Matthew J. Ruggles represents private and public employers, including airlines, financial institutions and healthcare companies, in all aspects of employment and labor law. His significant litigation and trial experience  includes expertise in both state and federal courts, including defending employers against class action lawsuits, defending employers at trial and in administrative hearings, and representing clients in arbitrations. He has particular knowledge of claims arising under:

• The National Labor Relations Act
• The California Fair Employment and Housing Act
• The California Labor Code
• The California Uniform Trade Secrets Act
• The California Wage Orders

He also represents employers in employment and labor law matters before the following government agencies:

• The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• The National Labor Relations Board
• The California Public Employment Relations Board
• The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing
• The California Labor Commissioner
• The California Department of Industrial Relations
• The California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board

In an effort to avoid litigation, Matthew provides practical advice on day-to-day matters, such as:

• Terminations
• Reductions-in-force
• Severance agreements
• State and federal law compliance
• Conducting sexual harassment investigations
• Wage and hour problems
• Collective bargaining issues

Additionally, Matthew frequently conducts training seminars on a variety of employment law issues such as:

• Conducting performance evaluations
• Union avoidance
• Avoiding sexual harassment claims
• Disability accommodation
• The Family and Medical Leave Act
• Responding to administrative charges
• Workplace privacy
• Other legal issues that arise from the employment relationship

Prior to working at Littler Mendelson, Matthew was a senior associate at another firm in San Francisco. In law school, he was assistant editor of the Hastings Communications and Entertainment Law Journal and a member of the Moot Court Board.

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS

• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Sacramento County Bar Association
• Member, State Bar of California
• Member, Bar Association of San Francisco