Wendy E. Lane is Chair of the Employment Department, focused on employment counseling and litigation on behalf of a variety of clients, including entertainment studios and production companies, celebrities, real estate and investment companies, fashion and apparel companies, restaurants, manufacturers, retailers, and professional service providers (including doctors, lawyers, and accountants).

As a trusted resource on the latest developments in employment law, Wendy has appeared on numerous panels, spoken at seminars, and has been quoted in the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, the New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, Society For Human Resource Management and California Lawyer. She has also published articles for the Daily Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and numerous other human resource and employment law publications.

In the employment litigation arena, Wendy has considerable experience representing employers in cases involving claims of harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, and wage and hour claims (including class actions). Wendy has also obtained injunctions, drafted countless cease and desist letters, and filed numerous actions to prevent theft of her client’s intellectual property and trade secrets. By strategically using investigations, witness interviews, depositions, and other discovery mechanisms, Wendy has successfully convinced plaintiffs’ lawyers to rapidly dismiss or inexpensively settle their lawsuits on many occasions.

On the employment counseling side, Wendy uses her litigation experience to provide advice and draft policies, handbooks, and other documents that provide the maximum protection for her clients. Wendy knows exactly which facts and evidence will provide the best defense in the event that her client is ever challenged in court, which also leads to earlier and more cost-effective resolutions in the event of an employee dispute. Wendy advises employers on complicated issues including workplace injuries, employee requests for medical leave and/or disability accommodations, investigation of internal employee grievances (such as complaints of harassment and discrimination), terminations and disciplinary actions, employee theft, and employee drug and alcohol use.  Wendy also drafts employment and independent contractor agreements, arbitration agreements, intellectual property agreements, and confidentiality agreements.

Beyond employment litigation, Wendy has handled numerous business litigation cases involving claims for breach of contract, fraud, unfair competition, partnership dissolution, trademark infringement, breach of fiduciary duties, wrongful death/toxic torts (specifically, mold and silica exposure).

Wendy also authored the first edition of a manual on adoption law used by pro bono attorneys and law students in finalizing adoptions of dependent children throughout Los Angeles. As an advocate of children's rights, Wendy has dedicated substantial time as a volunteer and fundraiser for various social service agencies and non-profit, charitable organizations such as the Angeles Girl Scouts, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and the UCLA Gold Shield Alumnae.