CHRISTOPHER E. PANETTA

Chris's practice focuses on civil litigation, including employment matters, business disputes, and personal injury cases. Chris has litigated numerous cases in state and federal courts, and has successfully tried cases before judges and juries. He has also represented employers and employees before state and federal administrative agencies, including the California Labor Commissioner and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Chris represents employers in the hospitality, health care, and construction industries. He counsels employers regarding legal issues in the workplace, including discrimination, accommodations for the disabled, wage and hour law, and the drafting of personnel policies and employment contracts. Chris regularly presents seminars on employment law issues and provides training on issues such as California wage and hour law and the prevention of sexual harassment. He is active in a variety of community activities, including organizations serving youth and disabled persons.

Principal Areas of Practice:

Civil litigation including labor and employment law and general business litigation. Chris also serves as a mediator.

Education:

University of California, Berkeley, B.A., with high distinction, Phi Beta Kappa, 1985; University of California School of Law at Los Angeles, J.D., 1994, American Jurisprudence Award, Constitutional Law.

Professional Qualifications and Activities:

Admitted to the California Bar in 1994. Admitted to the United States District Court for the Central District of California and the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Memberships:

Monterey County Bar Association; Seaside Rotary (past president); Board, Gateway Center of Monterey County; Board, Monterey County Youth Museum.

e-mail:

CPanetta@FentonKeller.com