I reached out to this office after receiving a Notice of Termination, hoping to get some legal guidance during a really urgent and stressful time. Since I didn't have much time to spare, I found them through a quick Google search and sent an email explaining my situation. Unfortunately, I never received a response. No follow-up, no acknowledgment--nothing. Now that I've officially been terminated, I feel completely left in the dark and unsupported. I'm very disappointed with the lack of communication, especially when someone is clearly reaching out in crisis. read more

Levy Vinick Burrell Hyams - Employment Law Near Me - Oakland, California

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Sharon Vinick and her firm was one of three lawyers referred to me regarding a layoff from a Silicon Valley job. I believed there was age discrimination and sexual harassment issues. Sharon was referred to me by two distinguished employment law school professors. Sharon listened intently to my claims, she did not dissuade me from sharing the opinions I had received from my legal friends and she crafted a strategy and goal immediately. When the other side tried to throw cold water on our claims and my credibility, Sharon stood by me and asked for more details or to fill in blanks that helped support our position. Like any negotiation, we asked for x and were both very happy with the settlement that everyone agreed upon. Without hesitation I would recommend Sharon and her firm. read more

Update at bottom: I had a bad experience here. It is hard for me to write this. They charged me $600 an hour to work on my case and did not do much. I had to prompt them for a few telephone calls and to write a letter. People told me they were reorganizing the law firm and that is why I was not getting any help. Luckily, I found a better group of lawyers who immediately took my case and started working on it. My case settled for close to a million dollars. Shortly after, my former lawyer from Levy Vinick told my current lawyer that she did not believe I had a good case, and that is why they "did not take it." Well, you should have told me that. I think it is unprofessional to make this comment outside of the attorney-client relationship. This has bothered me for a long time. I am lucky that I left and found a better group of lawyers who believed in me and my case and took it seriously and started working on it right away. Apparently it did have merit or the other side would not have settled for this amount of money. If I had not heard of the unprofessional comments, I may not have taken the time to write this review, so perhaps take this as feedback on how to do business better. Update: I have read the reply below and I am not going to get in a debate with your firm because you do not like the review. Here is my response: You cannot resolve the issue. What has been done was done. I do not trust you to provide you with any information. I was a client of your firm and you charged me over $10,000. read more

I reached out to the Levy Vinick Burrell Hyams on the advice of my neighbor, a prominent labor lawyer. I am so thankful for that reference and for Jean Hyams, who thoughtfully took time and great care to inform me about my options with regards to a medical leave issue. I now feel well informed and armed with the information I need to proceed with confidence. I highly recommend Jean Hyams. read more

When I was sexually harassed at work by someone in a position of great power, I found the HR process to be inadequate in addressing my needs and concerns, so I decided to seek legal counsel. Thankfully, I was referred by a friend to contact Sharon. This was the first time I've ever had to contact a lawyer. I reached out via email and didn't expect to hear back so soon. When you're in a battle, time is of the essence and Sharon understands this. Her response time was so incredibly fast. Over a series of emails and phone calls, Sharon counseled and coached me every step of the way throughout the long, dismal, drawn out process with HR. Sharon was able to help me get everything I needed and wanted from my employer without having to go to court. The result was a creative solution that I am absolutely pleased with. Before Sharon, I was completely consumed by anxiety, hopelessness, and anger. Sharon turned all of that around for me. She gave me the gift of peace and empowerment during one of the darkest times of my life. If I come across anyone seeking legal counsel for work matters, I will ALWAYS refer them to Sharon. Don't hesitate to contact her. Trust me, you want her on your team. She is a force to be reckoned with. read more

Twice I have relied on Sharon Vinick for employment-related matters (2017, 2020), and each time felt heard and understood. Moreover, I found Sharon's response time to be excellent. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Sharon was efficient and effective. In other words, all good! read more

