Aya J. Deam is a partner in the Los Angeles office and is a member of the Employment Practice Group and Director of the Commercial Litigation Practice Group for the Western Region.  Aya has extensive experience representing businesses and management in all aspects of employment law.  She represents employers in administrative and civil claims for wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and alleged wage and hour violations.  She also provides internal investigations and counseling to employer clients regarding best practices and compliance with the goal of advising her clients on how best to avoid litigation.  The advice and counsel aspect of her practice assists employers in developing workplace policies and employee handbooks.  Additionally, her language abilities and background living in Japan gives Aya a unique understanding of the workplace dynamics and challenges that are specific to Japanese companies, which she draws upon to represent Japanese entities conducting business in the United States. 

In addition to her employment practice, Aya also has significant experience representing and advising hospitality clients.  She regularly represents national chains against significant injury claims.  She also advises these hospitality clients as to regulatory changes throughout municipalities in California.  Aya has also litigated professional liability disputes such as the defense of architects, engineers, insurance brokers, and lawyers.  Additionally, she handles business litigation claims including contract interference, unfair competition, and breach of non-disclosure and non-competition agreements. 

Admissions

• California
• U.S. District Court, Central, Northern, and Eastern Districts of California
• U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
• Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

Memberships

• Pasadena Bar Association
• Los Angeles Bar Association
• Japanese American Bar Association