Matthew C. Sgnilek

Overview

Matt Sgnilek defends employers against the full spectrum of workplace litigation, inclusive of discrimination and harassment claims, wage and hour class, representative, and PAGA actions, ADA access, and trade secret disputes. His practice encompasses courtroom advocacy and strategic counseling, helping organizations navigate complex compliance challenges before they escalate into costly legal battles. Matt takes a methodical approach to risk mitigation, working proactively with clients to establish policies, procedures, and practices to minimize litigation risk and exposure.

Matt's litigation experience spans state and federal courts, arbitration proceedings, and administrative forums, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, California Civil Rights Department, and Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. Beyond the courtroom, Matt conducts workplace investigations and comprehensive workplace audits, where he examines employee classification and pay structures, and human resources protocols to identify and correct vulnerabilities before opposing counsel does.

He collaborates with management teams to develop training modules to ensure compliant policies align with compliant practices. Matt is also a sought-after speaker on varied employment law topics and actively involved with the Association of Corporate Counsel. His presentations cut through legal jargon to provide actionable guidance. Matt’s dual emphasis on litigation defense and compliance allows him to serve as both advocate and strategic advisor.

Publications & Speeches

Publications

• Author, “Working Remotely Yet Appropriately, Ensuring Employees Act Professionally Behind the Computer Screen,” Los Angeles Advertising Human Resources Professionals Magazine, Entertainment Human Resources Network Magazine, October 2021
• Author, “A Bit of Fore-WARNing Before Engaging in Mass Layoffs,” LA Entertainment HR Magazine, October 2019
• Author, “A Separation Agreement Primer,” LA Entertainment HR Magazine, August/September 2019
• Author, “What to Expect when an Employee is Expecting,” LA Entertainment HR Magazine, April 2019
• Author, “How to Choose? The Interplay Between the FMLA, CFRA, and ADA,” LA Entertainment HR Magazine, February 2019
• Author, “Coordinating Unlimited PTO With Extended Leaves of Absence Giving You a Headache? Careful Policy Drafting Is Your Cure,” LA Entertainment HR Magazine, November 2018

Speeches

• Speaker, “Harassment & Anti-Bullying Training,” EAC Seminar, September 2018

News

Professional

• Member, PIHRA-West Los Angeles, 2019-2020