Chelsea D.Mesa
Partner
Labor & Employment
cmesa@seyfarth.com
Chelsea has extensive experience partnering with clients to advise on their workplace-related decisions and a wide range of other employment matters.
More About Chelsea
Chelsea's practice focuses on advising employers concerning various employment-related issues, including compliance with California and federal anti-discrimination, anti-harassment and leave laws, and other human resources practices, as well as negotiating and documenting employment and severance agreements. Chelsea also counsels clients on their employment policies, and performs trainings on all aspects of employment conduct, including California-mandated sexual harassment training, discrimination training, and training on the interplay of the Americans with Disability Act with state and federal leave laws. In addition, Chelsea advises employers on hiring and termination decisions, including those where federal and state WARN requirements are triggered, and handling performance deficiencies and evaluations.
Chelsea has extensive experience litigating employment matters on behalf of clients in the retail, manufacturing, entertainment, distribution, food service, health care, and technology industries, including single-plaintiff discrimination, wage and hour, harassment, and wrongful termination matters, as well as class actions. Chelsea also has experience in handling traditional labor matters, including arbitrations regarding issues arising under collective bargaining agreements and advising clients on union-related issues.
Chelsea has extensive experience litigating employment matters on behalf of clients in the retail, manufacturing, entertainment, distribution, food service, health care, and technology industries, including single-plaintiff discrimination, wage and hour, harassment, and wrongful termination matters, as well as class actions. Chelsea also has experience in handling traditional labor matters, including arbitrations regarding issues arising under collective bargaining agreements and advising clients on union-related issues.
- JD, University of Texas School of Law
With honors
- BA, University of Texas, Austin
With high honors
- California
- US Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
- US District Court, Central District of California
- US District Court, Eastern District of California
- US District Court, Northern District of California
- US District Court, Southern District of California
- US District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee
- US District Court, Middle District of Tennessee
- US District Court, Western District of Tennessee
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Webinar Recording: Developing and Maintaining a Multi-State Employee Handbook: Best Practices and Updates for 2024
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Webinar Recording: A Special Multi-Part Series: Guidance on State and Local Paid Sick Leave Laws — Part 11: A Decade of Paid Sick Leave Law Change
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- Recognized as a Recommended Attorney for Labor and employment - Workplace and employment counseling by The Legal 500 (Legalese Ltd.) (2016-2020)
- Co-Contributor, Premium Paid Family Leave (“PFL”) Laws Survey, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 15, 2020)
- Chapter Monitor for Chapter 13 - Disability in the Employment Discrimination Law Fourth Edition 2010 Cumulative Supplement
- Senior Editor of California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog 2013-present
- Editor, "CA Paid Sick Leave Update: Labor Commissioner Issues FAQs," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 2, 2014)
- Editor, "Gobble, Gobble … When Providing Employees With Food, Is There Such A Thing As A Free Lunch?" California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (November 13, 2014)
- Editor, "When it comes to paying final wages, ti-i-i-ime is NOT on your side: A Refresher on Labor Code 203," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 29, 2014)
- Editor, "When Do Employers Get a Break From Meal Period Rules?" California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 8, 2014)
- Editor, "Vacation: No Pay for My Time Off? Exploring the Nuances of Unlimited or No Paid Time Policies," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 20, 2014)
- Editor, "Time to Revisit Your Pay Stubs?" California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 23, 2014)
- Editor, "Avoid the Summer Heat! Sweat the Details of California’s “Cool-Down” Periods and Avoid the Burn of Wage and Hour Class Litigation," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 16, 2014)
- Editor, "After Iskanian, What’s Next For Defending PAGA Actions?" California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 10, 2014)
- Editor, "Northern District of California Judge Rules DFEH Does Not Have the Authority to Prosecute Violations of Title I of the Americans With Disabilities Act," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 17, 2014)
