Employment Law

Human Resources Consulting

Business Etiquette Training

SAFFIRE LEGAL

Combining years of litigation and transactional experience to provide employers and employees with education, training, and legal advice on forging and maintaining successful employee/employer relationships.
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SAFFIRE LEGAL was founded by Southern California attorney Teresa A. McQueen. Who, after years of litigating civil rights based employment law disputes and providing general counsel services to employers, saw the need for a different type of employment law firm. One free from the partisan obligations of litigation representation that could provide education, training, and sound legal advice from a perspective that assesses risk from a knowledgebase solid on both the employee and employer perspectives.

Teresa A. McQueen is principal of SAFFIRE LEGAL. A former Named Associate at the Orange County Law Firm of Pedersen • McQueen, APLC. Teresa is an experienced trial attorney and provider of general counsel services to various California businesses. Developing statutorily complaint policies and procedures, advising clients on HR best practices and consulting on training opportunities have long been a practice mainstay. In her career as a litigator Teresa successfully represented plaintiffs in civil rights litigation matters protecting against discrimination, harassment and retaliation based on race, sex (including pregnancy and gender), sexual orientation, mental and physical disability, age, denial of family and medical care leave, and denial of pregnancy disability leave. While at Pedersen McQueen, APLC Teresa was also heavily involved in planning and implementing defense side strategies on all of the firms employer-related litigation matters.

At SAFFIRE LEGAL, Teresa now applies the skills and strategies learned as a litigator and general counsel attorney to providing employers and employees with education, training, and legal advice on forging and maintaining successful employee/employer relationships.

Teresa’s outstanding efforts on behalf of her clients have earned her recognition among her peers as she was selected in 2007, 2012 and again in 2013 as a Southern California Super Lawyers “Rising Star” and was recognized as a 2013 Top Women Attorney – Southern California Outstanding Young Women Lawyers by Law & Politics and the publishers of Los Angeles Magazine.

Lawyer Teresa McQueen | Top Attorney Employment
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Curriculum Vitae

Teresa is admitted to practice before all California courts.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

J.D., Chapman University School of Law, Orange, CA, May 2002

Bachelor of Dance, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, December 1988

 

PUBLICATIONS
  • California Basic Practice Handbook, Published by Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB), November 2015 (Editor, Chapter 4 Pre-Trial Discovery); Editor Update pending Fall 2016

 

  • California Basic Practice Handbook, Published by Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB), November 2015 (Editor, Chapter 3 Preparing, Filing, and Serving Complaints and Answers and Chapter 4 Pre-Trial Discovery)

 

  • Handling Motions to Compel and Other Discovery Motions, Published by Continuing Education of the Bar, December 2013 (Editor) Updated (October 2015)

 

  • The California Guide to Growing and Managing a Law Office, Published by the State Bar of California Fall 2012 (Contributing Author)

 

  • Op-Ed: California Attorney Guidelines of Civility and Professionalism Big News – Magazine of the Solo/Small Firm Section of the State Bar of California (November-December 2007)

 

  • Tulare Lake Basin Water Storage District, et al., v. United States: Takings Victory or ESA Reform Test Case? Hot Topics Report Published in the ABA Nat’l Quarterly on State and Local Govt. Law the Urban Lawyer Vol. No. 37, Issue No. 3. (Summer 2005)

 

  • Beyond Litigation: Case Studies in Water Rights Disputes, Published by the Environmental Law Institute, January 2002, Chapter 3 pages 79-101. (Student author, First Edition, January 2002)

 

  • California Motions in Limine, Published by Esquire One Publishing , May 2000, updated October 2001 (Research Assistant First Edition, May 2000, Editor/Co-Author and Research Advisor 2001 Update, October 2001)
SEMINARS & LECTURES
  • Practical Applications: Navigating California’s Latest Ban The Box Laws (August 2018) PIHRA HR Conference: Presentation on implications and best practices for implementing changes in hiring practices under CA’s newest Ban The Box Legislation.

 

  • CA Employee Handbook Workshop (March 2018) SAFFIRE LEGAL, PC: Half-day Workshop providing model handbook materials with the goal of giving attendees, in real-time, a completed and customized legally compliant Employee Handbook ready to distribute to their organization’s Employees.

 

  • 2018 Employment Law & Legislative Update (January 2018) SAFFIRE LEGAL, PC & Owen-Dunn Insurance: Solo presentation providing updates on current employment law and legislative changes impacting employers and employees in 2018.

 

  • How Did We Get Here? A Plaintiff’s Perspective on Avoiding Litigation (October 2017, March 2018) PIHRA Local Chapters: Burbank, South Bay and Woodland Hills: Panel presentation providing the Plaintiff’s perspective – through lessons learned – on how to avoid litigation.

