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 fifteen 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 has been an adjunct faculty member with San Francisco State University's College of Extended Learning since 1999.
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 holds leadership roles in several professional organizations. Ms. Topliff was elected to the Board of Directors of the Northern California Human Resources Association in 2007. She serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors and is on the Executive Committee of the Youth Leadership Institute. Ms. Topliff is Chair of the Work-Life Balance Committee of Queen’s Bench, a women’s bar association. In 2006, Ms. Topliff was invited to be a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. She currently serves as an arbitrator for the Bar Association of San Francisco’s Attorney Fee Dispute Panel. Ms. Topliff serves on the Editorial Advisory Boards of two award-winning Employer Resource Institute publications: the California Employment Law Answers and the California Wage and Hour Advisor, which received the APEX Award for Publication Excellence in September 2007. She also serves on the Editorial Review Board for the State Bar of California’s Labor and Employment Law Review. Ms. Topliff previously served on the Board of Trustees and as Chair of the Human Resources Committee of the Fort Mason Foundation from 2003 to 2007. She was on the Board of Directors of the Financial Women’s Association from 2004 to 2005. Ms. Topliff was the state-wide Government Affairs Director for the Society of Human Resource Management in 2005 and 2006, and is the past chair of the Legislative Affairs Committee for the Northern California Human Resources Association.
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. Links to each of these excellent firms are listed below. If we can be of help in identifying individuals or organizations to meet your needs, please contact us.
Alliance for Resolution
Mediation consulting and training/workplace conflict resolution
CompAnalysis
Compensation management
Couden+Associates
Training, organization development and employment
Koff & Associates
Full-service human resources consulting firm
LLS Consulting
Executive coaching and succession planning
Maly Consulting LLC
Human resources data analysis for EEO/AA reports and government audits
Neisendorf & Associates
Board compliance and risk management