agreement with the employer. At arbitration, the arbitrator issued a complete defense award in favor of both the employer and manager.
Employer Discrimination Wrongful Termination for Whistleblowing
Obtained summary judgment in state court for employer in a case involving claims for disability discrimination and wrongful termination. The plaintiff claimed she was terminated because of her alleged whistleblowing activities and because of a mental disability. The court rejected all of the plaintiff’s claims and entered judgment in the employer’s favor.
Dismissed Charges for Employer in Race Discrimination and Retaliation Trial
Represented a large employer in a lengthy trial involving claims of race discrimination and retaliation where plaintiff sought $1 million in damages. After the defense rested its case, the plaintiff dismissed her claims against the employer.
Employer Cases Federal and State
Obtained summary judgment for employers in numerous cases in both federal and state courts.