Kristine Kwong is a partner in downtown-based Musick, Peeler & Grant’s main office.
Having joined the firm in 2010, Kwong’s labor and employment practice representing employers has grown to include contract negotiations, covenants and noncompete agreements, due diligence for mergers and acquisitions and litigation. Through her work, she has been involved in negotiations with unions include Teamsters, Service Employees International Union, California Teachers Association, California School Employees Association and San Bernardino Public Employees Association.
Previously a member of city commissions in South Pasadena, Kwong was elected to the Pasadena City College Board of Trustees in 2022.
Tell me about your labor and employment practice and how you built it.
I represent private and public sector employers, including institutions of higher education, in all aspects of employment law, including wage and hour, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, accommodations and trade secrets matters. My work includes both litigation and counseling. I engage in active marketing and speak at a variety of industry events. I believe that building a practice starts with good legal work, understanding the client’s needs, and being a thoughtful in understanding the client’s problems and why they are asking for help.
What’s a signature legal victory for you?
Last year, I tried an accommodation/disability case and although the judgment was for the plaintiff, the amount was very low and the concern of an appeal and motion for a new trial motivated the opposing party to enter into settlement discussions after the jury rendered its verdict. The case resolved for a reasonable amount after the trial.
Conversely, is there a loss that was nevertheless formative for your career?
Yes. In this area of law, losses do occur. I’ve learned that juries and opposing parties see your cases from a completely different lens. It is important to assess the case from several angles and analyze the strengths of each perspective.
What’s it like to work labor and employment in a state like California?
I used to work for a Chicago-based firm and was exposed to employment issues outside of California. I’ve also had to deal with employment issues in different states. California is a different landscape with more legislation regulating the workplace than in other parts of the county.
What has kept you busy so far this year?
Litigation, especially increases in wage and hour litigation, along with arbitration matters.
In the sense that rising operating costs can result in cutbacks, do you anticipate the Trump Administration’s tariffs to add your workload at all?
Anytime there is a change in the economy, it will affect the workforce, and tariffs are no different. Whether there is expansion, reductions in force or terminations, the landscape of employment is always busy and to minimize risk, entities seek us for more counseling to prevent litigation.
What are unique challenges to the labor and employment landscape in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is a fast and dynamic landscape for employment law. The diversity of the jury pool and types of claims makes it challenging, along with the variety of judges that hear our cases.
How has your firm empowered your career and practice?
My firm has been extremely supportive of my career and practice. The firm is depth of resources in terms of the experience of the attorneys and provides sufficient support for me to not only represent our clients well but to also expand and become involved and represent the firm in the community.
