East Irvine Employment Lawyers

Hilary Vrem has been practicing law in San Diego for since 2005, joining the Bolander Law Group in 2010. Her practice focuses primarily on trust litigation, employment matters, adoptions, and estate planning. Like Lori, Hilary is adopted, so she, too, is passionate about this area of law and is honored to assist couples in starting and expanding their families.

Andrew Hillier is an experienced employment law litigator representing employees throughout California. He has helped plaintiffs navigate prosecution of claims for wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage theft, rest and meal break violations, and whistleblower retaliation.

In addition to his legal practice, Andrew is an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego School of Law where he teaches trial advocacy techniques. When he isn’t working to protect the rights of workers or training law students, Andrew enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, football, and playing with his dog, Harley.

I am an Of Counsel attorney at Employer Advocates Group, focusing on wage-hour class actions, PAGA actions, and conducting internal workplace investigations. Born and raised in San Luis Obispo County, I have a comprehensive background in both criminal and civil litigation. I am licensed to practice in California, Texas, and several federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court. I hold a certification as a Certified Appellate Specialist in California. My professional journey includes a variety of significant positions. I started as a law clerk for the Honorable Pamela Ann Rymer at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, followed by a role...

Before I pursued a career in law, I accumulated over ten years of experience managing the business operations of franchise restaurants. During that period, I also launched an apparel line that successfully reached over 150 brick-and-mortar stores, including major retail chains both in the U.S. and internationally. This background has equipped me with a unique understanding and perspective, enabling me to connect with my clients effectively. I am passionate about advising entrepreneurs who require swift and dependable solutions, recognizing the immense value of their time and the intense focus their businesses demand. In 2020, I became a part of Employer Advocates Group...

Sharmin Jalali is the president and managing attorney at Jalali Law APC. Sharmin was born in the United States, and raised in Tehran, Iran. At 17, she returned to the United States to pursue the practice of law. Her diverse background greatly influences her creativity and strategic thinking abilities. After becoming a resident of Orange County in 2010, she attended University of California, Irvine, appearing on the dean’s honors list every semester of her attendance until graduation. She obtained her JD at Chapman University, Fowler School of Law. Prior to becoming a California licensed attorney in 2017, Sharmin had already obtained...

Edwin V. Woodsome, a Phillips ADR neutral, was managing partner of Dechert LLP’s Los Angeles office and head of Global Litigation at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. With over 35 years of trial experience, he has handled consumer fraud, False Claims Act, securities, product liability, trade secrets, employment, antitrust, and intellectual property cases in state and federal courts. He has extensive appellate, mediation, and arbitration experience, including the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California’s mediation panel. Woodsome represented major firms in transportation, banking, technology, aerospace, and entertainment, serving as U.S. national litigation counsel for a global logistics company and...

Ann Cook brings a business-focused approach to Phillips ADR, leveraging a decade at Ernst & Young LLP, including two years as General Counsel. Experienced as both plaintiff and defendant, she understands dispute dynamics and has litigated, arbitrated, and mediated cases in accounting, securities, contracts, and employment. A creative problem solver, Ann advised on complex corporate initiatives, balancing risk and business goals, earning recognition as a tenacious leader. At EY, Ann managed legal strategy for a $20B firm with 50,000 employees, overseeing litigation and regulatory matters during high regulatory activity. She advised on public disclosure and bankruptcy issues for over 1,000 public...