Recognition in the Legal Field
Munger, Tolles & Olson partner Katherine Forster has earned a spot on the 2026 Leaders of Influence: Labor & Employment Attorneys list published by the Los Angeles Business Journal. This latest inclusion marks her fifth consecutive year on the annual roster. The publication highlights legal professionals across the region who demonstrate significant skill in managing labor and employment matters.
Forster maintains a practice focused on high-stakes litigation. Her record includes work on more than 100 class, collective, and representative actions. Clients frequently hire her to manage sensitive claims involving allegations of sexual harassment, systemic discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, and pay equity disputes. These cases often involve both private plaintiffs and government agencies.
Specific Litigation Successes
The Los Angeles Business Journal specifically noted her work representing BlackBerry. A former executive sued the company, citing sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and retaliation. The plaintiff also alleged violations related to pay equity.
Forster secured a dismissal with prejudice regarding the harassment and pay equity claims in November 2024. The court acted at the pleading stage to resolve these parts of the litigation. By March 2026, she successfully obtained summary judgment on the remaining counts of gender discrimination, negligent retention, and retaliation. Her performance in this matter serves as a clear example of her approach to complex corporate defense.
Broader Implications for Employment Law
Attorneys specializing in labor and employment law face a shifting set of regulatory and social expectations. The pressure on corporations to account for internal conduct has increased significantly over the last decade. Legal firms now play a central role in how these companies respond to internal complaints and public scrutiny.
Forster's continued recognition suggests that the industry prioritizes attorneys who can resolve disputes before they reach trial. As workplace standards continue to evolve, the capacity to handle nuanced investigations and government inquiries remains a key requirement for top firms. Future developments in this space will likely track how defense counsel navigate the intersection of public litigation and private internal grievance procedures.