- Editor, "When Hitting the Road is Hitting your Pocketbook: Travel Time Rules in California," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 4, 2014)
- Editor, "On Call vs. On Duty: I’m About to Lose Control and I Think I Like It!" California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (May 28, 2014)
- Editor, "The WORST Former Employee Just Got Unemployment Benefits – Should I Appeal?" California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 23, 2014)
- Editor, "Cal/OSHA Considers Changes to Its Policy on “Repeat” Violations — With Significant Implications for Employers," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 16, 2014)
- Editor, "Wait — If I Want To Appeal, I Have To Come Up With How Much How Fast?" California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 9, 2014)
- Editor, "Dealing with CA Agencies Blog Series – DFEH 2.0: How to Deal with the Rebooted DFEH," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 2, 2014)
- Editor, "Navigating San Francisco City Ordinances," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 19, 2014)
- Editor, "Asking About Criminal History and Conducting Background Checks (“Ban the Box”)," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 26, 2014)
- Editor, "San Francisco Clarifies That Family Friendly Workplace Ordinance Applies To San Francisco Employees Working For Employers With 20 Or More Employees Worldwide," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 21, 2014)
- "The FEHC’s Last Stand: Commission Rides Off Into The Sunset After Wrangling The New Disability Regulations," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog (March 2013)
- "What To Expect When Your Employees Are Expecting: The New Pregnancy Disability Regulations (Part Two)," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog (February 2013)
- "What To Expect When Your Employees Are Expecting: The New Pregnancy Disability Leave Regulations Are Not Necessarily A Bundle Of Joy For Employers (Part One)," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog (February 2013)
- Co-Presenter, "A Special Multi-Part Series: Guidance on State and Local Paid Sick Leave Laws — Part 12: Major Changes in California, Minnesota, Illinois, and Chicago Lead Us Into 2024," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 13, 2023)
- Co-Presenter, "Developing and Maintaining a Multi-State Employee Handbook: Best Practices and Updates for 2024," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 26, 2023)
- Co-Presenter, "A Special Multi-Part Series: Guidance on State and Local Paid Sick Leave Laws — Part 11: A Decade of Paid Sick Leave Law Change," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 25, 2023)
- Co-Presenter, "A New Standard: The NLRB Resets the Table for Handbooks and Policies with Cemex and Stericycle," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 19, 2023)
- Co-Presenter, "Multi-State Handbook Updates for 2023 and Beyond: What to Look Out for and Why it Matters," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 27, 2022)
- Speaker, Take It or Leave It Podcast: Episode 6: Best Practices and Legal Considerations for Unlimited Paid Time Off Policies in the U.S., Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 8, 2022)
- Co-Presenter, "Developing and Maintaining an Employee Handbook and Addenda for Every State: How Seyfarth is Making it Possible and Cost Efficient for Employers," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (November 18, 2021)
- Co-Presenter, "The Future of the World of Work—Legal Implications, Issues, and Leadership Opportunities," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 13, 2021)
- Speaker, Point Two L&E Nation Podcast, A Tribute to David Kadue, Architect of Seyfarth's California Peculiarities Publication, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (September 21, 2021)
- Speaker, Point Two L&E Nation Podcast, Child-Free Leaves - Yes Please! Part 1 & 2, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August, 11, 2021)
- Co-Presenter, "Guidance on State and Local Paid Family Leave Laws – Part II: Spotlighting California, Colorado, New Jersey, New York and Oregon Paid Family Leave Developments," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 9, 2021)
- Co-Presenter, "2020 California Legislative Update: New Challenges for Employers," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw (October 15, 2020)
- "The 2018 Edition of Cal-Peculiarities Has Arrived!," Webinar, presented by Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 17, 2018)
- "New California FEHA Regs Effective 4/1/16: Update Policies & Training Now," Webinar, presented by Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 30, 2016)
Chelsea has extensive experience partnering with clients to advise on their workplace-related decisions and a wide range of other employment matters.
