KristiL.
Thomas

Partner
LINKEDIN
Kristi Thomas

Overview

Kristi L. Thomas is a partner in the Labor and Employment Practice Group in the firm's Orange County office. She serves on the firm's Recruiting Committee, Sustainability Committee and is a member of the Wellness Resources Group. She is also actively involved in pro bono work at the firm. 

Kristi's practice involves representing employers in the defense of complaints for class action and single-plaintiff matters. Kristi has handled all aspects of civil litigation defense, including taking and defending depositions, law and motion practice, mediation, arbitration, and second-chairing multiple trials to defense verdict.

Kristi also provides day-to-day counseling on a wide variety of labor and employment law issues, including wage-and-hour issues, disability and family/medical leave issues, discipline, and termination. She conducts supervisor and non-supervisor trainings on behalf of clients regarding sexual harassment and workplace behavior.

Kristi began her legal career in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2008, where she defended nationally-ranked hospitals and professionals. Kristi became a member of the State Bar of California in 2011, and thereafter gained significant experience in complex litigation before joining the Sheppard team.

Credentials
Education

J.D., Widener University School of Law, 2007, cum laude, Internal Editor of the Widener Law Journal, Dean’s Honors

B.A., University of Pittsburgh, 2004, cum laude, Dean's Honors

Admissions

California

Pennsylvania

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

Memberships

Member, Orange County Bar Association, Labor and Employment Section

Member, Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles

Executive Committee Member, ProVisors Costa Mesa

Thought Leadership

“2026 Employment Law Update,” Inland Empire HR Networking Group, Fontana, California, January 22, 2026

"Staff Discipline & Documentation, and Performance Improvement Plans (PIP)," 2025 Retirement Housing Foundation (RHF) Annual Management Conference, Long Beach, California, April 2, 2025

"Returning to Work During the COVID Pandemic," Orange County Bar Association Mommy Esq. Committee Webinar, September 21, 2021

  • DFEH Issues Guidance to Employers Regarding Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policies
    San Mateo County Bar Association Here-Say Newsletter, 05/06.2021