A Collaborative Approach to Dispute Resolution

Efficient & Effective Mediations and Independent Workplace Investigations

I was born in Caracas, Venezuela.  I am Bilingual.  I speak fluent Spanish which has provided me with the ability to communicate with parties whose understanding of the English language is limited.  I am able to communicate with these individuals not only to explain to them the mediation process but also to create an environment of empathy and trust. I use those same skills conducting interviews with Spanish-speaking employees in connection with independent workplace investigations. .

Since 1991, my law partner and spouse, Rick Hicks, and I have dedicated our practice exclusively to representing employees in cases involving racial, disability, and sexual discrimination and harassment, hostile work environment, whistle-blower claims, wrongful termination, wage and hour violations (class action and individual claims), and other employment law matters. Our experience representing employees offers a fresh perspective to the mediation process by providing insights into the concerns, grievances, and needs of the workforce, thereby contributing to a more well-rounded and balanced negotiation process. This is what I often refer to as the advantage of hiring from “the other side of the fence”.

Between 1991 and 1995 (and serving as chair between 1994 and 1995), I was a member of the State Bar of California's Client Security Fund, a fund created to help compensate clients who have lost money due to lawyers' dishonest conduct. As a member, I reviewed applications, contacted applicants to obtain detailed information regarding their claims, met with other fund members to analyze and determine whether the claimant qualified for reimbursement, held hearings, and, if necessary, referred attorneys to the Attorney Discipline System.

Credentials:

Universidad de Los Andes, Merida, Venezuela, English History/Art History, 1975-1979

UCLA, Applied Linguistics, M.A. 1981-1983

UCLA, School of Law, 1984-1987

Straus Institute of Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine University School of Law, “Mediating the Litigated Case” training program, Certificate in Dispute Resolution, 2022

Settlement Officer, Resolve Law LA, Los Angeles Superior Court, 2022 - present

Member:

California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA) 

Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI)