Joshua A. Stevens

With two decades of experience in labor and employment law, Joshua “Josh” Stevens represents school districts, boards and administrators throughout Northern California on a range of issues. They include certificated and classified collective bargaining from negotiations through fact-finding; contract grievances and arbitrations; layoffs; conflicts of interest; and all stages of employee discipline, from investigation through dismissal.

Josh advises clients in local governance areas including Public Records Act and Brown Act compliance and violations, as well as First Amendment and free speech issues. He also provides counsel on employees’ rights pertaining to different types of leave and helps clients navigate course corrections in the wake of violations or abuse of that leave.

Always aiming to guide clients in spotting and avoiding pitfalls, Josh regularly trains supervisory employees in the prevention and correction of sexual harassment in the workplace and speaks at workshops and trainings on a host of other labor and employment issues. As a litigator, Josh obtains restraining orders for his clients prohibiting workplace violence.

Previously, Josh externed for the Honorable Thomas A. Wiseman, Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, where he did extensive legal research and drafted court opinions. Before law school, he spent a year as a substitute teacher in three California school districts, an experience that augments his client service today.

Whether he’s helping clients with a common question or problem or a novel issue, Josh appreciates the opportunity to help districts navigate whatever issue is causing them stress and anxiety. He enjoys building solid, enduring client relationships and guiding educational organizations through the many challenges they face so they can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of California’s school children.

Over the years, Josh has built a deep well of knowledge about Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) unfair labor practice charges and discrimination and retaliation complaints under the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), California Civil Rights Department (formerly the Department of Fair Employment and Housing), and California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).]