I'll get right to the point - I've hired Sharon Vinick twice. She handled a contract situation for me and not only was able to protect my personal & professional best interest but later I found out the company & their attorneys all really respected her vast knowledge of the law and she spoke and represented me & my husband extremely well. That means a lot to me because we strive to be good people and need good people to represent us and SHARON is that - a WONDERFUL person & professional attorney. You don't get that combo often. Sharon also carved out numerous things in the contracts that later down the road became a Godsend. Second time I needed Sharon's help - someone's wasn't paying me and following a contract, let's just say they ended up paying me quickly and with a smile thanks to Sharon getting involved. Thank you Sharon! ;) read more

Sharon Vinick and Leslie Levy were very passionate, professional, and competent in representing me on my employment discrimination and retaliation case. They both paid close attention to all details, and prepared me very well for depositions. In my first meeting with Sharon and Leslie, I made it clear what I would and would not be willing to accept for a settlement. They never wavered in helping achieve my goal. We were 100% successful without having to go to trial. I could not have asked for better legal representation. Every step of the way, I felt like I had the best legal representation possible. read more

Called this office after receiving referral from a Work Comp lawyer. Spoke with a paralegal who took all my info and was told I'd have a call back within a few days. Was also asked to provide additional info, which I did. After a week I called them to follow up, left several messages and finally sent an email. I finally received a call back saying they're too busy. What a waste of time. I will be searching for a professional and reliable firm to help me with my work issues. read more

Sharon Vinick comes highly recommended by big names in the industry & she lives up to that high expectation. I was originally referred to Sharon by Boxer of Boxer & Gerson. Immediately she was attentive, thoughtful, and gave sound advice on how to proceed. Sharon really gave my voice back after I felt it was lost, and she continues to do the same for all her clients. I don't think I can articulate just how much Sharon changed my life, but I can say she is one of the top in her field for a reason. Sharon is easily one of the most intelligent people I've met, and really goes above and beyond for clients. Sharon is dependable, invested, and will fight for you. If you're considering hiring anyone, I strongly suggest hiring Sharon. read more

Sharon and her law firm are a rarity in the field of employment and labor law. Sharon represents the Common person against the injustice of corporate behavior and actions. Sharon will show you that a multi-million (or Billion) dollar corporation does not scare anyone in the eyes of the law. Justice will prevail! Sharon and her team are a pleasure to work with and rest assured that your case will be thoroughly examined and explained to you in details. If your looking for the absolute best lawyer possible... look no further. read more

I consulted with Sharon Vinick about an employment issue, and she was wonderful. She helped me to understand the fine points of some paperwork, and she was both incisive and compassionate. I deeply appreciated her candor as well. When I had some follow up questions for her over email, she responded immediately. I highly recommend her, and while I sure don't hope to have to turn to her again, I'm so glad I know she's there if I do. read more

I have used Sharon several times over the last 5 years to negotiate separation agreements with employers and review employment contracts. She constantly provides sound, thoughtful advice. I appreciate her candor and no BS attitude. read more

I felt like I was flying blind. Put simply: I needed to feel more confident in the midst of a very tense situation with a former employer. Sharon gave me excellent consultation, and as a result, I had the knowledge and the confidence I needed to represent my own best interests in challenging circumstances I had never faced before. Not only is she a sharp legal mind, but she's been around the block and can anticipate oncoming shenanigans before they blindside you. She was understanding, experienced, and compassionate; and she didn't sugar coat my options. I am so very thankful I had Sharon to help navigate a very difficult time in my professional life, and I feel good about the outcome. read more

Leslie is an exceptional person and beyond competent in her profession as an attorney. My case involved the head of a public agency committing acts of harassment, retaliation and discrimination. Leslie provided a tremendous amount of advice, guidance and emotional support through the process. She is an expert in her field and it is clearly evident when you work with her. Her competency in navigating our course and actions gave me strength and confidence that we would and did succeed with integrity and honesty. I will always be grateful for her counsel and her genuine kindness. read more

