Tara Duester - Lawyer, Consulting and Project Manager, Blockchain.com

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Work Background

Activision BlizzardDirector, Labor & Employment (Senior Counsel Responsibilities)

Mar. 2023Santa Monica, California, United StatesIn this role, I drove labor and employment projects while safeguarding organizational goals. I collaborated extensively with HR teams, other COE lawyers, external counsel, union representatives, and C-suite leaders to provide strategic guidance on labor matters and streamline agreements. This included negotiating first contracts with the Creative Worker Association (CWA) union, ensuring compliance with labor regulations, and proactively addressing risks tied to investigations and workforce inquiries. To support the organization during a period of transition, I spearheaded efforts to educate a 3000-employee workforce on neutrality agreements with the union following an acquisition. By standardizing training materials and conducting targeted coaching sessions, I enhanced team understanding and alignment with labor policies, ensuring efficient adoption of the new agreements. I am committed to building robust frameworks that align employee relations with organizational objectives, drive compliance, and diminish risk. My ability to engage diverse stakeholders ensures streamlined processes and a harmonious labor environment. Key Skills: End-to-End Litigation Management | Risk-Adjusted, Business-Centered Advice | Outside Counsel Hiring & Leadership | Legal Concept Simplification | Stakeholder Relationship Management

Blockchain.comSenior Counsel, Employment & Litigation

May. 2022 - Mar. 2023Remote/Los AngelesDuring this time, I oversaw comprehensive employment law frameworks and ensured compliance across global jurisdictions have been central to my work. I defined policies from the ground up, provided tailored training programs, and guided the workforce of 450 employees across 33 countries on a wide spectrum of employment laws and regulations. My efforts ensured the alignment of organizational practices with diverse legal landscapes. One notable achievement was addressing the complex legal implications of rolling out employee bonuses in cryptocurrency. I assessed potential risks and teamed with C-suite leaders to craft a compliant payment strategy, ensuring adherence to varying international regulations while supporting long-term organizational goals. I specialize in designing legally sound policies, aligning global practices with local regulations, and proactively mitigating risks to cultivate a compliant and efficient work environment. Key Skills: Federal, State, & Local Legislation Monitoring | Dispute Resolution & Pre-Litigation Investigation | Labor & Employment Advice, Counsel, & Support | Payroll, Benefits, & Hiring Management | Wage & Hour Compliance

Grube Brown & Geidt LLPSpecial Counsel, Labor & Employment

Jan. 2019 - May. 2022Los Angeles, CaliforniaHere, I navigated complex litigation while ensuring organizational alignment with evolving employment and labor laws has been a cornerstone of my legal career. I advised in-house counsel on managing discovery, depositions, negotiations, and trials across up to 15 simultaneous cases. By leading HR processes and mentoring junior associates, I facilitated cohesive policy design for clients in compliance with federal and state regulations. Additionally, I standardized procedures by outlining comprehensive handbooks that documented consistent employment and labor policies. A key achievement involved strengthening employment strategies by reviewing policies during active cases. I identified gaps, updated clauses, and refined unlimited vacation policies to enable seamless vacation payout tracking. I also played a pivotal role in managing the firm’s most complex case by conducting depositions and delivering strategic legal advice amidst changing workplace policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. By proactively addressing the challenges of shifting employment and labor laws during the global pandemic, I safeguarded both client and organizational objectives. My approach combines a deep understanding of employment law with the ability to craft solutions that align with operational priorities. Key Skills: Business Litigation | Employment Law | Agreement Drafting & Negotiation | Mandatory Arbitration & Non-Disclosure | Operational Efficiency Optimization

Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLPSpecial Counsel, Labor & Employment

Jul. 2015 - Jan. 2019San Diego and Los AngelesWhile in this position, I facilitated smooth mergers and acquisitions (M&As) for clients by conducting comprehensive reviews of employment policy handbooks. My approach involved identifying vulnerabilities, prioritizing risks, and proposing tailored resolutions ahead of acquisitions to mitigate potential liabilities and ensure seamless transitions. By preemptively addressing challenges, I streamlined the integration process and safeguarded organizational interests. Remaining informed on evolving National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) regulations under changing administrations has been a key focus. I also contributed to talent recruitment and retention by co-planning the Diversity and Inclusion Attorney Network’s Women Lawyers’ West Coast retreat. This initiative underscored my dedication to fostering an inclusive environment that nurtures top talent and strengthens organizational culture. Key Skills: Policy & Procedure Design & Execution | Response & Position Statement Development | Employee Classification, Termination, & Discipline | Settlement Agreements | Litigation Matter Management

Brown Law GroupLabor & Employment Attorney

Jun. 2009 - Jul. 2015Working here, I improved organizational efficiency and streamlined cross-team collaboration by developing a centralized to-do list and producing detailed work-in-progress (WIP) reports. These tools provided teams with clear visibility into ongoing processes, achieving transparency and enabling more informed and effective decision-making across the firm. Key Skills: Litigation Budget Management | Data-Driven Insight & Report Generation | KPI Setting, Monitoring, & Evaluation | Strategic Project Management | Continuous Process Improvement

Law Offices of Patrick MazzeiLaw Clerk

Oct. 2008 - Mar. 2009Responsible for a complex dissolution case involving a hotly disputed business valuation and sale, extensive financial accounts with comingled funds requiring tracing, and inherited real property that had been transmuted. Propounded discovery to follow-up on newly discovered issues and responded to discovery propounded upon our client. Maintained daily contact with clients. Assisted with all facets of marital dissolutions including basic case management, preparation and drafting of Petitions for Dissolution, Income and Expense Declarations, and Orders to Show Cause.

Abbene Alcock & Liska APCLaw Clerk

May. 2008 - Aug. 2008Estate Planning, Probate, Trust Contest Litigation, General Business and Tax Practice Groups Prepared memoranda after completing diligent research for use in significant legal documents including, e.g., the legal section of a mediation brief, an answer and a cross-complaint. Researched a variety of corporation formation and corporate tax issues. Prepared cease and desist letters regarding potential infringement of client's trademarks and copyrighted material on competitors' commercial websites. Prepared deposition summaries of factual material in mediated matter. Attended mediation to assist in facilitation of a satisfactory outcome for our clients in a complex trust contest matter.

Luce Forward Hamilton & Scripps, LLPLegal Assistant

Aug. 2004 - Nov. 2007Insurance Bad Faith and Business Litigation Practice Groups Prepared and drafted correspondence, interoffice memoranda, notices of deposition, subpoenas, basic interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admissions, and basic motions (e.g., for continuance, of errata, of ruling) for attorney review on behalf of clients in a wide range of forums, including state and federal, trial and appellate courts.

Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker, LLPLegal Assistant

Sep. 2003 - Aug. 2004Labor and Employment and Intellectual Property Practice Groups Introduced, implemented and managed electronic distribution of documents and upkeep of electronic database.

Ulmer & Berne, LLPLegal Assistant

Oct. 2000 - Jun. 2003