Overview

Emily A. Mertes represents clients in both single plaintiff and class action matters, where she has experience handling all phases of litigation. Emily has represented clients in a variety of industries, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies.

Emily is experienced in employment discrimination and wrongful termination litigation, and represents clients before various state and federal courts and administrative agencies. Emily also defends employers in Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) and wage and hour class actions, in both state and federal court, in cases involving misclassification, background checks, meal and rest breaks, off-the-clock work, rounding of time, and other wage and hour issues. 

Prior to joining Littler, Emily achieved excellent results for her clients including summary judgment, dismissal of a franchisor in a wage and hour action, and successfully compelling employment disputes to arbitration. Her background also comprises working with management to develop compliant practices and policies, including providing on-site training to management regarding various wage and hour issues.

Professional & Community Affiliations

Member

American Bar Association

Member

Bar Association of San Francisco

Recognition

Named, Ones to Watch

The Best Lawyers in America®

2023-2025

Recipient, Cali Excellence for the Future Award – Criminal Law

University of California, Hastings College of the Law

Speaking Engagements

Working from Home: The Impact of COVID-19 on California’s Expense Reimbursement Laws

October 21, 2021

Education

  • J.D., University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly Hastings), 2013
  • B.A., University of California, Los Angeles, 2010cum laude

Bar Admission

California

Courts

  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of California