I feel very fortunate to have found Sharon. She guided me through a complex legal process with extraordinary integrity, and empathized with my circumstances in a way I did not anticipate. As a top-notch attorney, I expected Sharon to be a smart, aggressive, outspoken advocate on my behalf. But what I did not anticipate was her wonderful sense of humor, her compassion, and the emotional support she provided throughout the process. I couldn't recommend her more highly. read more

Savvy, Direct, Compassionate.... Amazing. Sharon Vinick is a wonderful attorney! She was quick to respond, found the pertinent information in a situation packed with infinite details, and delivered advice succinctly. Sharon guided me through a gut-wrenching lay-off that involved harassment and abuse in my former workplace. Her advice gave me confidence to know I did everything possible to protect myself from a highly dysfunctional institution. I would recommend Sharon to anyone who needs legal assistance in her area of expertise, and I feel able to move forward professionally largely because of her. read more

I don't know what we would have done without Sharon Vinick and the Levy Vinick Burrell Hyams law firm during several utterly unjust situations with employers over the years. Sharon Vinick was absolutely frank with us, and made sure that we completely understood the nuances of the specific law, the process, and our options. Not only is she an expert in this field, it's clear from our meetings and conversations with Sharon Vinick that she is passionate about protecting employees' rights. I unequivocally recommend her. read more

Sharon Vinick, Esq. is bright, articulate and brilliant at analyzing a problem and bringing it to an agreeable resolution. From the first time I met Sharon, she listened and conveyed a level of compassion and empathy that is very rare. She helped me several times with thorny issues concerning employment difficulties that I had. Each time, she saw the problem clearly, concisely and completely, helping me resolve problems that would have stymied me for months, if not longer. I heartily endorse her. read more

I was referred to Sharon when I found myself in an unexpected situation dealing with maternity leave. After one meeting I had no doubt that she was the only person I'd trust to resolve the issue in my best interest. Sharon was on top of every detail and in control of every twist and turn that we encountered. She (along with her entire team) was patient with my questions and made sure I understood the laws, my options, and every possible outcome. Through the long process I always felt Sharon was accessible for anything I needed. In the end it was her extensive knowledge, confidence and solid execution that won the day. Sharon is an incredibly intelligent and talented attorney. She cares about her clients and is passionate about her work. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to work with her and would recommend her in a heartbeat. read more

When a person gets wrongly terminated it takes away much more than a job. Your self esteem, confidence, trust and interacting with the outside world changes. You feel ashamed. Jean was able to change all that. From the first conversation she gave me hope and made me realize that the termination was not my fault. I live across the country from Jean but it felt as though she was right next door. She was in contact when necessary and was always available when I needed her. She allowed me to make decisions on my case and always offered suggestions and options. Her guidance and in sight was right on target. I trusted her and she was very successful for me. I am forever grateful. read more

The Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest had the pleasure of working with Levy Vinick Burrell Hyams to host Mariam Kabaha, Israel's Commissioner for Equal Employment Opportunities, for a panel webcast to the members of the State Bar of California Labor and Employment Law Section. They were eager to help host our speaker, quick to respond and put together a successful event for our distinguished guest. read more

We hired Sharon to assist us when we left our workplace under extremely stressful and highly emotional conditions. Sharon was both conscientious and tenacious in making sure we were not taken advantage of, while being realistic about our options. She worked tirelessly to help us get us a resolution, even when the other side was being unresponsive to her. I would highly recommend Sharon to anyone dealing with workplace issues. read more

I was happy to find Jean Hyams and very pleased with the work she did for me. I hired her to advise me regarding my exit from an academic institution, related to sexual orientation. Jean was accessible, friendly, a good listener and very knowledgable in this area of law. I appreciated her calm, supportive attitude toward me and I feel confident that she was a strong ally for my case. She was a pleasure to work with despite my challenging situation. I highly recommend Jean for her professional expertise and personal demeanor. read more

