Denise Giraudo is an experienced litigator who counsels and represents employers in a wide range of labor and employment disputes. The leader of the firm’s Labor and Employment practice group nationwide, she litigates both single-plaintiff cases as well as class and collective actions.
Denise represents employers at all stages of disputes—from litigation prevention counseling to and through trial in state and federal courts and courts of appeal, arbitrations, and proceedings before administrative agencies including the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). She represents employers regarding a full range of disputes involving all applicable local, state and federal statutes, including:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA)
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
- District of Columbia Human Rights Act (DCHRA)
Denise also counsels clients in all aspects of restrictive covenant and trade secret disputes, acting swiftly to protect business interests in crisis situations such as employee departures, competitor actions and theft of confidential information. Her extensive experience ensures effective management of urgent matters, from onboarding to enforcement, safeguarding employers against violations and irreparable harm.
Clients seek out Denise for her tenacious advocacy—at the negotiating table and throughout litigation—as well as her ability to understand and navigate the interpersonal relationships that define the workplace. They appreciate her proactive approach to finding solutions to their most complex workplace issues and disputes.
In addition to advising on litigation, Denise counsels clients daily on reducing and managing workplace risk. She provides advice on the preparation and application of personnel policies, navigating reductions-in-force and employee discipline, terminations and employee accommodations as well as leaves of absence. She conducts internal investigations and advises employers regarding the strategic response to allegations raised in the workplace.
Her clients include employers of all sizes in a wide range of industries, including government contractors, retail and healthcare.
Outside the office, Denise enjoys spending time with her family and traveling in the U.S. and abroad.