Bryan L. Hawkins

Stoel Rives • Sacramento


Bryan Hawkins' legal career has focused on labor and employment law since 2005. 


"I was drawn to this field by the humanity of the issues and how they concern issues to which most people can relate," he said. "Also, and being in California, this is an area of law which is constantly evolving."


He has built a reputation for securing favorable outcomes for employers and navigates high-stakes litigation in court and before agencies like the Department of Fair Employment and Housing and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. His expertise extends to providing exhaustive counsel to global companies, guiding them in employment best practices to eradicate bias, discrimination, and harassment.


In his leadership role as the managing partner for Stoel Rives' California offices, Hawkins brings a wealth of experience and insight. He is also a past president of the Sacramento County Bar Association, which further underscores his commitment to the legal community.


Hawkins' recent casework includes significant putative wage and hour class actions for Four Wheel Campers and Northwest Pipe, where his strategic resolution protected the clients from the stringent demands of California's employment laws, particularly the wage and hour statutes, while also curtailing costs. Cassandra Manosh, et al. v. Four Wheel Campers, LLC, et al., CV2021-0808 (Yolo Super. Ct., filed May 4, 2021).


Following three years in litigation, the case is currently under judicial approval for settlement favorable to Hawkins' client.


"The main obstacles are the difficulties in complying with California's wage and hour laws," Hawkins said. "Specifically, the fact that relatively minor alleged violations can lead to very significant penalties and damages (including attorneys' fees to the prevailing employee)."


Currently, he is defending national dairy manufacturer Land O'Lakes in the Alvera Dailey-Henry v. Land O'Lakes case, addressing allegations of retaliation by a current employee. Additionally, he represents LegalMatch.com in the Anna Ostrovsky v. LegalMatch.com et al. lawsuit, where a former COO and co-founder has brought forth claims of wrongful termination, retaliation, and other employment law violations.


When asked about trends, Hawkins touched upon the recent PAGA reforms.


"For the most part, PAGA is used by employee counsel as a threat rather than as a significant pathway for additional damages/penalties," he said. "The hope is that the new form will reduce the use of PAGA in this fashion and permit parties to negotiate disputes in a reasonable fashion."