Navigating Federal and California Leave of Absence Laws

Kristi L. Thomas | Sheppard Mullin

Kristi L. Thomas is an associate 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.

Areas of Practice

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 Mullin team.

I. Pregnancy Disability Leave | 10:00am – 10:10am

II. FMLA and CFRA | 10:10am – 10:20am

III. Americans with Disabilities Act | 10:20am – 10:30am

IV. California Fair Employment and Housing Act | 10:30am – 10:45am

V. Pregnant Workers Fairness Act | 10:45am – 11:00am

Break | 11:00am – 11:10am

VI. Sexual Assault | 11:10am 11:25am

VII. Bereavement Leave | 11:25am – 11:40am

VIII. Paid Sick Leave | 11:40am – 11:55am

IX. Other statutory leave | 11:55am – 12:10pm