ROSE-ELLEN FAIRGRIEVE

Rose-Ellen Fairgrieve is a veteran attorney who has represented the city of
San Francisco and private employers in a range of legal matters.

Rose-Ellen Heinz Fairgrieve is a seasoned employment attorney dedicated to serving business owners. With nearly 30 years of distinguished legal experience in both public and private sectors and having led over 25 jury trials and administrative hearings, she offers clients unparalleled insight into managing workplace issues efficiently and effectively. As a business owner herself and with deep expertise in employment law, she is uniquely qualified to empower employers to protect their companies. Since founding Fairgrieve Law Office in 2013, she has proudly helped California businesses, both large and small, prevent and defend against employment claims.

In 2023, Rose-Ellen was recognized as the Labor & Employment Lawyer of the Year by Lawyer Monthly. She takes pride in understanding her client’s businesses and customizing solutions tailored to their specific needs and industries. Rose-Ellen excels in navigating difficult employment issues, whether defending lawsuits or steering employers clear of unknowingly violating California labor law, often achieving her best work under pressure. As a counselor of California labor and employment laws during a time of increasing complexity, she helps clients become excellent employers and assists them in safeguarding their businesses in the process.

Make no mistake, Rose-Ellen is a fierce advocate when it comes to negotiating claims and defending lawsuits. She has recently achieved success in securing the dismissal of several claims before the Labor Commissioner and the Superior Courts. Even with her impressive jury trial verdicts, successful summary judgment rulings, and favorable appellate decisions, she remains a staunch advocate for preventing employment disputes through sound employment policies such as Employee Handbooks and trainings. She often guides clients through complex issues such as employee leaves, saving clients thousands of dollars by avoiding disputes.

Prior to opening her own firm, Rose-Ellen had a long, distinguished career in both public and private sectors. A native San Franciscan, Rose-Ellen is proud to have represented the City and County of San Francisco for 15 years as a Deputy City Attorney. As a member of the Labor and Employment team, she defended San Francisco against employee complaints and lawsuits. She was a Supervising Attorney on the city’s Code Enforcement team, where she managed a group of eight litigators and four staff, directing litigation and settlements in civil actions for violations of municipal and state laws by employers related to health, safety and unfair business practices.

Following her public service, Rose-Ellen entered private practice in the Employment Practice group with Gordon and Rees’ San Francisco office, where she represented private entities in all types of employment litigation matters in state and federal court.

Early Career

Rose-Ellen began her legal career as a judicial clerk for a federal judge in U.S. District Court in Michigan. Prior, she served the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, providing legal services to poor and low-income citizens, while studying for her law degree at the University of Southern California Law Center.

Education

Rose-Ellen received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology from the University of California, Davis with honors. Shortly thereafter she attended the University of Southern California for her juris doctorate, where she also graduated with honors.

Personal

When not working in law, Rose-Ellen treasures spending time with her three children. As a resident and native San Franciscan, she is an enthusiastic supporter of local sports teams, including the Warriors, Giants, 49ers and is eager to cheer the WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries. She enjoys watching her kids participate in sports and occasionally you will find her coaching a basketball team or two. Rose-Ellen is also an active and proud member of the West Portal small business community.