Douglas Bria has joined Littler Mendelson, P.C. (Littler), the world’s largest employment and labor law firm representing management, as a shareholder in the San Francisco office. Bria, previously a partner in Jackson Lewis LLP’s San Francisco office, has extensive experience in employment litigation matters, including class actions and complex litigation, e-Discovery, general employment litigation and wage and hour compliance. Bria’s arrival coincides with the addition of another former Jackson Lewis partner, JoAnna Brooks, who also joined Littler last week.

“Doug is a talented attorney and we are pleased to welcome him as the newest member to our shareholder ranks.  The combination of his strong class action practice, solid advice practice, and particular expertise in e-Discovery matters, makes Doug a strong addition to the bench of our global practice,” said Thomas Bender and Jeremy Roth, co-managing directors of Littler, in a joint statement. “With the recent arrival of JoAnna Brooks, along with the addition of a number of other high profile lateral attorneys, the firm is well positioned to continue to offer world-class labor and employment representation while serving our clients effectively on both a national and global level.”

While at Jackson Lewis, Bria represented clients in a variety of industry sectors—including retail, technology, hospitality, gaming, and construction—particularly in defending wage and hour litigation, as well as claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation and breach of contract. In addition, Bria has defended lawsuits involving civil RICO, securities, intellectual property, trade secrets, unfair competition and defamation. He has also counseled management and boards of directors regarding fiduciary duties, corporate governance and negotiating dispute resolutions.

“We are excited to welcome Doug to the San Francisco office,” said Jennifer Walt, office managing shareholder of the firm’s San Francisco office. “His solid employment litigation background will certainly complement our already strong capabilities in this area in Northern California and beyond.”

Bria’s arrival follows the recent announcement of JoAnna Brooks to Littler’s San Francisco office. Littler continues to grow in other markets, as well. Most recently, the following attorneys have joined the firm across multiple offices: Don Prophete and Nikki Howell (Kansas City), Anjanette Cabrera (New York), Irene Gallagher (Miami), Damon Hart (Boston), Tamika Nordstrom (Atlanta), Jeff Mintz (Atlanta), and Maury Baskin (Washington, D.C.).  And last year, Michael Lotito was recruited from Jackson Lewis to co-chair Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute.

“I am extremely pleased to join my colleague, JoAnna Brooks, at Littler because the firm is a leader in labor and employment law,” Bria said. “Joining this motivated team, which is complemented by innovative internal resources and a strong international presence, is a thrilling opportunity to enhance client service.”

Bria earned a J.D. in 2003 from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where he was a member of the Moot Court Board. He received a B.A. in Psychology, magna cum laude, from Loyola Marymount University in 2000.

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