Biography

Kari Searles represents private and public employers in all aspects of employment litigation, including suits for wrongful termination, retaliation, discrimination, harassment, disability accommodations, and equal pay violations. In addition to litigation services, she advises and educates employers in a broad range of employment-related issues including wage and hour, leaves of absence, and general employee discipline issues.

After graduating from the University of San Diego School of Law, Ms. Searles provided advice and guidance to the County of Monterey in its training programs and professional contracts. Over the past several years, her work has been dedicated to defending employers and their employees in litigation matters and providing guidance and advice to managers and human resources professionals designed to avoid litigation and ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.

Publications

• Corporate Ethics and Sarbanes-Oxley Recovering Corporate Integrity, Richard A. Paul and Kari Searles (collaborator), Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton (January 13, 2003)
• Enright Inns of Court, Genetic Testing and the Law - California Civil and Employment Issues, Richard A. Paul and Kari Searles (January 13, 2003)

Speaking Engagements

• 2009 LEAP - Publication Update
• 2009 IPMA - Whistleblower retaliation
• 2008 LEAP - California Update; Public Sector update
• 2008 Orange County Bar Association
• 2007 UCI Chair training
• Speaker, Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton, New Developments in Employment Law “Workplace Law 2004” (November 2003)
• Presenter, Masters of Law Seminar, “From Cradle to Grave” (June 2003)
• Lecturer, San Diego Employer Association, “Wage and Hour-Exempt v. Non-Exempt” (March 2003)

Professional Activities

• Member, San Diego County Bar Association - Labor and Employment Law Section
• Member, Balboa Park House of Hospitality Executive Committee