Overview

Kiara W. Gebhart has over 14 years of experience representing private employers in all areas of labor and employment law, including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour issues.

She also has extensive experience advising and representing clients in complex business disputes, including breach of fiduciary duty, professional malpractice, insurance coverage, contract claims, unfair competition, fraud, protection of trade secrets and confidential information, general liability, and other business claims.

Ms. Gebhart vigorously and efficiently defends employers and businesses in both state and federal courts, bankruptcy court, and arbitration from case inception through trial/hearing. Ms. Gebhart also regularly counsels clients on disputes with customers, partners and employees.

Honors & Recognitions

American Jurisprudence Award in Bankruptcy

Recognized in 2022 The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation

Representative Matters

  • 2021: Won summary judgment for a large restaurant chain in defense of general liability claims.
  • 2022, Negotiated extremely favorable settlements of litigated employment claims for a marine terminal operator and a food manufacturer.
  • Won an eight figure judgment on behalf of a business client following a four month trial of breach of fiduciary duty claims.
  • Negotiated a high seven figure settlement on behalf of a business client in a legal malpractice action.

Practice Areas

News & Publications

Events & Speaking Engagements

Restaurant & Hospitality Industry Best Employment Practices – Monthly Webinar; Highlight Topic: It’s Bonus, PTO and Termination Season; December 9, 2021

Restaurant & Hospitality Industry Best Employment Practices - Monthly Webinar; Best Practices Guide on Responding to Claims of Harassment and Discrimination; January 13, 2022

The Morning Fix – Weekly Webinar; Highlight Topic: Where’s Waldo: Time Tracking Laws; March 8, 2022

The Morning Fix – Weekly Webinar; Highlight Topic: 2023 Minimum Wage Hike, Inflation & Pitfalls for California Employers; June 28, 2022

Community Involvement

Community & Professional

Orange County Chapter of the Federal Bar Association

Orange County Bar Association, Business Litigation and Labor & Employment Law Sections

Association of Business Trial Lawyers

Education

J.D., University of San Diego School of Law
B.A., University of San Diego

Admissions

  • 2008, California
    U.S. District Court, Central District of California
    U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
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