Greg S. Labate

Partner
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Greg Labate

Overview

Greg Labate is a trusted advisor and trial attorney who counsels companies across many industries to resolve workplace issues efficiently and minimize risk before, during and after litigation.

Advising employers on all aspects of the employment relationship, including hiring, discipline, termination and post-employment matters, Greg provides practical guidance on compliance with state and federal laws governing discrimination, harassment, retaliation, workplace safety and wage-and-hour obligations. Clients rely on his keen ability to spot potential exposure early and implement policies and practices that reduce the likelihood of disputes.

When litigation cannot be avoided, Greg draws on his extensive experience defending employers against claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, defamation, invasion of privacy, workplace violence and wage-and-hour violations. He has successfully handled numerous wage-and-hour class actions and PAGA representative actions, with particular experience in the restaurant, mortgage, retail, automobile and manufacturing industries.

A seasoned advocate with a record of success in court and arbitration, Greg combines strategic insight with a calm, results-oriented approach that earns the confidence of clients.

Greg served as the Labor and Employment practice group leader for over 15 years, from 2005 to 2021.

Experience
Litigation Victories
  • Puglisi v. Hillstone Restaurants (Orange County Superior Court): Settled case on very favorable terms for client during jury selection at trial.
  • Eckard v. Talon (Arbitration): Settled case on very favorable terms for client on first day of arbitration.
  • Gau v. Hillstone Restaurants (United States District Court): Defeated class certification in wage/hour class action.
  • Rene v. Harbor Freight Tools (Arbitration): Defeated claims for substantial wages and bonuses by senior executive after completed arbitration.
  • Tran v. A and G, Inc. (Orange County Superior Court): Defeated class certification in wage/hour class action.
  • Icon v. REMN (Orange County Superior Court): Obtained a permanent injunction in an employee raiding action.
  • Kashani v. Hyundai Information Services North America (Orange County Superior Court): Obtained a complete defense verdict after completed jury trial.
  • Aspesi v. Hyundai Motor America (Orange County Superior Court): Obtained a complete defense verdict after completed jury trial; victory reported in the Daily Journal.
  • Johnson v. Mass Connections (Los Angeles County Superior Court): Defeated class certification in wage/hour class action.

Published Decisions

  • Corder v. Houston's Restaurants, Inc., 424 F. Supp. 2d 1205 (C.D. Cal.) (court held only one meal/rest penalty per day despite multiple meal and/or rest period violations).
Credentials
Education

J.D., University of California, Los Angeles, 1990

B.A., Dartmouth College, 1986, magna cum laude

Admissions

California

Honors

Top Labor & Employment Lawyers, the Daily Journal, 2023

Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers, Lawdragon, 2020-2022, 2024-2026

Labor and Employment, Legal 500, 2015-2019

Recipient, Los Angeles County Special Award for Distinguished Service as General Counsel for Special Assistance for Victims in Emergency

Memberships

Labor Law Section, Orange County Bar Association

Thought Leadership

Lectures and Appearances

Greg has presented lectures for employer organizations such as Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA), Employers Advisory Council (EAC), Employers Group, Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) and others. He has served as Keynote Speaker at PIHRA’s Annual Convention numerous times. He has also appeared on television and radio to discuss labor and employment issues.

Labor and Employment Law Updates

COVID In the Workplace

Managing the Remote Workforce

How to Avoid Class Action & PAGA Lawsuits

Conducting Effective Workplace Investigations

How to Hire and Fire Without Fear

Preventing Discrimination, Harassment & Retaliation

Layoffs, Downsizing & RIFs

Employee Handbooks

Leaves of Absence

Employee Documentation

Violence at Work

"Layoffs Without Lawsuits: An Employer's Guide To Downsizing In These Difficult Economic Times," Orange County Business Journal