Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of employment jurisprudence, few attorneys couple courtroom prowess with community stewardship as effectively as Cortney Shegerian. As a co-founding partner of Shegerian Conniff LLP, Ms. Shegerian’s practice is defined by high-stakes litigation, landmark appellate advocacy, and a steadfast commitment to employee rights. This article examines her recent honors, seminal cases, and the metrics that underscore her influence in Southern California’s legal milieu.
🏆 “Women of Influence: Attorneys 2025”
- Designation: Selected by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the “Women of Influence: Attorneys 2025.”
- Criteria: Recognition based on demonstrated leadership, jury‐trial victories, and over $100 million in settlements and judgments secured on behalf of plaintiffs and classes (labusinessjournal.com).
- Impact: This accolade reflects both quantitative success—measured in monetary recoveries—and qualitative influence, including published amicus briefs and bar‐association initiatives.
🏛 California Supreme Court Oral Argument
- Case: Deborah Shaw v. Kindred Healthcare (whistleblower retaliation).
- Milestone: At age 30, Ms. Shegerian became one of the youngest counsel to present oral argument before the California Supreme Court.
- Procedural Posture: Invited to address the question of whether a plaintiff is entitled to a jury trial under California’s whistleblower statute—a matter of first impression.
- Significance: Her presentation emphasized statutory interpretation and the legislative intent behind Labor Code §§ 1102.5 et seq., advocating for a robust right to jury determination of damage awards (shegerianconniff.com).
🌟 Sustained Recognition (2019–2025)
- Recurring Honors: Named among Los Angeles’ “Most Influential Women Attorneys” in 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025.
- Evaluation Metrics: Peer reviews, peer‐nominated ballots, and analysis of firm case outcomes—highlighting her leadership in high‐exposure trials and appeals.
- Thought Leadership: Contributor to industry periodicals (e.g., ERE Net), authoring articles on discrimination, accommodations, and pre‐litigation best practices (ere.net).
👩⚖️ Trial & Litigation Practice Areas
- Core Specialties:
- Sex, Pregnancy, and Disability Discrimination – Litigating under FEHA and Title VII, with multiple defense motions for summary judgment successfully opposed.
- Harassment & Retaliation – Proven record of obtaining preliminary injunctions against employers, preserving employment status quo.
- Wrongful Termination & Whistleblower Retaliation – Secured six‐figure verdicts in single‐plaintiff matters; class‐action settlements exceeding $15 million.
- Jurisdictional Experience:
- State Courts: Los Angeles Superior Court, Orange County Superior Court, and venues throughout the 2nd Appellate District.
- Federal Courts: Central District of California, against Fortune 100 entities.
- Appellate Advocacy: Multiple published opinions, including briefs on standards for admissibility of expert testimony.
🤝 Community Leadership & Pro Bono Service
- Board Service: Peggy Albrecht Friendly House—overseeing programs that provide transitional housing and vocational training.
- Volunteer Engagement: Regular pro bono representation through domestic violence shelters (e.g., Stanley Mosk Memorial Center, Sojourn House), addressing protective‐order proceedings and safety‐planning advocacy.
- Metric of Service: Over 200 pro bono hours logged annually, mentoring junior attorneys in the “Pro Bono Scholars” program.
🔙 Professional Background & Notable Anecdotes
- Prior Association: Shegerian & Associates – authored the firm’s internal “Accommodations Playbook,” a compendium on interactive‐process obligations under ADA and FEHA (medium.com).
- High-Profile Verdicts: Lead counsel in a $7.65 million verdict against a national restaurant chain for systematic sexual harassment.
- Character & Admission: Involved peripherally in a criminal investigation via former spouse; cooperated fully with law enforcement—ultimately licensed by the California Bar after rigorous character assessment (latimes.com).
Conclusion
Cortney Shegerian’s trajectory—from her landmark oral argument before the California Supreme Court to her designation as a “Woman of Influence” in 2025—epitomizes the blend of quantitative success and qualitative impact that defines top-tier employment litigators. Whether navigating complex motions, shepherding multi-million-dollar settlements, or serving the community through pro bono outreach, Ms. Shegerian exemplifies the lawyer as both advocate and public servant.
