About Leigh Herman, Director.
EXPERIENCE
Director
Law Offices of Leigh Herman, Private practice.
2007 – Present (2 years)
Areas of speciality: (1) all phases of litigation and trial work, including appellate practice and (2) employment law; advice and litigation. Have represented both employers and plaintiffs in employment disputes, litigated business torts, civil rights actions, property disputes, quasi-criminal actions, represented foster parents in Childrens' Protective Service Actions, general fraud actions, both business and personal and written numerous state court appeals.
Deputy County Counsel
San Mateo County Counsel's Office
January 1997 – January 2007 (10 years 1 month)
Legal counsel to major County departments such as Risk Management, Probation, the Controller, the Sheriff, Human Resources and the Planning Department. In addition, was solely responsible for representing the County and elected officials in multiple high stakes Civil Rights and employment litigation, both state and federal court, including handling the media during litigation and trial. Also conducted over 100 short cause trials for Childrens' Protective Services. Taught witness examination skills to social workers and conducted trainings. Represented school districts in advising and litigating expulsion hearings in over 100 administrative hearings. Taught classes to administrators on expulsion proceedings. Researched, drafted, filed and argued motions and appeals, state and federal court, and 9th Circuit. Mentored junior attorneys.
Of Counsel
Kohut & Kohut
January 1995 – January 1997 (2 years 1 month)
Trial Counsel. Conducted smaller trials and assisted in major jury trials in small boutique firm. Motions, depositions, discovery, legal research.
Associate
Morrison & Foerster
January 1992 – January 1995 (3 years 1 month)
Specialized in litigation work. Worked on several major trials. Heavy law and motion practice. Brought in several major clients. Conducted trainings for in-house lawyers in evidentiary matters and employment law. Motions, depositions, discovery, legal research.
Litigation Associate
Brobeck, Phleager & Harrison (now defunct)
January 1990 – January 1992 (2 years 1 month)
Litigation Associate. Researched, drafted and argued law and motion matters, first solo trial, discovery, depositions.
EDUCATION
University of California at Los Angeles, B.A. English Literature, Cum Laude, 1985
University of California at Los Angeles, J.D. 1990 (top 12%)
HONORS AND AWARDS
- 1990 State Bar of Governors Wiley P. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Service (work in representing battered women)
- 2001 Honorary Sheriff’s Deputy Award (after winning federal employment discrimination trial White v. County)
- 2002 Honorary Sheriff’s Deputy Award (after winning state civil rights trial Eversole v. County)
- 2003 Award by San Mateo County Probation Department in Appreciation for Efforts “Above and Beyond.” (after winning federal civil rights trial Henry v. County)
- 2007 San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Certificate of Appreciation
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
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