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Peter O. Glaessner

Partner

Peter Glaessner, a founding partner of the firm, manages the firm’s labor and employment practice group. He represents both public and private sector clients in a wide variety of complex labor and employment matters. His 40 years of practice devoted to California employment law blends his trial experience defending employers before federal, state and administrative agencies, while providing day to day advice and counseling to management clients.

Mr. Glaessner’s clients include many public and private schools and religious organizations.  He has developed a special expertise in First Amendment and statutory law related to freedom of speech and religion. He is also retained to conduct fact-finding investigations concerning risk management and employment exposures for businesses and public entities. He is also well-versed in insurance coverage, and represents retail and wholesale insurance brokers in professional liability matters.

  • Education

    • University of California, Los Angeles, B.A., with honors, 1977
    • University of San Diego, J.D., with high honors, 1980

  • Admissions

    • State Bar of California
    • United States District Court for the Northern District of California
    • United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
    • United States District Court for the Central District of California
    • United States District Court for the Southern District of California

  • Affiliations

    • Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada
      • Member
      • Board of Directors, 1997-2007
      • President, 2006
    • Defense Research Institute
      • Member, Employment Law Section
    • Association of Workplace Investigators
      • Member, 2014-Present
    • National Diocesan Attorneys Association
      • Member, 2015-Present
    • California Defense Counsel
      • Member
      • Board of Directors, 2004-Present
      • President, 2011
    • Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel
      • Member, 2003-Present
      • Amicus Committee Vice-Chair, 2009-2023
    • State of California Judicial Council
      • Member, Civil & Small Claims Advisory Committee, 2009-2016

  • Representative Cases

    625 3rd Street v. Liquidating Agent for Kaiperm Federal Credit Union – USDC, Northern District of California (2010)
    Fraud action arising from real estate sale and leaseback transaction. Two week jury verdict at 10% of final pre-trial demand and denying rescission.

    Doe v. Randleston – San Francisco County Superior Court (2008)
    Adult on child sexual molestation alleged at pre-school. Two week jury trial resulting in defense verdict for alleged perpetrator.

    Condon v. Roman Catholic Bishop of Oakland – Alameda County Superior Court (2007)
    Personal injury lawsuit involving elderly woman and severe hip fracture injuries. Two week jury trial resulting in defense verdict.

    Van Vugt v. Saint Mary’s College – Contra Costa County Superior Court (1999)
    Denial of tenure to college professor alleging sexual orientation discrimination. Pre-trial dismissal of all claims.

    Hardin v. City of Concord – USDC, Northern District of California (1994, 1996)
    Mayor and council member sued for sexual harassment, resulting in alleged forced resignation of City Manager. Six week jury trial resulting in defense verdict on all claims, followed by seven week retrial of all claims resulting in five figure jury verdict against client.

  • Speaking Engagements

    • Trial by Jury – Jury Selection, Bar Association of San Francisco, May & October 2024
    • How Public Agencies Should Deal with Elected Officials Behaving Badly, California Association of Parks and Recreation District (CARPD), May 2024
    • How Public Agencies Should Deal with Elected Officials Behaving Badly, Public Agency Risk Managers Association (PARMA), February 2024
    • How Public Agencies Should Deal with Elected Officials Behaving Badly, California Association for Park and Recreation Indemnity (CAPRI), February 2024
    • Workplace Investigations – Doing It Right, AGHW Annual Seminar, 2017
    • Moderator, Disability Discrimination – It’s (Now) a Family Affair, California Association of Joint Power Authorities (CAJPA), 2017
    • Hey, You, Get Out of My Cloud! Workplace Investigations in the Age of Social Media, AGHW Annual Seminar, 2015
    • Accommodating Employees with Health Disease Under the ADA, AGHW Annual Seminar, 2014
    • Panelist, California’s New E-Discovery Laws, Santa Clara County Bar Association, 2009
    • Panelist, California’s New E-Discovery Laws, Association of Defense Counsel Annual Meeting, 2009
    • Moderator, Managing Employees with Suspected Alcohol and Substance Problems, Association of Defense Counsel, 2004
    • Panelist, Avoiding of Professional Errors & Omissions, Western Association of Insurance Brokers, 1992-1993

  • Recognitions

    • Martindale Hubbell (Preeminent Rating)
    • Northern California Super Lawyer, 2004 – 2023