 

  • 2017 Employment Law & Legislative Update. (January 2017) SAFFIRE LEGAL, PC & Owen-Dunn Insurance: Solo presentation providing updates on current employment law and legislative changes impacting employers and employees in 2017.

 

  • Sexual Harassment In The Workplace. (February 2017) KUCI Radio Program Ask A Leader Claudia Shambaugh host: Discussions concerning sexual harassment in the workplace and the laws protecting employees.

 

  • Becoming A Professional: Joint Law School Program (March 2017) Orange County Bar Association: Solo presentation focusing on the “how & why” of developing personal and social skills necessary in preparing for a successful professional career in the law.

 

  • Becoming a Professional: The 24/7 Professional & How to Effectively Network. (April 2017) Student Professional Development Chapman University School of Law: Solo presentation focusing on how students can begin developing the skills necessary to build strong professional brands, balance the 24/7 professional persona and network effectively for professional success.

 

  • Building Successful Relationships (May 2017) Orange County Jewish Federation and Family Services: Solo presentation on learning how to build successful relationships with an easy 5-step method utilizing the core principals of consideration, respect, and honesty.

 

  • CA Employee Handbook Workshop (May, September 2017) SAFFIRE LEGAL, PC: Half-day Workshop providing model handbook materials with the goal of giving attendees, in real-time, a completed and customized legally compliant Employee Handbook ready to distribute to their organization’s Employees.

 

  • The Laws Concerning Privacy In The Age Of Technology. (May 2017) OC Institute of Management Accounts: Solo presentation providing legal insight into the various laws of privacy and their impact on the workplace.

 

  • Building Your Brand (July 2017) Orange County Legal Recruitment Association: Solo presentation focusing on building and strengthening the individuals personal and professional brand.

 

  • Disability Discrimination and the California Fair Employment & Housing Act (“FEHA”) (August 2017) PIHRA CA HR Conference: Solo presentation focusing on the requirements of the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) when it comes to conducting the “good faith interactive process” and determining whether or not a “reasonable accommodation” can or should be provided, new state rules, and decisions defining covered “disabilities” and employer obligations.

 

  • Building Balanced Relationships (August 2017) Orange County Jewish Federation and Family Services NextGen OC Young Women’s Initiative: Solo presentation discussing how basing personal and professional activities on the principals of etiquette allows individuals to make choices that will build strong relationships and enhance their image in all aspects of their life.

 

  • Building Successful Relationships (November 2016) Corporate Client: Manager/Supervisor training focusing on utilizing the core principals of consideration, respect, and honesty to become more effective and build team success.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Selected as a Southern California Super Lawyers “Rising Star” by Law & Politics and the publishers of Los Angeles Magazine for 2007, 2012, and 2013. Recognized as a 2013 Top Women Attorney – Southern California Outstanding Young Women Lawyers by Law & Politics and the publishers of Los Angeles Magazine.

State Bar of California (Bar Number 225094)

  • Solo and Small Firm Executive Committee Member 2006 – 2013
  • Chair Solo/Small Firm Executive Committee 2010-2011
  • Chair-Elect Solo/Small Firm Executive Committee 2010
  • Treasurer Solo/Small Firm Executive Committee 2009
  • Solo and Small Firm Section Member 2004 – Present
  • Labor and Employment Law Section Member 2010 – Present
  • Conference of Delegates of California Bar Associations: OCBA Delegate 2004 – Present

Orange County Bar Association Member:

  • OCBA Board Member –YLD Appointee 2007; Elected Terms 2008 – 2011; 2011-2013
  • Bridging the Gap Committee Member – 2006 – Present
  • Charitable Fund Committee Member – 2012
  • Co-Chair Mentor on Demand – 2008 – 2011, 2014 – Present
  • Co-Chair Bridging the Gap Committee – 2009 – Present
  • Chair Resolutions Committee – 2011
  • Resolutions Committee – Employment Law Specialty Group Leader – 2003 – Present
  • Solo/Small Firm Section – Section Chair 2006; Section Secretary 2005
  • Solo/Small Firm Section Executive Board Member – 2003 – 2010
  • Solo/Small Firm Section Member 2003 – Present
  • Solo/Small Firm Section Member 2003 – Present
  • Young Lawyers Division – Chair 2007; Chair-Elect 2006; Ed. Comm. Chair 2005;

California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA) 2008-2016

Legal Services

Employee Training and Human Resources Consulting

State and Federal enforcement efforts are on the rise. Employment litigation is expanding beyond courthouse capacity. Fines, the cost of litigation, and settlement awards are increasing accordingly. A single employee complaint can result in major litigation with serious financial consequences to the company’s bottom line. Minimize your organizations exposure by making sure your team is well trained.

