Denee Stevens, Esq.
Rancho Cucamonga,CA
Summary
Senior-level Labor Relations and Employment Law Professional with extensive experience in public-sector and large private organizations. Adept at orchestrating complex labor negotiations, conducting total compensation analysis, and managing collective bargaining agreements. Proven track record of resolving grievances and unfair labor practice charges, advising senior leadership on labor strategies, and implementing policies to ensure legal compliance. Recognized for exceptional analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Employee and Labor Relations Advocate
Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Chino, CA
04.2024 - 01.2025
- Strategic Leadership & Negotiation: Led labor negotiations with 5 associations—reaching agreements within 2.5 months—drafted critical MOU changes; secured executive and board approvals for terms; created new processes integrating automation, including agency-paid safety equipment, licenses, and certifications.
- Costing & Financial Analysis: Collaborated with Finance, executive management, and cross-functional teams to assess the financial implications of bargaining proposals and new policy implementations; determined appropriate costing measures and secured board approval for cost-effective labor strategies.
- HR Compliance & Risk Mitigation: Developed and enforced comprehensive policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws (including FLSA, Title VII, FMLA, OSHA, NLRA, ADEA, and ADA); proactively reduced disputes and mitigated risks through early intervention strategies.
- Grievance, Investigation & Leave Management: Managed the full lifecycle of grievances, workplace investigations, and leave management/work accommodations for both union and non-union employees; ensured timely, fair resolutions in alignment with organizational policies and labor agreements.
- Performance Management & Discipline: Oversaw employee performance management and disciplinary processes —including corrective actions and terminations; provided counseling to supervisors and senior management ensuring consistency, fairness, and strict adherence to legal and company standards.
- Training & Digital Transformation: Collaborated with IT, Payroll, Finance, and HR teams to implement a digital Performance Management System; designed and delivered training programs on updated policies, conflict resolution, and performance management, thereby enhancing employee engagement and reducing grievances.
- Cost Reduction & Process Optimization: Streamlined investigation protocols and effectively managed external counsel and investigative teams, achieving a 15% reduction in litigation costs while improving dispute resolution timelines.
Attorney/Labor Consultant
self-employed
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
06.2022 - 04.2024
- Employment, Employee & Labor Relations Consulting: Provided comprehensive consulting services on employment law, employee and labor relations, workers’ compensation, and compliance to a diverse client base. Developed tailored strategies to mitigate liability, reduce costs, and enhance workforce relations.
- Policy & Program Development: Drafted and reviewed policies on FMLA, ADA, and other employment law areas to ensure alignment with legal requirements and best practices, with a strong emphasis on fostering positive employee relations and regulatory compliance.
- Training & Presentations: Conducted educational sessions for clients on regulatory changes, market trends, and best practices in employment law, risk management, and labor relations. Developed customized training modules that empowered clients to proactively manage legal and compliance challenges.
- Strategic Planning & Risk Mitigation: Delivered proactive recommendations to address current liabilities while implementing measures for future loss mitigation. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate legal insights with HR strategies, thereby enhancing overall risk management frameworks.
In-House Senior Litigation Attorney
Pacific Compensation Insurance/Copperpoint Insur.
Westlake Village , CA
11.2016 - 05.2022
- Complex Employment Litigation: Investigated and defended employment and workers’ compensation claims (union and non-union) from inception through trial or settlement.
- Legal Strategy & Risk Analysis: Provided in-depth risk assessments on high-value and catastrophic claims; collaborated with HR, underwriting, and brokers on cost containment strategies.
- Regulatory & Agency Compliance: Responded to inquiries from OSHA, EEOC, LCO, and DFEH; advised senior leadership on compliance requirements and best practices.
Senior Litigation Attorney
Kegel, Tobin and Truce, APC
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
12.2014 - 11.2016
- Employment Defense: Defended employment from inception to resolution: handling discovery, depositions, hearings, settlements, trials and appeals. Consult with clients regarding employee performance management, discipline and terminations.
- Supervision & Team Leadership: Oversaw junior attorneys by assigning cases, reviewing legal documents, and mentoring team members on litigation strategies and compliance.
- Client Training & Consultation: Led seminars for employer representatives and brokers on labor code regulations, policy updates, and effective claim-handling strategies.
General Counsel
K&D Elite Investments, LLC
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
01.2014 - 11.2015
- Corporate & Employment Law: Provided legal counsel on business formation, employment agreements, and regulatory compliance; addressed risk/liability issues at all organizational levels.
- Contract Drafting & Negotiation: Negotiated complex employment, non-compete, and purchase agreements; secured insurance and managed liability claims for EPL, D&O, and general liability.
- Policy Oversight: Ensured business practices met state and federal guidelines; conducted compliance reviews, negotiated property and insurance contracts.
Associate Attorney
Law Office of Morse, Giesler, Callister, LLP
Ontario, CA
07.2010 - 12.2013
- Employment Litigation: Defended a wide array of employment claims (wage/hour, discrimination, ADA, FMLA, wrongful termination, workers' compensation) conducting investigations, managing discovery and pursuing resolution.
- Client Advisory: Advised clients on legal rights, obligations, and potential exposures; negotiated settlements in mediation and alternative dispute resolution forums.
- Risk Analysis & Mitigation: Collaborated with brokers, actuaries, and senior management to develop cost containment strategies; participated in roundtable reviews providing consulting on prevention measures and mitigation strategies.
Education
J.D. - Juris Doctor
Southwestern University School of Law
Los Angeles 12-2009
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA09-2003
Skills
- Labor Relations Expertise, Negotiation & Contract Administration
- Conflict Management & Dispute Resolution
- Risk Mitigation & Legal Advisory
- Grievance & Unfair Labor Practice Resolution
- Policy Development & Implementation
- Performance Management & Discipline
- Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Compliance & Regulatory Adherence
- Training & Development
- Total Compensation Analysis & Costing
Certification
Active Member in Good Standing, California State Bar Association
Since 2007
Certified Self-Insured Claims Administrator
Nov 2006
Training Academy for Workplace Investigators: Core Principles, Skills & Practices for Conducting Effective Workplace Investigations
Liebert, Cassidy Whitmore | Completed 7/24
SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) | In Progress
Timeline
Employee and Labor Relations Advocate
Inland Empire Utilities Agency
04.2024 - 01.2025
Attorney/Labor Consultant
self-employed
06.2022 - 04.2024
In-House Senior Litigation Attorney
Pacific Compensation Insurance/Copperpoint Insur.
11.2016 - 05.2022
Senior Litigation Attorney
Kegel, Tobin and Truce, APC
12.2014 - 11.2016
General Counsel
K&D Elite Investments, LLC
01.2014 - 11.2015
Associate Attorney
Law Office of Morse, Giesler, Callister, LLP
07.2010 - 12.2013
Active Member in Good Standing, California State Bar Association
Since 2007
Certified Self-Insured Claims Administrator
Nov 2006
Training Academy for Workplace Investigators: Core Principles, Skills & Practices for Conducting Effective Workplace Investigations
Liebert, Cassidy Whitmore | Completed 7/24
SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) | In Progress
J.D. - Juris Doctor
Southwestern University School of Law
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of California, Davis
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