August 21, 2024 (Palo Alto, CA) – Procopio’s award-winning Labor and Employment Law practice has added a new Partner. Marina C. Gruber represents California employers in a wide range of actions before state and federal courts and administrative agencies while also counseling employers in prevailing wage and labor-related matters. She is based in Procopio’s Silicon Valley office in Palo Alto, California, and joins Procopio from the San Francisco office of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP.

“We’re fortunate to have Marina Gruber join our Labor and Employment team,” said Procopio Managing Partner John D. Alessio. “California employers have long valued her skill at navigating complex litigation challenges while understanding the unique legal challenges California employers face, a knowledge set shared by her new colleagues in our Labor and Employment practice.”

Marina defends against single plaintiff discrimination and harassment actions, as well as California wage and hour law class actions alleging off-the-clock work, donning and doffing claims, and meal and rest break compliance. Marina has also litigated California prevailing wage matters at the administrative and trial court levels, defending employers facing allegations of failure to pay the appropriate prevailing wage rate(s), employ apprentices, maintain certified payroll, failure of subcontractors to meet prevailing wage obligations, and disputes over whether the projects in question were public works at all. Marina also advises contractors on wage audits, contract negotiations, and compliance.

“I am passionate about representing and advising employers with their labor and employment challenges,” Marina said. “It’s a thrill to join Procopio where my passion is shared, and I have the entrepreneurial platform to grow and serve my clients.”

In addition to litigation, she counsels employers in labor matters including those involving the National Labor Relations Board, handles labor arbitrations, advises on organizing campaigns, and defends against charges of unfair labor practices. She is recognized by Best Lawyers® as a One to Watch in two categories, Litigation-Labor and Employment, Employee Benefits (ERISA). Marina is also a Super Lawyers® Rising Star for Labor and Employment Law.

Procopio’s Labor and Employment Law practice has a “Metropolitan Tier 1” ranking from U.S. News-Best Law Firms® in San Diego for Employment Law-Management and Labor Law-Management. Its attorneys help businesses comply with the complex and dynamic laws and regulations governing employers across California and nationwide. They seek to stay on top of the latest compliance requirements while providing customized counseling and strategic employment litigation services to address their clients’ short and long-term business objectives. Their goal is conflict avoidance while championing clients in litigation should it arise.