Michael Studenka, Jessica Garland, and Tara Dudum, PartnersNewmeyer Dillion is one firm breaking that mold. It surpasses standard legal counsel by fully investing in its clients’ businesses and offering litigation and transactional representation. Through hands-on training and ongoing communication with teams at all levels—from executives to front-line supervisors—the attorneys at the firm understand each client’s distinct goals and the strategies they envision for achieving them.
Newmeyer Dillion’s services extend far beyond responding to lawsuits. With a strong focus on proactive compliance, the firm takes pride in equipping clients with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate challenges confidently. A major component of this is training, both individualized sessions and quarterly HR University sessions that Newmeyer Dillion offers at no cost.
These training sessions are informed by real-world cases and evolve with clients, helping them stay ahead in the dynamic landscape of California employment law. This commitment to training fosters a collaborative environment where Newmeyer Dillion and its clients work together to anticipate challenges and develop strategies.
Another example of that training occurs through Newmeyer Dillion’s annual legislative update seminar during which the firm’s employment group reviews changes impacting the workplace that will take effect the following year. “We’re really trying to arm our clients with information in advance so they can be prepared,” says Tara Dudum, Partner at Newmeyer Dillion.
Newmeyer Dillion’s approach also centers around understanding its client’s goals—whether through an in-person meeting, a site inspection, or a boardroom session. By stepping into their clients’ environments, the attorneys observe real-time operations, interact with decision-makers, and align legal strategies with the client’s broader objectives. “We want to blend in and see what is happening on the ground in real time,” says Michael Studenka, Partner at Newmeyer Dillion.
As a former Marine Corps Judge Advocate, Studenka brings a laser focus to mission accomplishment. Recognizing that no two clients are the same, Studenka tailors his approach based on their specific “battle rhythm” or the pace and nature of their daily operations.
Newmeyer Dillion’s accessibility is a hallmark of its client-centric philosophy. This accessibility adds significant value, especially for HR professionals who need quick feedback or guidance. “Here’s what I’m thinking; what do you think?” Newmeyer Dillion is there to listen, offer insights, and guide clients—whether it’s during evenings, weekends, or early mornings. This round-the-clock support is what clients value most.
An excellent example of this approach is Newmeyer Dillion’s collaboration with a client whose business spans multiple industries— winery, hotel, retail, agriculture, and event management—each with unique employee dynamics and challenges. The company faced ongoing individual claims alongside emerging class action wage and hour cases. Addressing these required a deep immersion in their daily operations, observing and questioning processes at all levels, and discussions with front-line supervisors rather than just executives.
Instead of merely reviewing their compliance handbook, Newmeyer Dillion examined the impact of policies in real time, provided ongoing management training, and evaluated their technology for timekeeping. The firm identified key decisionmakers and areas where issues were frequent to determine whether additional training or changes in leadership were necessary to improve compliance.
We invest time in conducting a legislative review for the upcoming year to ensure our clients are fully prepared to implement and comply with new laws as they take effect
What sets Newmeyer Dillion apart is its cohesive approach to client service, ensuring the attorneys learn from each other’s experiences. Whether coordinating with the transactional team on an employment issue or consulting on a broader business strategy, the firm takes a unified approach. They share insights on what’s been effective in one case, flag potential issues for another, and discuss strategies that may be new.
“Our employment team, even across multiple offices, combines its collective expertise to provide the best possible advice and support to clients,” adds Jessica Garland, Partner at Newmeyer Dillion.
Partnering with a full-service law firm gives clients access to attorneys across various practice areas, providing a holistic approach to their needs. By looking beyond the immediate legal issue and considering the broader business context, Newmeyer Dillion ensures that every strategy aligns with the client’s overall goals—maximizing results and driving success.
