Who We Are
We Are Client-Focused & Dedicated Attorneys
The heart and soul of Sanford Heisler Sharp is our team of dedicated, passionate attorneys, committed to representing the rights of individuals and groups who have been mistreated by powerful entities. Our firm and attorneys have been consistently recognized by the national media and respected legal organizations for as a leading civil rights and employee-side civil litigation firm. But our most important accolades come from our clients and their gratitude for the advocacy, skilled representation, and results we achieved on their behalf.
We Are Fearless Litigators In The Pursuit of Social Justice
Our attorneys take on high-profile civil rights and employment rights cases. We litigate class actions involving workplace discrimination and harassment based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation/gender identity, and disability. We hold companies accountable for wage and hour violations. We guide whistleblowers through the process of submitting their claims and obtaining significant awards. We represent hard-working employees who have been victimized by mismanagement of their 401(k) retirement plans, as well as C-suite executives who have been treated unfairly by their companies. And we help victims of sexual assault and sexual abuse find a measure of justice through the civil court system.
In all of these areas, we have successfully litigated cases involving some of the country’s largest and most powerful institutions, from major universities to Fortune 500 companies and BigLaw firms.
We are proud that the diversity of our firm reflects the diversity of the society we serve and seek to improve. Over half of the attorneys at our firm are women and 41% are people of color, bringing unique backgrounds and perspectives. Our legal team takes the time to get to know our clients and their situations so we can best represent and support each individual with the civility, respect, integrity and professionalism that they deserve. This client advocacy extends to our attorneys’ pro bono work in a wide variety of social justice matters. We have a history of using our experience and skill to fight for those who may not have a voice otherwise, and need the support of resourceful, committed attorneys to take up their cause.
We Are Making A Difference Nationwide
Sanford Heisler Sharp has seven law offices located strategically across the country, with attorneys who can practice in every jurisdiction in the U.S. to better serve our clients and pursue the justice they deserve. We proudly offer cutting edge and creative legal counsel that allows us to push the law in new directions and fiercely advocate for our clients’ best interests. The litigation we pursue has led to significant reform in the workplace, with the goal of improving the lives of employees today and in the future.
Our Firm’s 20th Anniversary (2004-2024)
This year marks Sanford Heisler Sharp’s 20th Anniversary. While the firm was founded by two partners – David Sanford and Jeremy Heisler — we now have 24 partners and more than 100 employees overall. In celebration of our Anniversary, each of our Partners have been asked to reflect on the firm reaching this milestone and their role in it. To read these unique perspectives and gain greater insight into Sanford Heisler Sharp, click here.
David Sanford
They have given me some closure for the first time in over five years.
“I was fighting on my own before I began working with Christine and her team [ Nicole Wiitala , and Shaun Rosenthal ]. When she took on my case, I was able to graduate college and …”
– Former Client
Forever indebted to them
“The firm, particularly Deborah Marcuse, treated me with kindness as well as the best expert guidance. Forever indebted to them.”
– Suzy Reingold
I will always be grateful
“This Firm has proven again and again it has the necessary talent, experience, intelligence, creativity, and resources to represent workers and whistleblowers successfully against even the country’s largest employers.”
– Lorene Schaefer, Esq., President of WinWinResolve.com and Former GC of GE Transportation
Superb intelligence and deep care for my best interest
“Collectively the SHS team represented the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and passionate care for justice that I have ever witnessed in my career.”
– David Chen, a Former Client
Reassuring and confident.
“Everyone I interacted with at Sanford Heisler Sharp was not only accomplished and brilliant at what they do, but also good people with good values.”
– Former Client
Kindness and compassion.
“Each member of the Sanford Heisler Sharp team shows ultimate professionalism, mastery of the law, unwavering dedication to the clients and passion for the cause. And most important to me, kindness and compassion.”
– Former Client Donna Kassman, Lead Plaintiff in KPMG Gender Discrimination Class Action
Achieve great results.
“As an attorney on the defense side, I can say there is simply no one better than Sanford Heisler Sharp. That view is shared by defense attorneys around the country. They outwork the other side, master the law and facts, and achieve great results.”
– Maria Hallas, Attorney and Journalist
Remarkable knowledge and skill.
“Sanford Heisler Sharp have taken the pharmaceutical industry by storm. They are shattering the glass ceiling imposed on women by pharma’s old boys’ club.”
– Jacqueline Pena, Lead Plaintiff in The Class Action Wellens v. Daiichi
Making a Difference in the World for the Betterment of Working Women’s Rights.
“I deeply appreciated not only [the Firm’s] astute legal counsel, but also the understanding and human touch they used at every turn. . . . As a lawyer myself, I felt privileged to have gotten the chance to work with them.”
– Female Law Partner
Champion for Workplace Gender Equality.
“I contacted SHS because it has a stellar reputation as a champion for workplace gender equality. That reputation is well-deserved; SHS is a deft negotiator, a voracious advocate, and – most importantly – knows how to get results.”
– Former Client and VP of a Major Technology Company
Wonderful Human Beings.
“The team at Sanford Heisler consists of great people who are not only very skillful in the legal domain, but are also wonderful human beings with the highest degree of empathy for their clients.”
– A Female Director in a Tech Company
You are all phenomenal.
“Thank you again to you all for representing me on this matter. You are all phenomenal. I am very grateful for your knowledge, professionalism and compassion.”
– Big Law Attorney
Our Firm’s Case Results
Achieving Precedent-Setting Verdicts and Settlements
$253 Million Settlement
Gender Discrimination Verdict Against Pharma Company
Sanford Heisler Sharp achieved the largest jury verdict in U.S. history in an employment discrimination case. A jury awarded $253 million after finding the pharmaceutical giant liable for gender discrimination in pay, promotions, and relating to pregnancy. The case benefited over 7,000 female pharmaceutical representatives.
$99 Million Settlement
Overtime Settlement Against Pharma Company
Sanford Heisler Sharp brought a major wage and hour class and collective action lawsuit alleging that Novartis misclassified its pharmaceutical representatives and failed to pay them overtime that they were owed. Sanford Heisler Sharp negotiated a $99 million settlement which resulted in over 7,000 sales reps receiving settlement payments.
$3.3 Million Verdict
Title IX Wrongful Termination Case
Sanford Heisler Sharp achieved the largest known jury verdict and monetary award in a Title IX case in U.S. history. Sanford Heisler Sharp represented women’s basketball coach Beth Burns, who was terminated by San Diego State University after she raised complaints about gender equity in athletics. A jury awarded over $3.3 million in damages following a four-week trial.
A Distinguished & Nationally Recognized Law Firm in Employee Law and Civil Rights