SAFFIRE LEGAL’s human resources consulting and training services are designed to ensure your organization has up-to-date policies and procedures as well as necessary checks and balances to ensure cohesive implementation and effective follow-through. Check out the links above or contact us for more information on our personalized training and consultation services.

Employee Handbooks
  • Development
  • Review
  • Implementation

Whether you need an entire handbook or assistance developing new or additional policies and procedures, SAFFIRE LEGAL can help. Depending on your needs, we can draft a complete handbook customized for your organizational needs or simply review or revise your existing handbook. We can also assist you in implementing new or updated policies or rolling out new handbooks.

HR Manuals
  • Development
  • Review
  • Implementation

Assure consistent implementation of your internal human resources policies and procedures by developing a customized Human Resources Manual. Whether your organization is large or small, a custom Human Resources Manual is a valuable tool to assure consistency in implementing your organization’s human resources policies and procedures.

Whether drafting a complete manual customized for your organizational needs or simply reviewing or revising your existing manual, SAFFIRE LEGAL can help. Let us assist you in training your staff on existing or new manuals to assure your staff is operating at the high level of consistency when it comes to application of important company policies, procedures and practices.

Employee Relations & Risk Management Assessment

A positive and productive workforce can be an organizations greatest asset. But a company that fails to factor in the rights and needs of its employees with its overall strategic goals risks creating an atmosphere of resentment and vindication which could lead not only to reduced productivity, but potential legal action. SAFFIRE LEGAL can help.

We offer guidance and legal advice on developing employee relations policies/programs, identifying and evaluating your organizations risk levels and evaluating and documenting all disciplinary actions and terminations. Check out the links above or contact us for more information on our employee relations and risk management assessment services.

Business Etiquette Training
  • Improve company’s overall image and brand enhancement
  • Increase employee confidence
  • Enhance employee and employer relations

Perception can make or break a career, a business venture, or a major deal. Our Business Etiquette trainings are designed to provide your workforce with the skills and training necessary to set your brand apart. Organizations that place a high value on engendering a considerate, respectful and honest work environment set themselves ahead of the business curve and lower their risk of litigation.

Learn how to approach people from a mindset that is considerate, respectful and honest. Develop best practices for electronic correspondence, interpersonal communication skills, employee relations and dealing with difficult situations or individuals. All SAFFIRE LEGAL etiquette trainings strive to improve your organizations overall job retention, satisfaction and productivity. All trainings are customizable to your organizations specific needs and goals.

Click here to download our brochure for Businesses

Click here to download our brochure for Law Firms

Click here to download our brochure for Golf Etiquette Training

Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Prevention & Correction

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  • Compliance
  • Training
  • Educational Programs

Effective training and educational programs designed to eliminate harassment, discrimination and retaliation from the workplace can not only help address liability in the event of litigation, but can also serve to create a more informed and cohesive workforce.

Our training programs cover all aspects of state and federal laws dealing with the elimination of harassment, discrimination and retaliatory conduct in the workplace. All program modules can be customized and include training on all areas of the law concerning the elimination of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation as well as your organization’s specific policies and procedures. Special trainings specifically designed for supervisory and executive team members are also available.

Click here to download our Training Brochure.

State and Federal Leave Training
  • Fair Employment & Housing Act (FEHA)
  • Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  • California Family Rights Act (CFRA)

Leave administration is one of the most complex areas of employee relations. Questions as to when leave must be provided, how much leave, and which leave programs apply must be carefully considered as no one program applies to every situation.

SAFFIRE LEGAL provides training on state and federal leave policies and programs. Training includes modules on administering leave – annual leave and sick leave, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). SAFFIRE LEGAL also offers training and education on the interaction of various leave programs and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

Wage & Hour Compliance
  • Consulting
  • Training
  • Educational Programs

Wage and hour compliance enforcement efforts are on the rise in California and Fair Labor Standards Act litigation is increasing. Is your organization up to Plan/Prevent/Protect standards? Compliance can be daunting and mistakes costly. Increase your organization’s awareness of wage and hour laws for employees and employers by developing and implementing strong policies and increasing awareness throughout your workforce.

Training at all organizational levels can go a long way toward managing employee expectations, dispelling inaccurate perceptions, and assuring compliance with wage and hour laws. SAFFIRE LEGAL provides training and educational programs on various wage and hour compliance issues. Modules and programs include meal and rest period compliance, overtime and work hour issues and record keeping.

Contact

Teresa McQueen
Principal
SAFFIRE LEGAL
tmcqueen@saffirelegal.com
2372 Morse Avenue, Suite #442
Irvine, CA 92614
T (949) 535-5266

As a courtesy to our clients, SAFFIRE LEGAL offers online payments through LawPay.  LawPay is a secure payment system that is compliant with all card brand security standards, ensuring protection of your personal information.

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