Expansion of the California Employment Team
Orrick has appointed Sarah Tauman as a partner within its California employment practice, signaling a strategic focus on the legal needs of the technology sector. Tauman, who previously practiced at DLA Piper, will operate out of the firm’s Sacramento office. This addition bolsters a group already recognized for its industry standing in employment law and litigation.
Her arrival marks the third key hire for the firm's technology companies platform in 2026. Prior to Tauman, Orrick brought on venture capital advisor Agatha Kluk in New York and IP specialist Gina Marek in Silicon Valley. The firm continues to target high-growth sectors, specifically aiming to support venture-backed companies as they navigate the complexities of scaling operations and preparing for liquidity events.
Providing Counsel Across the Corporate Lifecycle
Tauman specializes in advising companies through various stages of growth. Her work involves structuring executive employment arrangements and managing performance protocols. Beyond day-to-day operations, she offers guidance on wage-and-hour compliance and leave obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This work often requires balancing legal exposure with the operational speed required by modern tech startups.
Corporate transactions remain a significant component of her practice. Tauman regularly addresses the employment-related risks inherent in mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, and capital markets activity. Julie Totten, leader of Orrick’s global employment law and litigation practice, stated that clients across all stages of development now report an enormous demand for this type of focused employment counseling.
Industry Impact and Future Outlook
While her primary focus remains the tech industry, Tauman brings experience from healthcare, life sciences, and financial services. This cross-sector background allows the firm to address employee mobility and reductions-in-force across diverse business models. Firms often face these challenges during market corrections or pivots in strategy.
What happens next for Orrick involves integrating these specialized partners into their existing technology platforms. The firm has invested heavily in its Sacramento and Silicon Valley footprint to ensure proximity to its core client base. Observers should monitor whether the firm continues to prioritize regional expansion to address regulatory shifts. As California labor law becomes more rigid, the ability to provide pragmatic business advice becomes a primary driver for client retention in the legal services sector.