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Betsy Ellen Havens
also known as Betsy Havens
About Betsy
Biography
Betsy Havens is the founding attorney and Executive Director of Strong Advocates, an organization dedicated to advocating for worker victims of discrimination and mistreatment.
Betsy has many years of experience helping individuals who have been discriminated against to win their cases and restore their rights. As an attorney in Florida and California, she has helped to lead numerous complex, systemic lawsuits in federal court to resolve legal violations affecting thousands. In recognition of her impact litigation, Betsy’s organization received an advocacy award from a State Bar Foundation.
Betsy has appeared in cases before the Central District Court of California, the Southern District Court of Florida, and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Betsy also has led over 50 trainings for community groups and attorneys.
Before working at Strong Advocates, Betsy worked as an attorney at Disability Rights California helping victims of discrimination access needed services through federal litigation and individual representation.
Betsy graduated from the University of Miami School of Law, obtained her Master’s degree in public health from the University of North Carolina, and her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan. After graduating from law school, Betsy received the prestigious Equal Justice Rights fellowship to fight discrimination in Miami and launch her legal career pursuing justice for those treated unfairly.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for 1 year
State: Michigan
Acquired: 2024
No misconduct found
Licensed in California for 11 years
State: California
Acquired: 2014
No misconduct found
Licensed in Florida for 14 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Location
Strong Advocates
6080 Center Drive, Suite 600, Los Angeles, CA, 90045
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Betsy Ellen Havens's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
9 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews
Posted by Santana | October 03, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Amazing Experience
I had an amazing experience while working with Betsy Havens. I felt a lot of hard emotions going into this process, and Betsy was always there to listen and made me feel incredibly heard and validated. She did everything with my best interest in mind, and kept me in the loop the entire time. I felt v...
Posted by chris | August 24, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Positive Feedback
Betsy Havens and her team were fantastic to work with. I'm glad I found her and she represented me.
Posted by JESSICA | August 24, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
STRONG ADVOCATES LAW FIRM
I HONESTLY WAS AT LOST ABOUT MY CASE OR IF I EVEN HAD A CASE. BUT COMING TO STRONG ADVOCATES WAS A GOOD THING FOR ME THEY HELPED ME OUT SO MUCH IN UNDERSTANDING THE PAPER WORK PROCESS, WHICH THEY DID EVERYTHING. THEY ARE AMAZING VERY PROFESSIONAL. I ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND THEM.
Posted by Matt | June 29, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Betsy is fantastic!
I had such a great experience working with Strong Advocates. Betsy Havens, the attorney who represented me, was so kind and compassionate while handling my case. She helped me understand all of my options and gave me advice whenever I needed it. She was very patient and explained everything in a w...
Posted by Adriana | June 23, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Sex Crime
Betsy Havens and staff
Hello my name is Adriana, I had hired Betsy Havens for my sexual assault case. During my consultation not only was she extremely compassionate, but Also made me feel beyond comfortable.Throughout my case she never hesitated to continue to fight for me even when I was giving up on myself. I knew immed...
Betsy Ellen Havens's Lawyer Endorsements
"Betsy is a skilled and committed advocate. She is extremely trustworthy and reliable, and an invaluable resource to her clients and professional colleagues."
"Betsy is smart, tenacious, and cares deeply about her clients. I endorse her."
"Betsy is an excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism. I wholeheartedly recommend her services."
"I have co-counseled with Betsy Havens on numerous employment law matters and I strongly endorse her. Betsy is tenacious in litigating her clients' claims and does not rest until she obtains a just result. In all of the cases Betsy and I worked on together, I have observed her excellent legal skills, as well as her ability to engage in productive interaction with mediators, judges and witnesses. I have also seen how much our joint clients appreciated Betsy's work, as well as her shining personality. Betsy is an absolute pleasure of a person to work with, but relentless on pursuing a righteous result. Don't look any further ... you found the right lawyer in Betsy Havens!"
"Betsy is a highly skilled and compassionate lawyer. She is very experienced and dedicated to getting the best results for her clients."
"Betsy Havens is a highly competent, compassionate, and effective advocate. She has strong litigation skills and really cares about her clients. She is also wonderful to work with and extremely ethical."
"I worked with Betsy for three years. I admire her work ethic, initiative, and litigation skills. She also has a true passion for her work and cares deeply for her clients."
"Ms. Havens is one of the sharpest, most thorough and most caring attorneys I have ever met. She treats her clients remarkably well, is great to work with & does very well with mediators & judges. I recommend her highly and have sent a number of clients to her. They have all been pleased with her representation and advocacy."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Justin Marquez
Employment and labor lawyer
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Tori Anderson
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Experience
Honors
2013
Paul Doyle Children's Advocacy Award, Florida Bar Foundation
Work Experience
2016 - Present
Executive Director, Strong Advocates
2013 - 2016
Attorney, Disability Rights California
2009 - 2013
Attorney, Florida Legal Services
Associations
2017 - Present
National Employment Lawyers AssociationMember
2016 - Present
California Employment Lawyers AssociationMember
2015 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationMember
2010 - 2012
American Bar Association
2004 - 2011
American Public Health Association
Sample of Legal Cases
Castillo, Aguayo v. Antelope Valley Community College District et al.
pending
Thomas v. Kent
Decision pending
K.G. v. Dudek
Plaintiff prevailed
Education
2011
University of Miami School of Law
Juris Doctor
2006
University of North Carolina
Master in Public Health
2003
University of Michigan
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
Rooted in Rights Training
Eliminating Disability Discrimination in the Work Force
2014
Equal Justice Works Leadership Development Conference
Leading Systemic Advocacy for attorneys
2013
National Legal Aid and Defender Association Litigation & Advocacy Meeting
A Survey of States' Progress in Medicaid Expansion
2012
Sergeant Shriver National Center on Poverty Law Webinar
Convincing States to Adopt the New Medicaid Eligibility Category
2012
National Legal Aid and Defender Association Litigation & Advocacy Meeting
K.G. v. Dudek
Publications
2018
Helpful Information, Employment Law
How to Deal with Sexual Harassment At Work
2018
Helpful Information, Employment Law
California Supreme Court ruling could have monumental impact on workers in gig economy
2018
Helpful Information, Employment Law
A look at new California employment laws in 2018
2018
Helpful Information, Employment Law
How to choose the best Los Angeles employment lawyer
2018
Helpful Information, Employment Law
The 5 Questions to Ask Your Employment Lawyer Before Hiring Them
2017
Helpful Information, Employment Law
Transgender employee sues Amazon for workplace harassment and discrimination
2017
Helpful Information, Employment Law
Napa winery salesman files lawsuit for age discrimination
2017
Helpful Information, Employment Law
Wrongful termination and pregnancy discrimination lawsuit brought by former university employee
2015
Clearinghouse Review
The Fight for Medicaid Coverage of Evidence-Based Behavioral Treatments for Autism
2011
Health Promotion Practice
Eliminating Inequities in Healthcare: Understanding Perceptions and Participation in an Organizational Anti-Racism Initiative
2010
Health Promotion Practice
Considering Organizational Factors in Addressing Health Care Disparities: Two Case Examples
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides