Crystal W. Yu is a Partner in the Los Angeles office of GRSM, and a member of the firm’s Commercial Litigation, Franchise Law, and Employment Law practice groups. Crystal represents both large and small businesses in a wide array of commercial disputes involving franchisor/franchisee litigation, breach of contract, misappropriation of trade secrets, and unfair competition. She also specializes in defending employers in a wide range of labor and employment claims in state and federal jurisdictions.  Crystal has significant litigation experience, including complex case evaluations, depositions, law and motion, and trials. In addition, she has extensive experience representing companies in successful alternative dispute resolution processes to negotiate settlements and avoid multi-million dollar claims.

In addition to actively litigating commercial and employment matters, Crystal regularly counsels companies on a wide range of business and employment law issues, best practices, and helps draft corporate employment policies.

Prior to joining GRSM, Crystal represented major healthcare institutions in all aspects of employment litigation and successfully secured defense verdicts for her clients. In addition, she obtained significant experience in the area of medical malpractice defense, defending physicians and hospitals against negligence and elder abuse actions. Crystal prepared and argued successful motions for summary judgment and adjudication during her practice.

  • Served as second-chair as defense counsel in an employment disability discrimination case resulting in a unanimous defense verdict on all six causes of action.

Admissions

  • California
  • Hawaii

Community Involvement

  • American Board of Trial Advocates Trial School Program
  • Ho’ala Foundation for Education, Board Member

Education

  • J.D., Southwestern Law School, 2013
    • Dean’s Merit Scholar
    • Intramural Trial Advocacy Honors Program Competition, 2010
    • Intramural Moot Court Honors Program Competition, 2010
    • ABA Arbitration Competition, 2011
  • B.A., Law and Society, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2008
    • Dean’s Scholarship

Honors

  • Best Lawyers in America® Ones to Watch distinction in Commercial Litigation (2024-2025), Labor and Employment Law – Management (2024-2025)

Languages

  • Korean