Cheryl D. Orr

With dual roles as managing partner of the firm and chair of its national labor and employment practice group, Orr has established a lengthy track record defending employers against all types of claims across various industries.

She recently settled a class action by two former drivers against Airgas USA LLC for unpaid minimum and overtime wages and unfair competition claims, among other allegations. Orr first removed both cases from state to federal court and consolidated the actions.

During discovery and depositions, she argued the majority of claims should be dismissed because California’s meal and rest break requirements are pre-empted by federal law and regulations concerning drivers of hazardous materials.

A judge agreed and Orr seized the leverage to get the other side to settle. Charles v. Airgas USA LLC, 18-CV01937 (C.D. Cal., filed March 8, 2018).

Orr said she wanted to highlight the firm’s “broad depth of clients” and “appreciation for its longstanding client relationships.”

A substantial part of her time this year was also spent working with clients on audits of workplace practices. “It’s better to try and resolve those things on the front end,” she said.

Orr said she has been impressed by the number of major, national companies “taking a hard look at their culture, practices, and policies.” They want to be “with the times,” she continued.

Many companies have taken a “preventative approach” during the #MeToo movement, Orr said. Audits typically include examining executive contracts, redefining the definition of cause and identifying potential risks for clients.

Orr said she has noticed that employment law for companies is no longer just about defending themselves in litigation but trying to “ferret out any problems on the front end and elicit the employees’ perspective on how to create a more respectful workplace from the beginning.”

It is better to “address it head on because it will save you a ton of time and money later as well as it being the right thing to do for employees,” she continued.

— Winston Cho