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Gretchen E Birkheimer
About Gretchen
Biography
I primarily represent employees in discrimination, harassment, retaliation, fraud, and contract matters. I also review and prepare employment contracts, NDAs and severance agreements, and assist clients in negotiating severance packages. I advise employers on employment contracts, disciplinary actions, policies and handbooks, unemployment insurance claims, and other employment matters.
I represent clients in California state and Federal courts and have appeared pro hac vice in Nevada and Virgina Federal courts. I have appeared before administrative agencies including the California Labor Commissioner/Division of Labor Standards Enforcement; California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board; San Francisco Rent Board; and the Contractor's State License Board. I have represented clients in binding arbitration with JAMS and AAA.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Employment and Labor
80%
20 years
Litigation
20%
22 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 700-725 per hour
Contingency
25%-40%
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 23 years
State: California
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Location
Berman North LLP
228 Hamilton Ave., Third Floor, Palo Alto, CA, 94301
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Gretchen E Birkheimer's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 7 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | August 16, 2017 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Thoughtful, responsive and competent
I consulted Gretchen regarding a wrongful termination. She was very prompt (able to fit me in the same day I reached out). She was understanding and knowledgeable, and helped weigh the pros and cons of each option. I was worried about reaching out to a lawyer in the first place but Gretchen never mad...
Posted by Maria | July 20, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent Attorney
We consulted with Gretchen about an issue with a former employee. She helped us mitigate the issue in order to avoid the possibility of a more complicated legal matter. Gretchen was knowledgeable, professional, and empathetic during a stressful time. We appreciate all you do. Thank you Gretchen
Posted by anonymous | September 15, 2015 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Very helpful, knowledgeable, and follows through
Gretchen is very professional, knowledgeable, courteous, and thorough while maintaining a calm demeanor. She walked me through every step of the process and made sure to request additional information when needed. Gretchen was 100% committed to helping me and mitigated my situation quickly.
Posted by Adam | March 21, 2014
Incredibly helpful, thorough and understanding!
I consulted Gretchen for some employment advice relating paperwork for both accepting a position as well as leaving a company. The separation paperwork was excessively complicated and needed a keen professional eye. She was extremely prompt in her turn-around time, very thorough, detailed, and ...
Posted by Sharice | September 30, 2013
Met every expectation and kept it confidential
Very patient answered every question regardless how many times I have asked. Kept me up to date with the process and informed me of the current status.
Gretchen E Birkheimer's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Gretchen is a knowledgeable and professional employment litigation attorney. She is hardworking and dedicated to her clients."
"Gretchen is a thorough and knowledgeable litigator who is a passionate advocate for her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Gretchen is a tough litigator and a fierce advocate. Her is well-known for her sharp intellect an impressive Courtroom skills. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2016
Top Contributor, Avvo
Work Experience
2020 - Present
Senior Counsel, Berman North LLP
2018 - 2020
Of Counsel, Rodnunsky & Associates
2012 - 2018
Attorney, Pierce & Shearer LLP
2004 - 2011
Attorney, Morgan Franich Fredkin & Marsh
2002 - 2004
Attorney, Law Office of Stephan C. Volker
Associations
2025 - Present
Beverly Hills Bar Association
2020 - Present
Bay Area Lawyers for Individual FreedomMember
2002 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
2017 - 2018
Palo Alto Area Bar AssociationPresident
2016 - 2018
San Mateo County Bar AssociationMember
2015 - 2024
Palo Alto Area Bar AssociationMember, Board of Directors
2012 - 2014
National Association of Women LawyersMember
2012 - 2016
Palo Alto Area Bar AssociationChair, Women Lawyers Section
2004 - 2012
Santa Clara County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Pointer Labs LLC v. Tikatap LLC
Obtained terminating sanctions against opposing parties
Sandridge v. Yaana Technologies et al.
Settled.
Miranda v. Care Indeed, Inc.
Settled.
van Kempen v. Micron
Settled.
Sandhu v. Dhami et al.
Settled.
Alejandrino v. City and County of San Francisco
Settled.
Lee v. Wong
Settled
Cooper v. Santa Clara County Dental Society
Settled.
Napier v. Astreya Partners, Inc.
Settled
Selker v. Allan Law Firm PLLC
Settled.
Williams v. City and County of San Francisco
Settled.
Small v. Sullivan et al.
Jury verdict for our client, awarding lost wages and damages for emotional distress. Post-trial settlement.
Sakai v. VMWare, Inc.
Settled.
Ray Silva Insurance Associates v. Loan City
Judgment in favor of our client.
Page Automated Telecommunication Systems, Inc. v. Foxconn International, Inc. et al.
Arbitration award in favor of our client for all sums due under contract.
Estate of Longoria
Successful defense of our client against all claims.
Rutherford v. Johnson et al.
Jury verdict in favor of our client, defendant BBI Inc.
Education
2002
University of California at Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1999
University of California - Irvine
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2017
Palo Alto Area Bar Association, IP Section
Intellectual Property Issues In Employment Matters
2017
13th Annual Jerry A. Kasner Estate Planning Symposium
Recognizing and Eliminating Bias In the Workplace
2016
Palo Alto Area Bar Association Women Lawyers' Section
Designing Work-Life Balance Into Law Firm Management
Publications
2017
Palo Alto Area Bar Association President's Blog
Can a Model Rule Stop Sexual Harassment?
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can an At-will employee have rights when they are falsely accused by their employer? Accusing them of something they did not do?
28 May 2018
Q&A
Does my cousin have a case? She was sexually assaulted at work.
08 May 2018
Q&A
Texas employer says remote California employee cannot collect unemployment because she received a small severance?
11 May 2018