More About Chelsea
Chelsea's practice focuses on advising employers concerning various employment-related issues, including compliance with California and federal anti-discrimination, anti-harassment and leave laws, and other human resources practices, as well as negotiating and documenting employment and severance agreements. Chelsea also counsels clients on their employment policies, and performs trainings on all aspects of employment conduct, including California-mandated sexual harassment training, discrimination training, and training on the interplay of the Americans with Disability Act with state and federal leave laws. In addition, Chelsea advises employers on hiring and termination decisions, including those where federal and state WARN requirements are triggered, and handling performance deficiencies and evaluations.
Chelsea has extensive experience litigating employment matters on behalf of clients in the retail, manufacturing, entertainment, distribution, food service, health care, and technology industries, including single-plaintiff discrimination, wage and hour, harassment, and wrongful termination matters, as well as class actions. Chelsea also has experience in handling traditional labor matters, including arbitrations regarding issues arising under collective bargaining agreements and advising clients on union-related issues.
Chelsea has extensive experience litigating employment matters on behalf of clients in the retail, manufacturing, entertainment, distribution, food service, health care, and technology industries, including single-plaintiff discrimination, wage and hour, harassment, and wrongful termination matters, as well as class actions. Chelsea also has experience in handling traditional labor matters, including arbitrations regarding issues arising under collective bargaining agreements and advising clients on union-related issues.
- JD, University of Texas School of Law
With honors
- BA, University of Texas, Austin
With high honors
- California
- US Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
- US District Court, Central District of California
- US District Court, Eastern District of California
- US District Court, Northern District of California
- US District Court, Southern District of California
- US District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee
- US District Court, Middle District of Tennessee
- US District Court, Western District of Tennessee
Related Key Industries
Blogs
Related News & Insights
-
Webinar
Dec 13, 2023
Webinar Recording: A Special Multi-Part Series: Guidance on State and Local Paid Sick Leave Laws — Part 12: Major Changes in California, Minnesota, Illinois, and Chicago Lead Us Into 2024
-
Webinar
Oct 26, 2023
Webinar Recording: Developing and Maintaining a Multi-State Employee Handbook: Best Practices and Updates for 2024
-
Webinar
Oct 25, 2023
Webinar Recording: A Special Multi-Part Series: Guidance on State and Local Paid Sick Leave Laws — Part 11: A Decade of Paid Sick Leave Law Change
-
Webinar
Oct 19, 2023
Webinar Recording: A New Standard: The NLRB Resets the Table for Handbooks and Policies with Cemex and Stericycle
- Recognized as a Recommended Attorney for Labor and employment - Workplace and employment counseling by The Legal 500 (Legalese Ltd.) (2016-2020)
- Co-Contributor, Premium Paid Family Leave (“PFL”) Laws Survey, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 15, 2020)
- Chapter Monitor for Chapter 13 - Disability in the Employment Discrimination Law Fourth Edition 2010 Cumulative Supplement
- Senior Editor of California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog 2013-present
- Editor, "CA Paid Sick Leave Update: Labor Commissioner Issues FAQs," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 2, 2014)
- Editor, "Gobble, Gobble … When Providing Employees With Food, Is There Such A Thing As A Free Lunch?" California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (November 13, 2014)
- Editor, "When it comes to paying final wages, ti-i-i-ime is NOT on your side: A Refresher on Labor Code 203," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 29, 2014)
- Editor, "When Do Employers Get a Break From Meal Period Rules?" California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 8, 2014)
- Editor, "Vacation: No Pay for My Time Off? Exploring the Nuances of Unlimited or No Paid Time Policies," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 20, 2014)
- Editor, "Time to Revisit Your Pay Stubs?" California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 23, 2014)
- Editor, "Avoid the Summer Heat! Sweat the Details of California’s “Cool-Down” Periods and Avoid the Burn of Wage and Hour Class Litigation," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 16, 2014)
- Editor, "After Iskanian, What’s Next For Defending PAGA Actions?" California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 10, 2014)
