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
Wrongful Termination Whisteblower/Retaliation Disability Discrimination Pregnancy Discrimination Gender Discrimination Racial Discrimination
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 2014 | 02/07/2021 |
FL | Inactive | 2011 | 12/20/2020 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Paul Doyle Children's Advocacy Award | Florida Bar Foundation | 2013 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Executive Director | Strong Advocates | 2016 - Present |
Attorney | Disability Rights California | 2013 - 2016 |
Attorney | Florida Legal Services | 2009 - 2013 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
National Employment Lawyers Association | Member | 2017 - Present |
California Employment Lawyers Association | Member | 2016 - Present |
Los Angeles County Bar Association | Member | 2015 - Present |
American Bar Association | N/A | 2010 - 2012 |
American Public Health Association | N/A | 2004 - 2011 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
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 | 2018 |
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 | 2017 |
Clearinghouse Review | The Fight for Medicaid Coverage of Evidence-Based Behavioral Treatments for Autism | 2015 |
Health Promotion Practice | Eliminating Inequities in Healthcare: Understanding Perceptions and Participation in an Organizational Anti-Racism Initiative | 2011 |
Health Promotion Practice | Considering Organizational Factors in Addressing Health Care Disparities: Two Case Examples | 2010 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Miami School of Law | Juris Doctor | 2011 |
University of North Carolina | Master in Public Health | 2006 |
University of Michigan | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 2003 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Rooted in Rights Training | Eliminating Disability Discrimination in the Work Force | 2016 |
Equal Justice Works Leadership Development Conference | Leading Systemic Advocacy for attorneys | 2014 |
National Legal Aid and Defender Association Litigation & Advocacy Meeting | A Survey of States' Progress in Medicaid Expansion | 2013 |
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 | 2012 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Castillo, Aguayo v. Antelope Valley Community College District et al. | pending |
Thomas v. Kent | Decision pending |
K.G. v. Dudek | Plaintiff prevailed |
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Tori Anderson, Employment and labor Attorney on Dec 7, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Betsy is a skilled and committed advocate. She is extremely trustworthy and reliable, and an invaluable resource to her clients and professional colleagues.
Justin Marquez, Employment and labor Attorney on Jun 13, 2018
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Betsy is smart, tenacious, and cares deeply about her clients. I endorse her.
Mariela Sagastume, Employment and labor Attorney on Jun 13, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Betsy is an excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism. I wholeheartedly recommend her services.
Heather Appleton, Employment and labor Attorney on May 22, 2018
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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!
Annabelle Nadler, Employment and labor Attorney on Jan 25, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Betsy is a highly skilled and compassionate lawyer. She is very experienced and dedicated to getting the best results for her clients.
Aidil Oscariz, Employment and labor Attorney on Mar 14, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Andrew Berk, Litigation Attorney on Oct 21, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker
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.
Scott Mcvarish, Employment and labor Attorney on Oct 21, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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.
Kyle Todd, Employment and labor Attorney on Oct 20, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.