The Law Offices of Mary L. Topliff
Mary L. Topliff founded the firm in 1997 after practicing civil and employment litigation for nine years. The firm specializes in employment law counseling, training and compliance focusing on practical solutions. Whether representing employers or individuals, our goals are the same – for organizations to provide positive and productive workplaces while avoiding or significantly limiting costly legal issues.
With her hands-on experience in human resources and over 20 years as an employment law attorney, Ms. Topliff brings a valuable combination of perspectives to workplace issues and training. A published author and frequent speaker on legal issues impacting the workplace, Ms. Topliff is also actively involved in grassroots/lobbying efforts on human resources-related bills in the California and federal legislature. She served as an adjunct faculty member with San Francisco State University's College of Extended Learning from 1999-2008.
Client Milestones
- A fast-growing client, with a group of new managers, had a need to quickly educate and a desire to be proactive. We designed and facilitated a series of manager roundtable sessions on targeted topics, including an overview of common workplace laws, harassment prevention training and how to manage exempt and nonexempt employees. Through this efficient manner of training, the managers understood the company policies, work environment and their responsibilities.
- A client had a history of retaining independent contractors and consultants without any consistent process to ensure they met the legal requirements. We designed an approval process, along with related forms and agreements, to ensure ongoing compliance.
- For numerous clients, we have reviewed and recommended changes to job classifications to be compliant with overtime exemption requirements. We designed reclassification strategies and employee communication plans, drastically limiting legal exposure.
- For an executive, we negotiated an employment agreement. When the company was acquired, all contingencies had been clearly defined by the agreement, resulting in a smooth transition.
Professional Affiliations and Education
Ms. Topliff serves on the Editorial Review Board for the State Bar of California’s Labor and Employment Law Review. She was elected to the Board of Directors of the Northern California Human Resources Association in 2007 and to its Executive Committee in 2008. Ms. Topliff serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors and is on the Executive Committee of the Youth Leadership Institute, a non-profit organization promoting leadership skills for youth to create social change in their communities. She currently serves as an arbitrator for the Bar Association of San Francisco’s Attorney Fee Dispute Panel and has been a mediator for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission since 2007. In 2006, Ms. Topliff was invited to be a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. Her prior board leadership positions include the Fort Mason Foundation and the Financial Women’s Association. Ms. Topliff previously served as Co-Chair of the Work-Life Balance Committee of Queen’s Bench, a women’s bar association, and served as the state-wide Government Affairs Director for the Society of Human Resource Management.
Ms. Topliff received her Juris Doctor degree from The Ohio State University School of Law in 1988 where she was a member of the Ohio State Law Journal. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Human Resources Management, from Bowling Green State University. She has been admitted to the State Bar in California since 1988.
Alliances
In an effort to provide our clients with the broadest and best support, we have formed key alliances with several high quality human resources-related consulting firms. If we can be of help in identifying individuals or organizations to meet your needs, please contact us.