Joel C. Spann

Joel's practice includes representing employers across a wide range of labor and employment issues, from providing practical, solution-focused counseling to defending employers in complex litigation. Joel advises employers throughout the nation regarding employment policies and practices, including recruiting, hiring, disciplining and terminating employees, and drafts agreements and policies to assist employers throughout each step of the process.  Joel also reviews and updates employee handbooks to ensure compliance with the ever-evolving local, state and federal legal landscape.

Joel has also appeared before numerous state and federal agencies to defend employers against agency claims filed by employees, and has defended employers in courts throughout California against claims of discrimination, harassment and retaliation, as well as various wage and hour complaints.

Joel assists clients in identifying potential risks and liabilities in mergers and acquisitions by conducting labor and employment due diligence, as well as drafting and negotiating the terms in purchase and merger agreements.

Since 2021, Joel has been the update author for the Continuing Education of the Bar "Advising California Employers & Employees" chapter on employment discrimination and harassment.

Joel also advises lenders in high-stakes financial services litigation and has served as in-house counsel for a large national bank, managing litigation in a number of states and jurisdictions.