Lara P. Besser

Lara P. Besser is of counsel in the San Diego, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Her practice focuses on representing employers in all aspects of employment litigation, including defending employers in single and multi-plaintiff lawsuits, as well as class actions, and claims under the Private Attorney General Act (“PAGA”).

Lara’s practice also includes defending claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment (gender, race/national origin, disability, religion and age), retaliation, failure to accommodate, breach of contract, and misappropriation of trades secrets. She also has extensive experience defending wage-and-hour claims, including failure to pay overtime wages, off-the-clock, meal and rest period violations and misclassification.

Lara’s practice also includes counseling and advising employers on compliance with California’s employment laws for avoiding employment law claims. Her advice and counsel practice include reviewing and revising employee handbooks and other company policies, auditing employer compliance monitoring practices, and providing guidance on issues such as hiring, discipline, termination and leaves of absence.

Prior to joining Jackson Lewis, Lara worked at a firm in San Diego focusing on employment defense litigation and specializing in class and PAGA action defense. Prior to that, Lara worked at another San Diego firm focusing on general liability defense. Lara also contributes to her community by serving on the Board of Directors for a local preschool.

Honors and Recognitions

• California Super Lawyers®, "Rising Stars" (2018-present)

Pro Bono and Community Involvement

• Die Rasselbande, Board of Directors Member

Speeches

• “California Employment Law Mid-Year Legal Update,” ProVisors, San Diego Human Capital Affinity Group (July 2021) (co-presenter)