Rick Bergstrom

Rick Bergstrom is a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers and has been praised by clients for his creative and strategic thinking, focus on client service, and business-minded approach to problem-solving and litigation.

For more than 30 years, Rick has successfully defended clients in class actions, California Private Attorney General Act (PAGA) actions, whistleblower actions, and individual lawsuits involving claims for overtime, misclassification, pay equity, failure to provide meal and rest periods, misappropriation of trade secrets, violation of privacy laws, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination.

After defeating two motions for class certification, Rick prevailed on an evidentiary motion to strike the remaining PAGA claims on manageability and judicial estoppel grounds. The ruling was affirmed on appeal and was the first PAGA motion to strike affirmed by a California court of appeal in this context. Rick has and is currently litigating numerous putative class actions and PAGA only actions involving a variety of claims under the California Labor Code.

Rick also testified before Congress concerning whistleblower protection laws and the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Garcetti v. Ceballos. He lectures to management groups and conducts workshops for corporate counsel regarding compliance with federal and laws. He also develops, reviews, and implements personnel policies for employers.

Rick has been recognized by corporate counsel across the United States among an elite group of standout attorneys as a BTI Client Service All-Star. This award is based solely on recognition by corporate counsel for delivery of excellent client service.