We are excited to welcome Katharine Liao as a partner to our Labor & Employment practice in our New York and Los Angeles offices. Her arrival plays into our firm’s continued investment in strengthening our employment capabilities, particularly in wage and hour class action litigation. Katharine will be a valuable asset on relevant issues for our international clients seeking to do business in the US.

On why she chose our firm, Katharine said “What appealed to me about Squire Patton Boggs was the people, first and foremost. I got a chance to meet various people in the group and liked their practical, client-oriented solutions. I also appreciated the fact that there’s an established, renowned employment group but still the opportunity for growth, especially in New York and California where I practice.”

Having defeated class certification on multiple occasions, Katharine represents employers in the retail, entertainment, technology and healthcare industries in all aspects of employment-related litigation before federal and state courts and administrative agencies. She has experience in high-stakes litigation matters involving claims of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, trade secrets, breach of contract, and wrongful termination.

She serves as a trusted advisor to employers and provides day-to-day counseling on various employment issues, including employment policies and procedures, pay equity issues, executive transitions, wage-and-hour compliance, employment and commission agreements, and best management practices. She has defended clients in proceedings before the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the Public Employment Relations Board, the Division of Labor Enforcement Standards, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the New York Department of Labor and the US Department of Labor.

Katharine regularly assists global clients in transitioning in and out of various jurisdictions, provides due diligence in mergers and acquisitions, and assists with reductions in force. She speaks frequently on social media policies, anti-harassment measures, and best management practices. Katharine is also conversational in Mandarin.

Katharine can be reached by phone at +1 212 872 9804 and via email at katharine.liao@squirepb.com. We are thrilled to have her on our team!