When I contacted Sharon's office, I was a bit apprehensive sharing my story, since I was a dancer and not sure how it would be received. I worried that maybe I would've been told that despite the countless illegal violations, including racism, harassment, and multiple labor law violations, it wouldn't be worthy of a case due to our profession. Not true. We were welcomed with an open mind, respect, and sympathy. They fought extremely hard for our rights, and it was never on "their time". They made sure the case disrupted our lives as little as possible. Including meeting with us and answering questions after business hours when we were off work. In a industry, such as ours, the line of the laws seemed to be a bit blurred. They clearly defined it and fought a multimillion dollar company to financially acknowledge it for the past wrongs, as well as enforcing the laws for future girls in our profession. We couldn't be more pleased with the outcome of this case and the excellent team that helped achieve it. read more

Sharon Vinick and the attorneys at LVBH handled my case with class, tact, expert strategy, and flawless execution. They did not hesitate to take, and win, an appellate writ to force the hand of my former employer/insurance company. They did not blink when my former employer threw stones at mediation and threw up endless roadblocks in discovery. They persevered. They are leaders among CA employment lawyers, some of the most well-respected employment attorneys in the Bay Area. I am proud to call Sharon Vinick and Leslie Levy my attorneys, and I recommend her and LVBH with great enthusiasm and gratitude. read more

Knowledgeable, Professional, Reliable, Persevered, Passionate Attorney highly recommended I was introduced to Sharon Vinick and her office by a friend of a friend, when I was seeking legal advice for my employment termination. By all counts it was an extremely complicated case involving 3 continents (Asia, USA, Europe) and its relevant employment laws. The case lasted for 2 years, before settling thru mediation. During that period Sharon and her team had to overcome numerous drawbacks thrown to them by the opposite party, mainly related to jurisdiction and legal proceedings. There has not been one instance that Sharon blinked during this tenacious 2 years. She worked tirelessly days and nights (including weekends and even 4th of July holiday) readjusting her strategy and approach. She excelled in understanding the foreign labor law and using that to our advantage. With a great balance between rational and emotional intelligence she stroke decisive blows to the opposite party at the very right moment. To make a very long story short, initially I thought I had hired an attorney, today I know I could not have selected a best partner to defend my case. I feel extremely lucky and honored that Sharon handled my case. I highly recommend Sharon instantly to anyone that requires employment related legal advice. When I look back the words that come to mind for Sharon is fair, passionate, professional, knowledgeable, realistic, persevered and reliable. Above all a Partner and not just an attorney! read more

I am a pediatrician. At several times over the last 10+ years I have found myself in need of advice from an experienced employment lawyer. Sharon was referred to me by a friend when I was employed by a small hospital practice that was being acquired by a large conglomerate. I was pregnant at the time and very concerned about losing benefits, changing contracts, etc. She was amazingly helpful to me at every turn of the page. Reviewing documents and educating me about my rights. Fast forward a few years later...She helped me to create a fair and equitable contract with a new employer who had never written a contract for anyone in the past. She was comprehensive and supportive. I have been able to re consult Sharon at various times over the years for a level headed perspective on work challenges I have experienced. She has been an invaluable asset to me and I have referred many to her. I highly recommend working with Sharon Vinick. read more

Sharon brought back my sanity and a large portion of my life. I was fired after 26 years working as a manager for a major corporation, for something that I had nothing to do with. I was forced to seek legal remedies as the only means to right this wrong. She is a brilliant person / attorney. She exposed the defendant for what they are and brought back justice in a storybook way. She gave me the courage to do anything that was required of me in order to fight this defendant. Sharon basically 'mopped the floor' with the defendant, which was so satisfying since they had 'mopped the floor' with me in 2009. I have my life back and I will forever be grateful to her. I cannot get over the talent, toughness, and eloquence Sharon displayed throughout the trial. There is no way I can ever repay her for what she gave back to me. Nobody thought I could win and so many lawyers wouldn't take my case to fight this major corporation. Sharon's firm took my case without hesitation. They are not afraid of the size or influence of corporate business. They are too smart and are personally angered when peoples rights are violated. I highly recommend Sharon Vinick! read more