Attorney Bio

Karin Backstrom

Karin Backstrom is a highly experienced employment attorney with more than 26 years of representing employers in complex workplace and labor law matters. She began her legal career at nationally recognized law firms including Littler Mendelson and Sheppard Mullin, where she represented employers before agencies such as the EEOC, DOL, DLSE, EDD, and DFEH, as well as in state and federal courts. Over the course of her career, Karin has successfully litigated more than 300 employment cases and continues to provide practical legal guidance to businesses of all sizes.

Karin works closely with employers on matters involving wage and hour compliance, wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, harassment prevention, disability accommodation, employee leave laws, workplace investigations, labor relations, and regulatory compliance. She is known for providing proactive solutions that help businesses reduce risk, strengthen workplace policies, and effectively manage employee relations while maintaining legal compliance.

Karin conducts training programs for employers and management teams on sexual harassment prevention, workplace communication, diversity, social media policies, internal investigations, disability management, and wage and hour compliance. She also teaches courses for the Human Resources Certification Institute and regularly speaks at HR and risk management conferences.

She drafts employee handbooks, employment contracts, severance agreements, trade secret agreements, stock option agreements, buy-sell agreements, and workplace policies designed to protect businesses and maintain compliance with state and federal employment laws.

Karin advises employers on employee discipline, executive performance management, restructuring, layoffs, rightsizing, collective bargaining, contract negotiations, workplace safety, and employee leave management including FMLA, CFRA, ADA, PDL, and workers’ compensation matters.

A proud graduate of University of California, Los Angeles, Karin earned her law degree cum laude from University of San Diego School of Law. She currently serves on the Diversity Committee for the law school’s Alumni Board of Directors.

Karin actively supports community organizations focused on increasing diversity in education and employment opportunities. She also volunteers with programs that assist youth facing housing and food insecurity.

Years of Experience
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Cases Litigated
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Success Ratio
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Policies Drafted
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Why Employers Trust Our Counsel

Employer-Only Focus

We represent employers exclusively, providing clear and conflict-free legal strategy.

Proven Litigation Experience

Over 300 employment matters successfully defended in state and federal courts.

Practical Business Counsel

Legal advice designed to protect operations, not just win arguments.

Proactive Compliance Strategy

Preventative guidance that reduces disputes before they arise.

A Career Built on Employer Advocacy

National Employment Firms

Began career at Littler Mendelson and Sheppard Mullin representing employers nationwide.

National Employment Firms

Began career at Littler Mendelson and Sheppard Mullin representing employers nationwide.

National Employment Firms

Began career at Littler Mendelson and Sheppard Mullin representing employers nationwide.

National Employment Firms

Began career at Littler Mendelson and Sheppard Mullin representing employers nationwide.

Trusted by Employers Across California

Employers rely on our practical guidance, strategic insight, and consistent commitment to protecting their business interests.

4.8

(Based on verified client reviews)

Employer-focused representation
Practical legal guidance
Consistent professional service

Karin provided clear, strategic advice that helped us navigate a complex employment matter with confidence. From the initial consultation through resolution, she was responsive, thorough, and focused on protecting our business interests. Her ability to explain legal risks in practical terms made it easier for our leadership team to make informed decisions. We appreciated her proactive approach and strong litigation experience, which ultimately positioned us for a successful outcome. We would not hesitate to work with her again.

Benjema Hardi California Employer

Karin provided clear, strategic advice that helped us navigate a complex employment matter with confidence. From the initial consultation through resolution, she was responsive, thorough, and focused on protecting our business interests. Her ability to explain legal risks in practical terms made it easier for our leadership team to make informed decisions. We appreciated her proactive approach and strong litigation experience, which ultimately positioned us for a successful outcome. We would not hesitate to work with her again.

Benjema Hardi California Employer

Karin provided clear, strategic advice that helped us navigate a complex employment matter with confidence. From the initial consultation through resolution, she was responsive, thorough, and focused on protecting our business interests. Her ability to explain legal risks in practical terms made it easier for our leadership team to make informed decisions. We appreciated her proactive approach and strong litigation experience, which ultimately positioned us for a successful outcome. We would not hesitate to work with her again.

Benjema Hardi California Employer

Karin provided clear, strategic advice that helped us navigate a complex employment matter with confidence. From the initial consultation through resolution, she was responsive, thorough, and focused on protecting our business interests. Her ability to explain legal risks in practical terms made it easier for our leadership team to make informed decisions. We appreciated her proactive approach and strong litigation experience, which ultimately positioned us for a successful outcome. We would not hesitate to work with her again.

Benjema Hardi California Employer

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