Cheryl Sabnis

Ms. Cheryl A. Sabnis focuses her practice on complex litigation in U.S. federal and state courts and arbitration, and defends clients facing putative class actions, collective actions, multi-district and coordinated proceedings.

Beyond serving her clients’ litigation needs, Ms. Sabnis helps her clients manage employee-related crises and conducts privileged investigations concerning allegations of employee, officer, and contractor misconduct, and regularly counsels and provides training to clients regarding a broad range of employment-related matters.

Litigation:

In her litigation practice, Ms. Sabnis routinely handles a wide range of claims, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour, Private Attorney General Act, trade secrets theft, restrictive covenants enforcement, breach of contract, invasion of privacy, business torts, product liability, consumer claims, toxic torts, environmental contamination and unfair competition.

Investigations and Crisis Management:

Ms. Sabnis has conducted and managed investigations regarding a broad array of subject matter, including allegations of employee, officer, and contractor misconduct, including unlawful harassment, retaliation, discrimination, “midnight raids” by departing employees, assault, threats of workplace violence, and other inappropriate or unlawful conduct. She helps her clients respond to and manage employee-related crises strategically to achieve multiple goals, including not only a swift and effective response but also appropriate remedial action, minimization of litigation risk and exposure, preservation of evidence, implementation of policies and best practices to prevent future incidents and promote legal compliance, and promotion of a healthy corporate culture.

Counseling and Training:

Ms. Sabnis regularly counsels clients regarding a broad range of matters, including classification of employees and contractors, overtime and other pay laws, incentive compensation plans, paid sick leave, disability accommodation and the interactive process, leave laws, drug testing, background checks, employment contracts, restrictive covenants, high-risk terminations, mass layoffs, reductions in force and unfair competition. She also provides specialized training to her clients, their officers and employees concerning prevention of unlawful harassment and abusive conduct in the workplace and best practices for hiring, managing and disciplining personnel.

EDUCATION:

• J.D., University of Minnesota
• B.A., University of Minnesota

ADMISSIONS:

• California
• Minnesota
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
• U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
• U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
• U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
• U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California

ASSOCIATIONS:

• International Association of Defense Counsel