Melanie L. Ronen
PartnerChair, Employment
she/her/hers
Chair of the firm’s employment practice, Melanie Ronen works side by side with employers to provide practical, tailored solutions to the various issues that arise in the workplace. When unavoidable, Melanie defends employers in litigation involving all aspects of employment-related claims.
Melanie advises employers across a broad array of industries on all aspects of employment law, including hiring, promotion, discipline, termination, privacy, compensation and wage and hour issues, disability and protected leaves, retaliation and whistleblower issues, reductions-in-force, restrictive covenants and trade secrets, and workplace violence concerns and prevention, among numerous other employment-related issues. She proactively identifies potential risk and formulates strategies in line with clients’ business objectives to reasonably mitigate conflict and avoid litigation where possible.
Melanie also assists with the drafting and review of employment manuals, policies and agreements, ensuring compliance with federal and state employment laws. She also assists clients with employment issues involved in mergers and acquisitions.
Melanie handles single-plaintiff employment disputes involving claims related to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, breach of contract, defamation, trade secret, unfair competition, and wage and hour issues in state and federal courts, arbitration, and before administrative agencies. She also handles complex employment matters, including class and collective actions and California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claims.
Melanie conducts workplace investigations regarding potential unlawful or unwanted conduct, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and workplace conflict or bullying.
Melanie is often contacted by media outlets such as Law360, LAist and KNX, among others, to speak on developing issues in employment law.
