Poline Pourmorady

Poline Pourmorady defends employers against claims involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage and hour matters, including class and PAGA actions, in state and federal courts. In addition, Ms. Pourmorady provides strategic counseling to clients on employee leaves and accommodations, employment policies, and wage and hour compliance. Ms. Pourmorady’s clients span a wide range of industries, including technology, construction, education, transportation, and entertainment.

Ms. Pourmorady handles all phases of employment litigation, from initial pleadings through mediation, arbitration, and trial. She has experience drafting and arguing motions, including motions to compel arbitration, demurrers, and motions for summary judgment, and routinely takes and defends depositions of parties and witnesses. Ms. Pourmorady also second-chaired a seven-day arbitration proceeding. Her litigation practice also includes responding to administrative charges and appearing at evidentiary hearings before state and federal agencies, including the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE), and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

In her counseling practice, Ms. Pourmorady provides guidance on all aspects of the employment relationship, including onboarding procedures, employee leaves of absence, payroll and timekeeping practices, employment policies, and termination of the employment relationship.

Prior to joining Duane Morris, Ms. Pourmorady worked at a prominent employment defense firm, where she defended national clients in a variety of employment disputes. Ms. Pourmorady graduated from the University of San Diego School of Law. During law school, Ms. Pourmorady externed for the Honorable Anthony J. Battaglia in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California.