Katessa M. Charles is a Principal in the Los Angeles, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Her practice focuses on representing employers in workplace law matters, including preventive advice and counseling.

Ms. Charles is a legal strategist, problem solver, and committed advocate. Ms. Charles resolves commercial and employment disputes, including unfair competition, trade secret, contract, privacy, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims. She defends corporate clients against claims brought under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Family Medical Leave Act, California Fair Employment and Housing Act, California Wage Orders, and other related federal and state statutes and regulations. She has experience in a broad range of industries from manufacturing to entertainment, and has arbitration and jury trial experience in state and federal courts.

Ms. Charles counsels employers in all areas of employment law, including state and federal wage and hour, employee compensation, privacy, employee leaves of absence and performance, employment and service agreements, outside salespersons, independent contractors, unfair competition, and trade secret issues. Ms. Charles represents employers in administrative proceedings, including responding to charges filed with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, California Labor Commissioner, and U.S. Department of Labor.

Ms. Charles assists employers with reducing their workforces, developing personnel handbooks, and training supervisory employees on the prevention of sexual harassment.

Ms. Charles also speaks on a multitude of employment and management related topics, including hiring and firing, leaves of absence, disability accommodation, personnel policies, discrimination laws, trade secrets, unfair business practices and privacy in the workplace.