Matthew T. Wakefield, Employment Attorney in Encino, California
Over 32 years of legal practice · focused on Employment, General, and Government
PartneratBallard Rosenberg Golper And Savitt Llp
Encino, CA
Practicing employment in Encino since 1994.
- 32+
- Years practicing
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Matthew T. Wakefield is a partner based in Encino, CA. The practice focuses on Employment, General, and Government. Matthew has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ballard Rosenberg Golper And Savitt Llp.
- Based in
- Encino, CA
- Experience
- over 32 years
- Known for
- Employment · General · Government
- Handles Employment, General, and Government matters from Encino, CA.
- Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Matthew T. Wakefield: Matthew T. Wakefield is a partner based in Encino, CA. The practice focuses on Employment, General, and Government. Matthew has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ballard Rosenberg Golper And Savitt Llp.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Matthew T. Wakefield
Matthew concentrates on employment, general, government, m&a, and wage & hour. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment
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General
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Government
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M&A
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Wage & Hour
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Employment cases in Encino, California
Matthew takes employment matters in Encino, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
General cases in Encino, California
Matthew takes general matters in Encino, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Encino, California
Matthew takes government matters in Encino, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in Encino, California
Matthew takes m&a matters in Encino, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Wage & Hour cases in Encino, California
Matthew takes wage & hour matters in Encino, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Matthew T. Wakefield — Over 32 years of California employment experience
Matthew T. Wakefield is a partner based in Encino, CA. The practice focuses on Employment, General, and Government. Matthew has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ballard Rosenberg Golper And Savitt Llp.
Matt regularly provides counsel to employers concerning all areas of employment and labor law, including human resources decisions, union organizing, employee communications, employment and labor policies, wage and hour challenges, employee investigations, and compliance with state and federal employment and labor laws. Matt has successfully negotiated collective bargaining agreements for employers throughout the United States and its territories. He has successfully represented employers in over 80% of the National Labor Relations Board regions, as well as before the Board itself.
Experience
Matt has a wealth of experience navigating clients through all forms of difficult labor and employment environments, including:
•Negotiating collective bargaining agreements;
•Boycotts, corporate campaigns, media and political pressure, strikes, and other economic weapons or organized labor;
•Arbitration of union grievances concerning employee discipline/discharges and contract interpretation disputes;
•Discrimination and retaliation charges;
•Labor and employment issues in asset and stock purchases/sales, including withdrawal liability and ERISA section 4204 transactions;
•Defending unfair labor practice charges;
•Union representation petitions and organizing campaigns;
•Wage and hour claims; and
•Layoffs, restructurings, employee terminations, and other sensitive human resources matters.
Publications
•California Wage and Hour Law and Litigation, Payment of Wages, Regular Rate and Overtime - California Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB)(Annually updated book)
•Advising California Employers and Employees, Wage and Hour Laws - California Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB) (Annually updated book)
•Applying the Federal Labor-Management Law - Valley Lawyer Magazine (SFVBA) 2012
•Labor Insignia Battle Decided in San Diego - Hotel & Motel Management 2007
•Employers Must Handle Issues Before Unions Do - Hotel & Motel Management, 2006
•Flip-Flop on Weingarten Rights for Non-Union Employees - Los Angeles Daily Journal 2004
Professional Activities & Recognition
Speaking Engagements
•What Every Non-Labor Lawyer Needs to Know About Labor Law, Mecklenburg County Bar Annual Employment Law CLE Program (2018)
•The National Labor Relations Board: Preemption, Employer Rules, and Changes under the New Administration, Los Angeles County Bar Association 37th Annual Labor & Employment Law Symposium (2017)
•The National Labor Relations Board: A New Agenda for Union and Non-Union Workplaces, Beverly Hills Bar Association Labor and Employment Law Section (2013)
•Collective Bargaining Challenges, Hospitality Asset Managers Association (HAMA) Conference, Denver, Colorado (2010)
•Labor-Management Strategies in the Economic Crisis: Allies or Adversaries in Responding to Plant Closings, RIFs, and Layoffs, OC LERA Dinner Meeting (2008)
•A Full Board and a New General Counsel at the NLRB: A Future Remarkable or Predictable? 24th Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference (2006)
•Strikes and Labor Disputes in the Early 21st Century, LA County Bar Association Labor and Employment Law Section Meeting (2005)
•Employee Investigations, Discipline, and Terminations, Employment Law From A to Z in California (2005)
Honors
•Southern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers
How Matthew handles employment matters
Matt regularly provides counsel to employers concerning all areas of employment and labor law, including human resources decisions, union organizing, employee communications, employment and labor policies, wage and hour challenges, employee investigations, and compliance with state and federal employment and labor laws. Matt has successfully negotiated collective bargaining agreements for…
The kind of cases Matthew takes
Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment, general, and government matters in Encino and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Matthew T. Wakefield's legal education and bar admissions
University of San Diego School of Law
J.D. · 1994
California State University, Hayward
B.S. Business · 1984
Jurisdictions
Matthew's state bar admissions
North Carolina Unite
2010 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
2009 · ACTIVE
California
1994 · ACTIVE
Matthew studied at J.D. in University of San Diego School of Law and B.S. Business in California State University, Hayward.
Law school and academic background
Matthew completed J.D. in University of San Diego School of Law and B.S. Business in California State University, Hayward. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Matthew's professional memberships and bar associations
Professional Activities Speaking Engagements • The National Labor Relations Board: A New Agenda for Union and Non-Union Workplaces , Beverly Hills Bar Association Labor and Employment Law Section
2013) • Collective Bargaining Challenges , Hospitality Asset Managers Association (HAMA) Conference, Denver, Colorado (2010) • Labor-Management Strategies in the Economic Crisis: Allies or Adversaries in Responding to Plant Closings, RIFs, and Layoffs , O · membership
Locations
Matthew T. Wakefield's office in Encino
Matthew's primary office is at 15760 Ventura Blvd., 18th Floor, Encino, CA, 91436. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Ballard Rosenberg Golper And Savitt Llp
15760 Ventura Blvd., 18th Floor
Encino, CA 91436
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Matthew T. Wakefield — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Matthew usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Matthew charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Matthew will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a employment attorney in Encino, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Matthew
Matthew discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Matthew confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Matthew's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Matthew T. Wakefield
How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a employment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Matthew offer a free consultation?
Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in California typically take?
Simple employment matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside Encino?
Matthew is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Matthew will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Matthew?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Matthew accepting new employment clients right now?
Matthew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Employment attorneys serving Encino, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Matthew handles employment matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Matthew's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these employment attorneys in Encino handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
