Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce members were treated to an in-depth and informative presentation by Labor and Employment Attorney Wendy Sugg during their recent Chamber Breakfast at Maderas Steak and Ribs Restaurant, 3642 Katella Ave., in Los Alamitos.
Some of what she covered included recent changes in laws, trends in employment, litigation, tips for managing risk, transparency requirements, increased minimum wage, leave of absence and expense reimbursements; then she accepted questions from those in attendance.
Based in Laguna Beach, with the Sugg Law Group, she specializes in litigation and trial in State and Federal courts, where she represents clients in a wide range of labor and employment as well as business litigation matters, including complex class actions, breach of contract disputes, and disputes involving claims of retaliation, discrimination, and wrongful termination.
Sugg provides advice and counsel to California employers on a wide range of issues, from policies and wages to employee hiring and termination.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a J.D. (a Doctor of Jurisprudence) from the University of Southern California and has served as a law clerk to the Honorable Shirley Wohl Kram of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
What led Sugg to the field of law?
“I have always wanted to be an attorney since elementary school,” she shared during an interview. “I’m not sure what led me to that except arguing with my parents and younger sister,” she smiled.
Prior to becoming a lawyer, she was a teacher for a year after graduation from UCLA and was a journalist in college, writing for some of the local newspapers in Orange County, “Both of which prepared me for legal writing and to present my arguments in front of a judge and jury.”
Asked if the law field is more difficult for women to get into than men, Sugg said, “I don’t think so; actually, my law school class had more women than men and I think those numbers are still favorable today. There are a lot of opportunities right out of school.”
What she did say, however, is that it’s more difficult with regard to advancement and opportunities down the line, farther into a career for a woman, which at that point tends to discourage women from staying in the field.
“The long hours and all-consuming nature of being in trial doesn’t mesh very easily with having a family,” said Sugg.
What are her suggestions for young girls who find law interesting? “Read everything you can get your hands on – the newspaper, books, history/journals. The most important thing is to make sure you have a wide range of knowledge because it’s amazing how much that will help you spot issues when you’re trying to negotiate, to defend a case or to come up with a creative argument.”
Sugg is also married to a lawyer; someone who knows the law business and can be a sounding board to head off potentially risky situations.
Her advice to people is, “Don’t be afraid to call your lawyer for advice. I think a lot of business owners view calling a lawyer as a last resort when there’s a problem, but an early call to talk about options can end up saving you a lot of money and headaches. Develop a good relationship with your lawyer.”
Together, the Suggs share a 10-year-old son, and they recently adopted a wire fox terrier dog; a pet their son has been asking for.
Living near the beach, they love doing activities that includes being at the ocean. “I also play golf and tennis when I can,” she said.
