Judith Droz Keyes
USA Guide 2024
Band 4 : Labor & Employment
Band 4
About
Provided by Judith Droz Keyes
Practice Areas
Judy Keyes partners with clients to navigate the complex system of laws and regulations that govern the California workplace. She is recognized for her "out-of-the-box" thinking and her ability to solve complex human resource and labor relations problems in effective and efficient ways. She is thorough and thoughtful in her analysis of workplace disputes.
Judy is an accomplished mediator, negotiator, advocate, investigator, trainer, and coach. She counsels clients on how to: conduct investigations in fulfillment of legal requirements; avoid and respond to discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims; comply with wage and hour laws; grant and limit periods of time off; and reduce and reorganize staff to meet business goals. She advocates for her clients in all dispute resolution settings, including mediation, arbitration, agency proceedings, and state and federal court. She represents employers in union-related matters, including NLRB proceedings, grievance handling, and contract negotiations.
Professional Memberships
ADR Local Rules Attorney Advisory Committee, U.S. District Court Northern District of California, San Francisco, 2019-2022
Life Fellow, American Bar Foundation
Member, Association of Workplace Investigators, 2015-2017
Treasurer and Board Member, Nob Hill Association and Nob Hill Foundation, 2013-
present
Trustee and Committee Chair, Grace Cathedral, 2008-2017
Executive Committee Member, 1994-2011; Chair, 1998-1999, Bar Association of San
Francisco, Labor and Employment Section
Board Member and Officer, 1992-1998; President, 1997, Alameda County Bar Association
Track Coordinator, 2010-2011, Speaker, 2014, American Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law Section Annual Conference
Lawyer Representative, 9th Circuit Judicial Conference, 1999-2001
Advisory Board, Center for Social Justice, University of California Berkeley Law School, 2006-2016
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, Evaluator and Mediator, 1985-present
Contributing Editor, California Employment Law Letter, a BLR publication, 2019-present
Chambers Review
USA
Judith Keyes represents clients in sexual harassment and discrimination claims as well as providing counsel on the employment aspects of M&A. Her practice also includes increasing activity as a mediator.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"She's a powerhouse."
"She is a timeless and vastly experienced lawyer."
"Judy has a really practical eye for things, understanding the law as well as having a very good sense of people and problems."
"She's a powerhouse."
"She is a timeless and vastly experienced lawyer."
"Judy has a really practical eye for things, understanding the law as well as having a very good sense of people and problems."