Derek Havel

Derek Havel is a partner in the Labor and Employment Practice Group in the firm’s Los Angeles office, where he is also the Office Managing Partner. Mr. Havel handles all facets of the litigation process in labor and employment disputes. Mr. Havel has significant experience in defending wage and hour class actions, including claims for overtime pay, meal and rest period violations, and vacation pay.

In particular, Mr. Havel has extensive experience in the healthcare, retail, and insurance industries. He has successfully defeated class certification motions and prevailed on summary judgment motions in class actions. Mr. Havel has considerable jury trial experience in defending both class actions and single plaintiff employment cases.

He has successfully defended labor and employment disputes under both state and federal law, including discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, and other classifications.

He has specific experience under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other labor and employment laws. Mr. Havel also has experience in traditional labor law.  He has drafted briefs for the National Labor Relations Board, and defended employers against unfair labor practice charges.

Education:

• J.D., University of California, Los Angeles, 1997
• B.A., Georgetown, University, 1994, magna cum laude

Admissions:

• All California Courts
• U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
• U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California
• Ninth Circuit