Lara Shortz counsels management through their most complex employment matters—ranging from pivotal executive transitions to sensitive workplace issues and large-scale workforce changes—with decisive leadership, sharp strategic insight, and a pragmatic, solutions-driven mindset.

A formidable litigator and the firm’s Employment Advice, Counsel & Executive Disputes Chair, Lara has built a remarkable record of success in state and federal court. She regularly defends businesses in cases involving gender-based claims—such as pay equity and #MeToorelated actions—as well as wage and hour class and collective actions under PAGA. Her litigation experience also includes dozens of single-plaintiff claims involving discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. For many years, she led Michelman Robinson’s Labor & Employment Practice Group, and she remains a go-to lawyer for employment disputes that demand both strategic and sensitive handling.

Recognized multiple times by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the most influential women attorneys in the city, Lara’s advisory practice spans contract negotiations, restrictive covenants, WARN Act compliance, and workforce-related risk management across industries, including hospitality, gaming, and consumer products. She blends sharp legal judgment with a grounded understanding of business operations, helping organizations navigate pivotal moments with clarity and impact.

As Office Managing Partner in Los Angeles, Lara is a key architect of the firm’s growth and culture. She launched M&R’s ONE:LA initiative to drive lateral recruitment, professional development, community engagement, and internal retention—four pillars that continue to shape the firm’s presence in Southern California.

Lara’s leadership extends beyond her legal practice. She is a frequent speaker at industry events and remains active in civic and philanthropic initiatives, serving on the board of directors of Nourish LA—a nonprofit redefining food justice in Los Angeles. Lara also continues to mentor the next generation of lawyers at the firm. In 2024, she was named an Inspirational Women Leadership Awards Nominee by the Los Angeles Times Studio.