Alexis D. James, Managing Partner
Alexis has practiced employment law in California for more than eighteen years, having worked on both sides of the employment law equation. She earned her bachelor’s degree in public policy at Duke University and completed law school with honors at Northwestern School of Law, Lewis and Clark College. In her litigation practice, Alexis has successfully assisted in taking discrimination, harassment and wrongful termination cases through arbitration and trial; and has been known by her peers to be a voice of reason in contentious situations.
In her practice, Alexis conducts comprehensive internal audits, drafts policies and procedures, coaches employers through disciplinary and termination issues, performs employee trainings and investigations, and represents employers in state and federal courts, and before administrative agencies.
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Having represented employees suing companies for more than ten years, she brings a unique understanding of how to communicate personnel decisions in a manner that will be better received and more easily adapted.
Alexis is a frequent speaker for risk management associations and human resources groups, such as the HR Star Conference, PIHRA, the California Employers Association, and the California Medical Group Management Association. Alexis received her mediation certificate from the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University and uses her mediation skills to defuse contentious situations in the workplace.
Alexis serves as Chair of the Employment Law Section of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association and is a member of the Board of Trustees. She moderates the Calabasas meeting of The Esquire Network (TEN) and is a Group Leader Assistant of Pro Visors.
Alexis is married and has two kids. She enjoys travel, playing the piano and all things Italian.
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Renee N. Noy, Partner
Renee earned her B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1997, and received her J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of Law in San Francisco. Renee received her mediation certificate from the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University. Renee has been practicing for over 20 years. She worked a number of years at the prestigious Plaintiff’s law firm of Green, Broillet, & Wheeler, where she became proficient in representing plaintiffs against large corporations.
In the last decade, Renee has represented countless employees in employment discrimination lawsuits, including cases involving disability, race, gender, and age discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and a variety of wage and hour disputes.
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With a deep understanding of the specific pitfalls that employers often make that lead them into the courthouse, Renee now helps employers minimize their legal risk with expert knowledge, instructive training and preventative action. She uses both her legal expertise and passion to decipher and explain the complex myriad of employment laws and regulations. She is goal oriented and always advises the most direct actions for immediate resolutions keeping in mind budget and legal protection. Renee prides herself in ensuring that the legal requirements and process are followed so that outcomes are fair and productive for both the employee and employers. Her ultimate goal is to help employers prevent making costly mistakes.
Outside of her work with employment law, Renee has successfully facilitated and legally represented over 500 birth-mothers through the private adoption process. Renee is an avid reader, enjoys travel, and plays violin in the San Fernando Valley orchestra. Her favorite thing to do is spend time with her family.
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George P. Albutt, Senior Associate
George has spent the last fourteen years litigating employment and labor law cases, including class actions in both state and federal courts. Educated at Cambridge and Oxford, George then moved to the states and graduated first in his class from Ventura College of Law. George’s philosophy and approach to business is very much in sync with WorkWise Law, as we aim to provide cost-effective and practical solutions for the toughest employment issues.
Sandra L. Lepson, Senior Counsel
Sandra has over 25 years’ experience counseling and defending employers in all areas of employment law. She has developed a niche advising small and mid-sized employers and start-ups with particular attention to the changing needs of growing companies. In addition, Sandra has extensive experience presenting and teaching on employment law matters for employers and industry groups, including workplace discrimination and harassment prevention for California employers, workplace bullying prevention, diversity and inclusion, and LGBTQ+ awareness and inclusion. Sandra believes that a compliant, inclusive and respectful workplace is a healthy, productive and profitable workplace.
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Sandra attended the University of Southern California's Gould School of Law where she clerked for constitutional law scholar Erwin Chemerinsky and subsequently worked with some of Los Angeles' preeminent mid-sized firms, developing her expertise in employment law. She has worked on "all sides" having worked "in-house" as well as having represented large and small employers, corporate defendants, labor unions, individual plaintiffs and non-profit organizations in private practice. Sandra's breadth of experience allows her to see all sides of an issue and craft uniquely tailored solutions that meet clients' needs and minimize the risks and/or impact of any conflict.
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Gian A. Ryan, Junior Associate
Gian earned her B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016 before going on to the University of California, Hastings College of the Law to earn her J.D. in 2020. Gian spent the first few years of her legal career in business litigation at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, working predominantly on securities and consumer class actions. She made the transition into employment law and joined the WorkWise Law team with hopes of helping businesses foster a fair and efficient workplace for both employees and employers. While committed to creating workplace harmony and avoiding costly legal proceedings, she is equally eager to handle litigation and protect clients’ interests.
Lillian Jimenez, Paralegal
Lillian is a Litigation Paralegal at WorkWise Law. She earned her Paralegal Studies Certificate from Pasadena City College’s Paralegal Studies Program after receiving her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Management at University of Phoenix, where she graduated with Honors.
Lillian joined the firm in 2019 while pursuing her education at California State University, Northridge, to become a school teacher. However, her passion for the legal field and the supportive team environment at WorkWise Law, prompted her to change course. Lillian fulfills various responsibilities within the firm, with a particular affinity for assisting clients and ensuring that they feel valued and supported. In her free time, Lillian enjoys attending concerts, cooking, and hiking with her dog, Tao.