Courtney O. Chambers represents employers in a broad range of labor and employment matters but with a focus on labor relations and complex wage and hour litigation. She defends clients in wage and hour class actions and PAGA lawsuits, primarily involving unionized workforces and the intricate exemption and preemption issues arising from collective bargaining agreements. Courtney has represented clients in state and federal courts as well as before numerous administrative agencies. Her litigation experience includes defeating class certification, prevailing on motions to dismiss, securing favorable settlements, and handling multiple appeals. Courtney’s extensive labor relations background includes negotiating collective bargaining agreements, advising on labor management strategy, and defending employers against unfair labor practice charges before both the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB). She is experienced with labor arbitration and regularly counsels clients on a wide array of labor issues, including union avoidance and managing unionized workforces.
In addition to her litigation and labor practice, Courtney provides day-to-day employment counseling to employers of all sizes. Her advice spans harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination claims; the design and implementation of workplace policies; management of internal investigations and performance issues; and employee leaves and wage and hour compliance. She partners closely with business leaders, HR and operations teams, and in house counsel to help clients proactively manage risk and foster effective workplace practices.
Before joining Littler, Courtney interned at NLRB Region 2 and with the NLRB Division of Judges in New York City. Prior to law school, she worked on the management side as a labor relations associate for an aircraft manufacturer, where she handled contract enforcement, union grievances, and collective bargaining negotiations. Littler extended Courtney an offer during her third year of law school, and she has practiced in the firm’s San Francisco office since beginning her career there in 2016. Courtney is also committed to pro bono service and strives to dedicate meaningful time to pro bono matters alongside her active practice.