Heidi Machen

Heidi Machen has been an attorney since 1996 when she graduated from University of California Hastings College of the Law and passed the California Bar Exam. Prior to hanging her shingle as a sole practitioner in 2008, representing clients in matters of employment and regulatory law, Ms. Machen served in various policy and executive positions in local and Bay Area government.

Among her extracurricular activities, she is an avid cyclist, a Vegan cook, an amateur oil painter, has been known to contribute to theatrical productions on or off stage, and to participate in Democratic party doings. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University.

[For more information and sample representations, find me on LinkedIn or at MachenLaw.com]

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California

Since 1996

Attorney

Machen Law Firm

2008 - Current

Machen Law represents Bay Area employees who have suffered discrimination, harassment, retaliation, defamation and wrongful termination in the workplace. We also help licensed professionals who are in danger of revocation, require assistance in getting their licenses issued or renewed or who require defense against regulatory/disciplinary actions. As well, we assist small businesses to navigate permitting issues or when they run afoul of government regulators.

Director, Taxi Commission

City and County of San Francisco

2005 - 2008

As the chief regulator of taxis, I oversaw more than 8,500 permits, including their issuance and taking disciplinary actions or defending those actions before the City's Board of Appeals. I developed policy, procedures, regulations and laws and advised and counseled elected and appointed officials. As well, I maintained a balanced $1.4 million budget, managed a five-person staff; and, built consensus among stakeholders and executed industry reform that included converting the entire fleet to fuel efficient vehicles.

Manager, Public Affairs

Bay Area Water Transit Authority

2001 - 2005

Researched and wrote talking points and legislation for Bay Area politicians. Obtained support from policy-makers, grant funders and various community stakeholders for a wholesale expansion of the ferry transportation system. Vetted and handled media requests, pitched stories, wrote and placed articles, and acted as spokesperson. Developed and implemented outreach strategy including hiring and managing third-party vendors; and publicly presented plans and updates to Bay Area audiences including during legislative sessions.

Legislative Aid, Board of Supervisors

City and County of San Francisco

1997 - 2001

Developed public policy and legislation in coordination with various stakeholders and government officials. Communicated Supervisor's positions, accomplishments and passage of municipal laws to a wide audience including press, advocates, public officials, community groups and leaders.

University of California College of the Law, San Francisco

J.D. (1996) | LAW

1993 - 1996

Activities: Member, Women's Law Journal - published Women’s Work: Attitudes, Regulation, and Lack of Power Within the Sex Industry, (1996) 7:1 Hastings Women’s L.J. 177.

California State University - San Francisco State University

B.A. (1990) | ART

1990

Presidential Award of Merit

Consumer Attorneys of California

2016

Received peer recognition for advancing CAOC's grass roots efforts with elected officials.

State Bar of California  # 184278

Member

Current

Right on the Money: Tips on How to Get Your Client to Pay the Bill

ABA Journal

August 1, 2017

From Atticus to Vinny, Your Favorite Movies About the Law

Law 360

October 21, 2015

Litigators on Their Past Trial Blunders

Law 360

October 28, 2014

From Home Office to Office Home

San Francisco Recorder

October, 2011

#MeTooLawyers - Sexual Harassment Experienced by Lawyers, MCLE - special credits for eliminating bias in the legal profession and for ethics, San Francisco Bar Association

March 20, 2018

AIDS Legal Referral Panel of the San Francisco Bay Area