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.

Teresa A. McQueen

Lawyer Teresa McQueen | Top Attorney Employment

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

Litigating Disability Discrimination Cases – A Plaintiff and Defense Perspective: From Intake, Discovery and Summary Judgment (Upcoming October 2016) State Bar of California Annual Meeting: Panel presentation on litigating disability discrimination claims from the plaintiff and defense perspectives – employer’s best practices pre-litigation, the importance of a thorough intake by Plaintiff’s counsel, through discovery and summary judgment.
Depositions In Employment Cases (July 2016) Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB): Solo presentation providing tips on preparing and effectively deposing witnesses, successfully using deposition testimony during discovery, settlement, and trial in employment law matters.
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: What Every Employer Should Know in 2016 (June 2016) State Bar of California Solo & Small Firm Summit: Panel presentation providing an overview from the plaintiff’s and defense perspective of the laws, cases and regulations pertaining to bringing and defending claims of workplace sexual harassment including updates on recent changes to the Fair Employment & Housing Council’s regulations.
Honing Your Client Intake Skills to Avoid Practice Challenges (October 2015) State Bar Annual Meeting: Interactive panel presentation focusing on identifying the most common causes of attorney-client discord and how to deal with them before problems erupt. The presentation also addressed how to recognize and adjust unreasonable client expectations, and how to identify and address troubling client characteristics.
Emerging Issues on the Impact of Social Media in the Workplace (June 2015) State Bar of California Solo & Small Firm Summit: Panel presentation discussing important emerging issues in the area of Social Media and its impact on the workplace from the plaintiff and defense perspectives.
Tips from the Bench and Bar: Handling Discovery Motions (April 2014) Orange County Bar Association: Panel presentation offering insights from the Bench and Bar on preparing, filing, and arguing discovery motions.
Trending Employment Law Causes of Action (September/October 2013) Continuing Education of the Bar: Panel presentation discussing current legislation/cases and their impact on trending employment law causes of action.
Social Media’s Impact in Employment Litigation and the Workplace (June 2013) State Bar of California Solo & Small Firm Summit: Panel Presentation exploring the expanding aspect of the impact of social media in employment litigation from the plaintiff and defense perspectives.
Your Client’s Deposition: Preparation Tips and Strategies (June 2013) State Bar of California Solo & Small Firm Summit: Panel presentation on methods to develop confident and knowledgeable clients and attorneys who will be able to competently perform in deposition.
Evidence Tricks and Traps for the Civil Practitioner (October 2012) State Bar of California Annual Meeting 2012: Panel Presentation on learning the tricks of the trade when it comes to the admissibility of evidence in civil litigation.
Social Media’s Impact in Employment Litigation and the Workplace (October 2012) State Bar of California Annual Meeting 2012: Panel Presentation exploring the expanding aspect of the impact of social media in employment litigation from the plaintiff and defense perspectives.
Your Client’s Deposition: Preparation Tips and Strategies (March 2012) State Bar of California Solo Small Firm Section Webinar: Panel presentation on methods to develop confident and knowledgeable clients and attorneys who will be able to competently perform in deposition.
Survival Tips for Opposing Summary Judgment Motions: A Plaintiff’s Perspective (September 2010) State Bar of California Annual Meeting 2010: Solo presentation on opposing summary judgment motions from the opposition perspective. The program offers practical tips and the sharing of “lessons learned the hard way” on staying organized, managing time and documents, and preparing a winning opposition.
The Laws Concerning Privacy Issues in The Age of Technology (September 2009) State Bar of California Annual Meeting 2009: Panel presentation on the developing law in the area of workplace privacy: constitutional and common law privacy protection, an employers decision to monitor as well as prohibited activities under California law.
Ethics and the Implications of the New Civility Rules of Professional Conduct (January 2008) State Bar of California Section Education Institute 2008: Panel presentation on the State Bar’s new civility rules and their impact on the everyday practice of law.
Human Resources 101 For Small Businesses (October 2007) ADP Payroll Services: Panel presentation on basic things every employer should know: Hiring Process, Classifying Employees, Offers of Employment, Policies and Procedures, Handling Problems, and Termination and Exit Interview Process.
Solo/Small Firm Practice (July 2006) Orange County Bar Association Bridging the Gap: Presentation on starting a solo/small firm practice.

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.

Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Prevention & Correction

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.

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.

Employment Law
Human Resources Consulting
Business Etiquette Training

SAFFIRE LEGAL

Curriculum Vitae

Legal Services

Contact

Send a Message to Teresa A. McQueen

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