Crafting persuasive stories and arguments for judges and juries

Evan Peña is a litigator and trial lawyer who represents public and private employers in state and federal courts throughout California, in arbitration and before administrative agencies. Representing businesses of all sizes and in a variety of industries, from small taquerías to tech juggernauts to educational institutions, he focuses on:

• Employment disputes
• Education sector disputes

Evan works from the premise that each case presents a unique mix of personalities and events that needs to be untangled, then retold. He works to tell a client’s story in such a way that the listener — judge, jury or plaintiff — will have no doubt who was in the right. He can also resolve a matter earlier on by raising unique and easy-to-overlook defenses, drafting compelling briefs, and — when appropriate — strategically negotiating settlement. Evan appreciates the unique challenges that each of his clients faces and the unique opportunities each has in litigation.

Bar Admissions

• California

Education

• Amherst College (B.A., cum laude, 2004)
  • Political Science

• Stanford Law School (J.D., 2009)

Seminar

• 26th Annual Paul Plevin Quarles Employment Law Update
• Creating an Inclusive Workforce for LGBTQ Employees
• I Say a Little Prayer for You: Religious Accommodations in the Workplace
• I Say a Little Prayer For You: Religious Expression And Accommodation
• Mental Health Accommodations: Real Life Strategies You Can Implement to Help Your Employees Succeed and Help Your Agency Avoid Litigation
• Moving on After a Workplace Investigation
• The Founder’s Toolkit: L&E Basics for Start-Ups
• Top Employer Cases for 2023
• Up In Smoke: Preparing for a New Marijuana Testing Regime in 2024
• Views From the Defense Bar & In-House Counsel
• Whistleblower Jeopardy: “Alex, I'll take Retaliation Prevention for 300!”