Leiann Laiks

Leiann Laiks is the leader of Strategy Law’s employment law practice area. Her practice focuses on advice and counseling, employment law compliance, review and drafting of HR policies and practices, contract drafting and negotiation, workplace investigations and dispute and litigation resolution.

After practicing law at a plaintiff-side employment law firm for several years, Leiann felt that her practice was missing a focus on preventative action and education. She believes that employers and employees should be working together, not against each other, so that business owners can spend time growing their business, rather than defending it. This type of work is a call back to her prior corporate Human Resources years where she worked with HR leaders. Leiann’s prior experience with plaintiffs’ side employment and wage and hour litigation helps her better educate clients about their risks and liabilities.

Leiann has learned a lot from her clients and they have inspired her with their innovation, growth and creativity. Their ingenuity helps her develop the best strategies and solutions.

Outside of her legal life, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids, going to little league baseball games, walking and hiking with the family Bernedoodle and exploring local restaurants and live music.

Prior Experience:

My first job was as a personal injury attorney which allowed me to learn the ins and outs of litigation. After that time I worked for 7 years as a plaintiff side litigator, representing individuals in discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination claims.

Education:

• J.D., University of San Francisco School of Law, San Francisco, CA
• B.A., Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY

Professional & Bar Association Memberships:

• State Bar of California – Labor & Employment Section
• San Francisco Bar Association, Women’s Equity Committee, Co-Chair
• Association of Workplace Investigators, Member

Admitted to Practice:

• State of California

Practice Areas:

• Employment Law
• Wage and Hour
• HR Compliance and Advice
• Workplace Investigations
• Litigation Avoidance Counseling
• Employer Representation in CRD, DOL, EEOC, EDD matters

Publications & Presentations:

• California State Bar – Labor & Employment: Best Practices and Cultural Competence in Employment Matters Involving Limited-English Speakers: From Client Intake, Through Investigation, To Trial, July 2024
• CORP Seminar – San Francisco Bar Association, Employment Law Basics
  April 2010, San Francisco, California
• Golden Gate Restaurant Association – Employment Law 101
  January 2010, San Francisco, California
• Compass Point – Human Resources Panel – Employment Law
  January 2010, San Francisco, California
• SD Forum Sig Panel – Ask a Consultant
  October 2009, Menlo Park, California
• California Young Tax Lawyers
  September 2009, San Francisco, California
• Small Business Administration – Employment Issues for Every Business, San Francisco, California
  July 2009, San Francisco, California
• The Indus Entrepreneur – Hiring a Team/Joining a Team – Employment/People Issues 101
  July 2009, Santa Clara, California
• Business and Employment Law for Small Businesses, San Francisco, California
  May 2009, San Francisco, California

Organizations/Associations:

• Alice Fong Yu Parent Association, President, 2018-2022
• Playworks, Board Member, 2015-2016
• Volunteer for Legal Advice & Referral Clinic, 2008-2011
• Mental Health Association of SF, 2008-2010

Causes & Charities Supported:

• Alzheimer’s Association
• SF Food Bank
• Red Cross

Community Activities: 

• SF Food Bank Volunteer
• Baseball Parent!