Sam G. Sherman

Mr. Sherman's practice focuses on defending and advising California employers on various aspects of business and employment litigation.  His employment practice involves assisting employers on compliance with California's labor and employment laws, drafting employee handbooks, and auditing employee/independent contractor designations.

Mr. Sherman also specializes in defending corporations in various lawsuits.  This work ranges from defending employment claims alleging individual and class action wage and hour violations and individual claims for harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination.  Mr. Sherman also represents employers in business disputes, which include prosecuting and defending trade secret litigations.  Mr. Sherman regularly contributes to HFM'S employment blog.

An experienced trial lawyer, Mr. Sherman has served as lead trial counsel for businesses and individuals in various bench and jury trials.  His results include:

• 2011:  Jury verdict of only $5,000 representing an employer in a wage and hour and trade secret litigation with denial of fees and costs to Plaintiff;
• 2011:  Motion for judgment granted after Plaintiff closed its case in a two-week bench trial alleging elder abuse, fraud and various other causes of action arising from a real property dispute;
• 2010:  Successfully represented flooring retailer in Contractor State License Board administrative hearing to revoke its license.  Administrative Law Judge found in favor of flooring retailer and imposed no discipline;
• 2010:  Successfully obtained summary judgment in favor of various individual defendants in education retaliation claim;
• 2010:  Dismissal of school district in exchange for a waiver of fees and costs in a lawsuit alleging employment retaliation and wrongful termination;
• 2009:  Defense verdict in two-week jury trial alleging negligence against school district arising from a slip-and-fall on an elementary school campus;
• 2008:  Defense verdict in four-week jury trial with claims for harassment and discrimination;
• 2008:  Defense verdict in two-week jury trial involving a claim for negligence and civil rights violations against school district and one of its employees;
• 2007:  Successfully defended school district in teacher's administrative challenge of her termination before the Office of Administrative hearings.

Mr. Sherman also specializes in education and public entity defense.  A significant portion of his practice involves defending school districts and other public entities in personal injury, civil rights, and employment litigation.

Mr. Sherman also devotes his spare time to community involvement.  He has served as past co-chair of the San Diego County Bar Association's Labor and Employment Law Section.  He currently serves on the board of directors for the Senior Community Centers-a San Diego based non-profit organization focused on feeding, housing, and educating low-income seniors. 

Mr. Sherman graduated in 1999 from the University of California, Los Angeles with a bachelor's degree in political science and a minor in policy studies.  Mr. Sherman received his juris doctorate in 2003 from the University of San Diego School of Law. 

During his time at the University of San Diego School of Law, Mr. Sherman was a member of the Mock Trial team and received various awards and recognitions for his trial skills at competitions in California and Arizona.