Denise Karen Top

Denise's law practice focuses exclusively on employment issues and litigation in support of the rights of employees.  As a former associate in legal defense firms, Denise defended public and private entities against discrimination, harassment. retaliation, and wrongful termination claims. As a result, Denise understands how employers work and can often achieve results before a lawsuit is filed. As a seasoned litigator, she has enjoyed an extensive law and motion practice and has chaired several state court trials and arbitrations. Dedicated to making the workplace right for everyone, Denise's practice has included developing and presenting workplace trainings on such subjects as sexual harassment and the mandated reporting laws.

While in law school, Denise was on the editorial board of Law Review and received Witkin Awards for Academic Excellence in Remedies and Community Property and a CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Appellate Advocacy. She also served as a judicial extern for the Honorable Maria-Elena James, United States Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of California. From 2010-2011, Denise served as the Director for Examinations for the State Bar of California, where she was responsible for the development of the California Bar Examination and testing accommodations for disabled applicants. Prior to starting her own firm, Denise worked as an associate at Gordon & Rees and Liebert Cassidy Whitmore where she gained invaluable experience in all aspects of employment law, in administrative and civil proceedings and through mediation and arbitration.