Ossie Cousins defends and advises clients on the full spectrum of complex employment law challenges. 

Mr. Cousins leverages 25 years’ experience as a trial lawyer and high-level adviser to both established and emerging companies on all aspects of employment law, including matters involving: 

  • Wage-and-hour compliance and litigation
  • Private Attorney General Act litigation
  • Equal pay claims
  • Discrimination and harassment
  • Whistleblower and retaliation
  • Reductions in force
  • Disability accommodation

He has tried cases to verdict before federal and state court juries and judges, as well as served as lead counsel in arbitrations and administrative proceedings. Mr. Cousins also counsels emerging tech companies on any employment issues that may arise.

A recognized thought leader, Mr. Cousins frequently speaks on legal developments, theories, and practical aspects related to employment law and litigation. He is a member of the American Employment Law Council (AELC), the American Bar Association Labor and Employment Law Section, and the Bar Association of San Francisco.

He is admitted to practice before the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the US Supreme Court.

Mr. Cousins’ experience includes advising a: 

  • Large national retailer in a misclassification case, achieving a significant verdict on the client’s behalf that prevented an onslaught of hundreds of other claims*
  • Cybersecurity company, as lead counsel in a class action involving Fair Credit Reporting Act background checks*
  • Large healthcare provider in multi-plaintiff whistleblower actions, resulting in favorable settlements*
  • National photography chain in successfully defended against a former executive’s wrongful termination claims in arbitration*

*Matter handled prior to joining Latham

Bar Qualification

  • California

Education

  • JD, University of California, Los Angeles, 1994
  • BA, University of Vermont, 1990