Overview

Joshua J. Cliffe handles the full range of labor and employment matters under both federal and state law, concentrating on the defense of complex class action and PAGA litigation. His successes include defeating class certification, negotiating favorable settlements, and securing victories at the trial and appellate court levels. Joshua has particular experience dealing with complex wage hour matters in the context of a union-represented workforce.

Besides having extensive wage and hour class action experience, Joshua handles the defense of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and whistleblowing claims, collective bargaining negotiations, NLRB litigation, and ERISA withdrawal liability matters. 

Joshua has a wide-range of courtroom experience, including in state and federal jury trials. He has tried class action employment claims to resolution and has first-chair success in individual employment arbitrations and administrative hearings. He has successfully argued several times before the California Court of Appeal and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, resulting in favorable decisions for his clients.

In addition to his litigation experience, Joshua also regularly counsels clients on California wage and hour issues such as meal and rest breaks, overtime, classification, wage statements, alternative workweek schedules, and commission compensation plans. He also regularly provides advice on a wide range of labor and employment law issues, including reductions in force, family and medical leave, termination decisions, labor relations, and ERISA withdrawal liability issues.

Education

  • J.D., George Washington University Law School, 2001
  • B.A., Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 1998

Bar Admission

California