- Editor, "Northern District of California Judge Rules DFEH Does Not Have the Authority to Prosecute Violations of Title I of the Americans With Disabilities Act," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 17, 2014)
- Editor, "When Hitting the Road is Hitting your Pocketbook: Travel Time Rules in California," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 4, 2014)
- Editor, "On Call vs. On Duty: I’m About to Lose Control and I Think I Like It!" California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (May 28, 2014)
- Editor, "The WORST Former Employee Just Got Unemployment Benefits – Should I Appeal?" California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 23, 2014)
- Editor, "Cal/OSHA Considers Changes to Its Policy on “Repeat” Violations — With Significant Implications for Employers," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 16, 2014)
- Editor, "Wait — If I Want To Appeal, I Have To Come Up With How Much How Fast?" California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 9, 2014)
- Editor, "Dealing with CA Agencies Blog Series – DFEH 2.0: How to Deal with the Rebooted DFEH," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 2, 2014)
- Editor, "Navigating San Francisco City Ordinances," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 19, 2014)
- Editor, "Asking About Criminal History and Conducting Background Checks (“Ban the Box”)," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 26, 2014)
- Editor, "San Francisco Clarifies That Family Friendly Workplace Ordinance Applies To San Francisco Employees Working For Employers With 20 Or More Employees Worldwide," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 21, 2014)
- "The FEHC’s Last Stand: Commission Rides Off Into The Sunset After Wrangling The New Disability Regulations," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog (March 2013)
- "What To Expect When Your Employees Are Expecting: The New Pregnancy Disability Regulations (Part Two)," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog (February 2013)
- "What To Expect When Your Employees Are Expecting: The New Pregnancy Disability Leave Regulations Are Not Necessarily A Bundle Of Joy For Employers (Part One)," California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog (February 2013)
- Co-Presenter, "A Special Multi-Part Series: Guidance on State and Local Paid Sick Leave Laws — Part 12: Major Changes in California, Minnesota, Illinois, and Chicago Lead Us Into 2024," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 13, 2023)
- Co-Presenter, "Developing and Maintaining a Multi-State Employee Handbook: Best Practices and Updates for 2024," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 26, 2023)
- Co-Presenter, "A Special Multi-Part Series: Guidance on State and Local Paid Sick Leave Laws — Part 11: A Decade of Paid Sick Leave Law Change," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 25, 2023)
- Co-Presenter, "A New Standard: The NLRB Resets the Table for Handbooks and Policies with Cemex and Stericycle," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 19, 2023)
- Co-Presenter, "Multi-State Handbook Updates for 2023 and Beyond: What to Look Out for and Why it Matters," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 27, 2022)
- Speaker, Take It or Leave It Podcast: Episode 6: Best Practices and Legal Considerations for Unlimited Paid Time Off Policies in the U.S., Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 8, 2022)
- Co-Presenter, "Developing and Maintaining an Employee Handbook and Addenda for Every State: How Seyfarth is Making it Possible and Cost Efficient for Employers," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (November 18, 2021)
- Co-Presenter, "The Future of the World of Work—Legal Implications, Issues, and Leadership Opportunities," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 13, 2021)
- Speaker, Point Two L&E Nation Podcast, A Tribute to David Kadue, Architect of Seyfarth's California Peculiarities Publication, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (September 21, 2021)
- Speaker, Point Two L&E Nation Podcast, Child-Free Leaves - Yes Please! Part 1 & 2, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August, 11, 2021)
- Co-Presenter, "Guidance on State and Local Paid Family Leave Laws – Part II: Spotlighting California, Colorado, New Jersey, New York and Oregon Paid Family Leave Developments," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 9, 2021)
- Co-Presenter, "2020 California Legislative Update: New Challenges for Employers," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw (October 15, 2020)
- "The 2018 Edition of Cal-Peculiarities Has Arrived!," Webinar, presented by Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 17, 2018)
- "New California FEHA Regs Effective 4/1/16: Update Policies & Training Now," Webinar, presented by Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 30, 2016)