Edward C. Thoits
ethoits@hmglaw.com
(805) 962-0524
(805) 690-1046 (direct)

   Experience/Personal
           Ed has been practicing law in Santa Barbara for over 25 years. His practice is devoted exclusively to helping business owners, executives and human resource professionals find solutions to employment law problems, including wrongful termination claims, overtime disputes, discrimination complaints, and leaves of absence. Ed emphasizes a proactive approach to employment issues, helping clients educate themselves on legal requirements, assess options, and effectively resolve employment problems before they develop into major conflicts. In those instances when litigation arises, Ed assists clients with aggressively, but constructively, defending such claims, and has represented employers successfully in numerous civil lawsuits, agency filings, and mediations. Ed also regularly assists employers with in-house training needs, is a frequent speaker on employment law issues, and has been an instructor on employment law for UCSB Extension for over ten years.

            Ed is a fourth generation Californian, born and raised in the Palo Alto area. He attended Stanford University, where he received his BA, with distinction. He earned his law degree at UCLA, where he was awarded the Order of the Coif. Ed began his legal career at the law firm of Schramm Raddue, where he was partners with Joe Howell, Ed Moore and Brian Gough. In 1996, Ed moved his practice to Mullen & Henzell, where he was a partner for 13 years, the senior member of the firm’s Employment Law Group and Chair of the firm’s Litigation Department for several years.

Education
Stanford University (B.A. 1980), with distinction
University of California at Los Angeles (J.D. 1984), Order of the Coif

Memberships-Legal
State Bar of California (1984)
Employment Law Section State Bar of California
Santa Barbara County Bar Association
SHRM

Community Activities/Positions:
South Coast Business & Technology Awards – Steering Committee
University of California at Santa Barbara Extension – Instructor on Employment Law