Conn Maciel Carey Expands California Labor Practice with Kimberly Cole Hire

Conn Maciel Carey LLP has strengthened its California labor and employment practice with the addition of Kimberly Cole as Senior Counsel in its Los Angeles and San Francisco offices. Cole brings more than two decades of experience representing clients in various aspects of California employment law, including wage and hour disputes, discrimination claims, and whistleblower cases.

The hiring comes at a time when California's labor landscape continues to evolve rapidly, requiring specialized legal expertise. Cole's practice encompasses representing corporations in wage and hour disputes from audits to compliance, as well as defending individual and class action/PAGA claims. She has also defended clients facing discrimination, retaliation, and whistleblower claims through all stages of litigation, from initial demand to jury trial.

Kara M. Maciel, Chair of CMC's Labor and Employment Practice Group, emphasized the significance of this addition, stating that having someone with Cole's sharp legal insight and deep understanding of California's labor and employment law is a tremendous asset to the team and clients in the region. Rachel L. Conn, CMC's California Practice Chair, noted that Cole has consistently achieved favorable outcomes while litigating and managing diverse and complex employment matters.

Cole expressed pride in joining Conn Maciel Carey, describing the firm as standing at the intersection of legal precision and practical workplace insight. Her background includes membership in the California Bar Association, the California Labor and Employment section, and the Association of Workplace Investigators. Additionally, she has served as an adjunct professor at the College of Law in Santa Barbara, teaching both legal writing and professional ethics.

The expansion reflects the growing demand for specialized legal counsel in California's complex employment environment, where businesses face increasing regulatory scrutiny and litigation risks. Cole's extensive experience in handling cases before administrative agencies and appellate courts positions the firm to better serve clients navigating the state's unique workplace challenges. This move signals the increasing importance of California-specific legal expertise for HR vendors and employers operating in one of the nation's most complex regulatory environments.