Maya Harel
Counsel
Maya Harel is an experienced litigator with broad expertise defending employers in wage-and-hour class and PAGA actions. With over a decade of experience as an employment litigator in both California and federal courts, Maya approaches each matter with deep substantive knowledge and a practical, strategic approach. Working closely with clients across various industries, she conducts thorough analyses to gain a deep understanding of key facts and her clients' goals in order to provide a tailored litigation strategy specific to each matter. As a creative, business-minded counselor and litigator, Maya has achieved exceptional results for her clients, including obtaining a full defense victory in a PAGA trial and defeating class certification in multiple class actions.
In addition to handling complex litigation matters, Maya also defends clients in discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination matters. She also advises clients through complex workplace issues, including internal investigations, sensitive personnel matters, and prelitigation disputes. Additionally, Maya crafts effective employment policies and negotiates employment, severance, and release agreements.
Passionate about giving back, Maya takes on pro bono matters, mentors law students and new attorneys, and seeks opportunities to make a positive impact in her community.
During her time at Loyola Law School, Maya externed with judges on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Los Angeles Superior Court. She also participated in an employment law clinic, partnering with the labor commissioner to resolve complaints.
Admitted to Practice
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California, 2013
Education
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J.D., Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, 2013, cum laude
- Senior Technical Editor: Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review
- Associate Chief Justice: Scott Moot Court
- Competitor, LAWASIA International Moot Court Competition, South Korea
- Order of the Coif
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B.A., Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, 2010
Languages
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Hebrew
Memberships & Affiliations
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- Association of Business Trial Lawyers, 2016-present
- Advisory Board Executive Member, Western Center on Law & Poverty, 2015-2020
- Advisory Board, Bet Tzedek, 2017-2019
Professional Recognition
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- Named "One to Watch" by Best Lawyers in Litigation - Labor and Employment, 2021-2025; in Labor and Employment Law - Management, 2022-2025
Background
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- Associate, Morrison Foerster LLP, Los Angeles, 2016-2024
- Associate, Seyfarth Shaw LLP, Los Angeles, 2013-2016
- Senior Fellow, Seyfarth Shaw LLP, Los Angeles, 2012
- Judicial Extern, Hon. Arthur L. Alarcón, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, Los Angeles, 2012
- Judicial Extern, Hon. Richard L. Fruin Jr., Los Angeles Superior Court, Los Angeles, 2011