Chrisanne M. Gultz
Arizona
The Cavanagh Law Firm, P.A.
1850 North Central Avenue
Suite 1900
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Tel: (602) 322-4012
Email:
cgultz@cavanaghlaw.com
Web:
www.cavanaghlaw.com
Chrisanne Gultz is a Member in the Phoenix office of The Cavanagh Law Firm, P.A., a leading Arizona based law firm with offices in Phoenix and Sun City.
Chrisanne focuses on employment litigation in federal and state courts, including claims of discrimination, retaliation, and harassment. Ms. Gultz also handles charges brought against employers in federal and state agencies, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Civil Rights Division of the Arizona Attorney General’s Office (ACRD).
Ms. Gultz has experience in all phases of litigation, from case inception through discovery and trial. She has tried two federal jury trials, one superior court jury trial, and multiple bench trials as second chair counsel and an evidentiary hearing as first chair counsel. Although she is unafraid to take cases to trial, Ms. Gultz also keeps her clients out of court by securing nominal settlements and preventing potential claims. She regularly counsels employers in a variety of industries on compliance with federal and state labor and employment law, conducts internal investigations, and drafts employee handbooks.
Representative Experience
- Second-chaired an 8-day trial in gender discrimination and defamation case in District Court of Arizona resulting in defense verdict.
- Obtained summary judgment in District Court of Arizona on all claims by former employee alleging sexual harassment and retaliation.
- Negotiated nominal settlement on behalf of employer in a claim alleging pregnancy discrimination.
Bar Admissions
- Arizona, 2018
- U.S. District Court District of Arizona, 2019
- U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 2023
Honors, Awards & Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch, 2023, Labor and Employment Law – Management and Litigation – Labor and Employment
- Southwest Super Lawyers Rising Stars in Employment and Labor, 2022
- PHOENIX Magazine Top Lawyers in Labor and Employment Law, 2022
The firm’s employments attorneys assist clients in the following areas:
- Employment-related risk management: Our lawyers work proactively to minimize risks, providing detailed recommendations on ways to avoid costly employment claims through carefully constructed employment agreements, employment policies, and personnel trainings. They help employers address medical marijuana issues that arise under the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act as well as other drug and medication concerns in the workplace. Our team negotiates, drafts, and reviews important employment agreements such as:
- Employee handbooks
- Compensation agreements
- Employment contracts
- Independent contractor agreements
- Confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements
- Noncompete / nonsolicitation agreements
- Severance and termination agreements
- Employer-sponsored retirement plans: Our lawyers advise employers on plans involving the Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), providing guidance on plan design, compliance, and management, and audits by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA).
- Privacy and cybersecurity: Our attorneys advise employers on privacy and cybersecurity issues, counseling them on best practices for:
- Employee computer, internet, or cellphone usage
- Social media postings
- Employment-related document retention
- Security measures for storing employees’ personal identifying information
- Data breach prevention and response strategies
- Employment leave law: Our lawyers counsel employers on a variety of employee leave issues that may arise under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Arizona sick leave law
- Mergers, acquisitions, and layoffs: Our team advises employers on common labor and employment law issues that arise in merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions, such as due diligence review or production. It also provides guidance on layoffs that may implicate the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN Act).
- Employee misconduct: Our attorneys conduct thorough and detailed investigations into employee misconduct involving allegations of embezzlement, misappropriation of trade secrets, harassment, discrimination, and the like. They advise employers on the appropriate courses of action following the results of such investigations.
A cornerstone of the firm’s practice is providing strategic legal guidance for businesses and entrepreneurs, from small start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. The team apply their knowledge and experience in many intersecting areas of law to address the myriad legal challenges that impact the success of any business, from tax considerations to employment issues and more. They have represented clients in more than 40 different industries, illustrating the range and depth of the firm’s experience.
Many of the firm’s attorneys have earned professional achievements for their diligence and legal skills. Several have been selected for inclusion in Arizona Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and other outlets for nationally recognized lawyers.
The lawyers at The Cavanagh Law Firm are passionate about helping clients overcome obstacles and navigate complex decisions from both legal and business mindsets. They excel at creating individualized strategies based on the unique vision and objectives of each client. In every client matter, the firm’s attorneys uphold a commitment to excellence.