Catherine A. Veeneman: Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP

Overview

Cate represents California employers in responding to a wide-range of employment claims and minimizing litigation risk. Her clients include small and medium-sized employers in the hospitality, retail, media, security, and construction industries. Cate has defended her clients against all types of employment claims, including wrongful termination, retaliation, discrimination, harassment, and wage and hour. In addition to obtaining favorable outcomes for her clients in dozens of individual matters, Cate has experience defending her clients against both class and PAGA claims.

Cate works with her clients to find the best solution for each case. She understands that, when it comes to resolving a matter, there is no one size fits all solution. Cate therefore strives to be there for her clients through each step of litigation, working with them to find the most effective solution for each case, whether that be guidance regarding an internal investigation or early settlement, challenging unsupported claims with a motion for summary judgment, or defending the case through to arbitration or trial. Moreover, Cate’s experience with complex commercial, construction, and business litigation matters ensures that she understands not only the legal issues her clients face, but also the complexities of the business decisions her clients must often make as well.

Cate has published several articles on employment, food and beverage, and class action issues. She was recognized by J.D. Supra in their 2022 and 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards as a top author in the categories of food and beverage and class action. Cate has also given several presentations in the Los Angeles community regarding employment legal issues, including an analysis on the effect recent changes in California law has had on employee classification.

During law school, Cate received an award for “Excellence in Preparation for Trial Practice” from the American Board of Trial Advocates and was a member of the Southern California Law Review.

Representative Matters

Wage and Hour Class Action/PAGA: Represented small media employer in putative class action by terminated employees alleging nearly a dozen separate wage and hour claims as well as violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law and Private Attorneys General Act.

Defense of Wrongful Termination and Discrimination Claims: Represented mid-sized employer in security industry in lawsuit by former employees alleging wrongful termination, retaliation, and race discrimination, successfully compelling matter to arbitration and obtaining favorable resolution shortly thereafter.

Defense of Age Discrimination and Hostile Work Environment Claims: Represented small employer in hospitality industry in lawsuit by former employee alleging hostile work environment, retaliation, age discrimination, wrongful termination, as well as multiple wage and hour claims. Obtained favorable resolution.

Summary Judgement Win on Breach of Contract Claim: Prevailed on summary judgment for small commercial landlord against well-known international retail chain to obtain all unpaid rent and attorney’s fees.

Successful Appeal of EDD Assessment: Prevailed for media-based company on petition to administrative body for reassessment of California Employment Development Department’s assessment finding employer liable for unpaid unemployment insurance, state disability insurance, and personal income tax.