Sandra L. "Sandy" McDonough

Sandy McDonough specializes in representing employers in all aspects of employment litigation, including wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, class action suits and union matters. She also regularly advises clients with regard to employment issues, including employee discipline, terminations, leaves of absence, and wage and hour violations.

Prior to joining Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton, Ms. McDonough represented public entities in litigation involving the Government Tort Claims Act, civil rights actions, constitutional violations and contract disputes. She also represented insurance carriers with regard to coverage opinions, bad faith actions and declaratory relief actions.

At Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton, Ms. McDonough has focused her practice in both the private and public sector, representing, among others, The Regents of the University of California, Bridgepoint Education, Rubio’s Restaurants, National University, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, HSBC Bank, and the Trustees of the California State University.

Ms. McDonough has a favorable history of obtaining dismissals at the initial pleading stage and through summary judgment, and has also obtained advantageous settlements in numerous matters, both within and outside the mediation process. She also has a favorable record in the appellate courts and significant experience representing large entities in matters brought to arbitration.

Ms. McDonough has served as an adjunct professor of the Pre-Trial Advocacy class at USC Law School, and was previously an assistant instructor for that course for seven years. In the course, Ms. McDonough taught law students such skills as successfully drafting and arguing motions, effective settlement techniques, and the art of depositions. In addition, Ms. McDonough has regularly taught masters-level students the legal aspects of human resources management at Webster University. She is also a frequent lecturer on employment law issues for industry and human resources groups. Finally, Ms. McDonough was a regular contributor to Matthew Bender’s publication entitled “California Labor and Employment Bulletin” for several years.