Our Distinct Approach.

At WorkWise Law, we reject the impersonal, volume-based model common to many firms. We operate as a true partner to our clients—intimately familiar with their operations, goals, and pressures. Our boutique structure allows us to offer:

Flat fee compliance packages and hourly billing structure

Transparent and predictable pricing that aligns with business budgets

Fast, reliable communication

A member of our team is always available to you

Workwise Law Firm Protection

Applying employment law with clarity and real-world practicality

Having represented both employers and employees, we know how the other side thinks—and how to stay steps ahead

Proactive.
Strategic.
Trusted.

We understand how employment disputes arise—and more importantly, how to prevent them. Our approach is collaborative, forward-thinking, and grounded in deep legal experience.

Our Team

Empower clients through education and strategy.
Deliver clarity in complex legal matters.
Prioritize relationships over transactions.

Managing partner

Alexis D. James

Alexis brings over 20 years of experience in California employment law, having worked on both the plaintiff and defense sides. She earned her B.A. in Public Policy from Duke University and her J.D., with honors, from Northwestern School of Law, Lewis and Clark College. Known as a calm and effective voice in high-conflict matters, Alexis represents employers in litigation and provides comprehensive guidance on compliance, workplace investigations, and employee relations.

A certified mediator, Alexis regularly speaks at HR and legal conferences and serves as Chair of the Employment Law Section of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association. She is also active with The Esquire Network and ProVisors. Outside the office, she enjoys travel, playing piano, and all things Italian with her husband and two children.

partner

Renee N. Noy

Renee is a seasoned employment attorney with more than 20 years of experience advocating for both plaintiffs and employers. She earned her B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of Colorado Boulder and her J.D. from UC Hastings. Renee draws on her years representing plaintiffs to help employers minimize risk, navigate compliance, and resolve complex workplace disputes with clarity and compassion.

She is also a certified mediator and a passionate educator, known for delivering practical legal advice that balances protection, fairness, and efficiency. Beyond employment law, Renee has helped over 500 birth mothers through the private adoption process. She plays violin with the San Fernando Valley Orchestra and enjoys reading, travel, and family time.

Associate

Alex Quinones

Alejandro (“Alex”) focuses his practice on representing small & mid-sized businesses in a wide range of employment matters. Helping his clients navigate both day-to-day compliance issues and longer-term employment risk, he is known for combining thoughtful strategies with practical execution.

Alex has extensive experience handling wage and hour disputes, unpaid overtime, meal and rest break compliance, and off-the-clock claims. He also advises employers on hiring practices, negotiates employment agreements, and drafts workplace policies & agreements, including employee handbooks, independent contractor agreements, severance agreements, and confidentiality & nondisclosure agreements.

Alex earned his B.A. from Cal State University – San Bernardino and his J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law.

Associate
Gian A. Ryan, Workwise Law Junior Associate

Alysha Zapata

Alysha has represented and advised clients ranging from local mom-and-pop shops and non-profits to multi-state multimillion dollar companies. She is committed to promoting compliance and zealously defending lawsuits so her clients can focus on running their business with peace of mind. While she handles all aspects of labor and employment law, she loves defending discrimination and harassment cases, negotiations, and mediation. Alysha attended Hong Kong University, Pepperdine University School of Law, and received her B.A. from UCSB and her J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law. Alysha loves playing chess and doing puzzles with her son as well as hiking to find the best sunrise views.
Paralegal Manager

Karyn Johnson-Dorsey

With over 30 years of experience, Karyn is our Managing Litigation Paralegal.

A UCLA graduate, she is known for her attention to detail, organizational strength, and ability to manage complex cases efficiently, with expertise in document management and trialpreparation. Her skill set includes experience in both plaintiff and defense-side litigation across civil, corporate, labor and employment, and criminal matters.
Outside of work, Karyn enjoys spending time with her very human like fur baby, and her two grandchildren who call her ‘glam ma’. She has been married to her high school sweetheart for over 40 years and is the proud mother of a daughter and son.

PARALEGAL

Gaby Alvarado

Gabriela (“Gaby”) is a paralegal with years of experience providing reliable, detail-driven support across a range of legal matters. A graduate of the University of California,
Santa Cruz, she earned a dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Philosophy and Latin American & Latino Studies.

Her work is grounded in strong analytical thinking, clear communication, and careful attention to detail. Drawing on an interdisciplinary academic background, Gaby brings a thoughtful, well-rounded perspective to legal research and case preparation.

She is dedicated to supporting effective legal outcomes while maintaining a high level of professionalism and care in her work.

OFFICE MANAGER

Sharon Bykerk

Sharon serves as the Office Manager, overseeing the firm’s daily operations. She is dedicated to ensuring the firm operates with efficiency, professionalism, and a high level of client service that reflects its core values and helps clients feel confident and well supported.

Sharon holds an Honors Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration, both from Queen’s University in Canada. With more than 30 years of experience in business strategy, operations, and marketing across a variety of industries, her unique combination of analytical expertise and strategic insight allows her to implement systems and initiatives that enhance our clients’ experience.

Legal Assistant
Gian A. Ryan, Workwise Law Junior Associate

Cheryl McCullough

Cheryl is a seasoned professional who earned her B.S. from Hampton University and brings a wealth of experience supporting legal and business operations. With a strong
background in customer service, contract management, and administrative support, she has worked across industries ranging from financial services to nonprofit organizations.

In her role as a Legal Assistant, Cheryl manages fee agreements, handles client inquiries, and provides critical administrative support to the legal team. She also assists with workplace training programs by coordinating client access and providing the information needed to support California compliance requirements.
We are passionate employment lawyers who built our practice on trust, experience, and a shared love for what we do.
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