ELIZABETH KOUMAS

Ms. Koumas specializes in civil litigation with an emphasis in labor law compliance and employment law defense on behalf of management, and business litigation.

Her practice includes the defense of employers in administrative claims filed with the Labor Commissioner, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Employment Development Department (EDD). She also represents the interest of employers and management in litigated matters, including wage and hour issues, wrongful termination, sexual harassment and discrimination claims. Ms. Koumas serves as an advisor to businesses on employment policies and fair employment practices. She also defends insureds of employment practices liability insurance carriers and self-insureds. 

Ms. Koumas also represents both plaintiffs and defendants commercial matters, involving complex breach of contract disputes. She also represents property owners and lessees in disputes with potential consumers disputes over equal access to public accommodations.   Her experience also encompasses  representing plaintiffs sustaining personal injuries and property damages, defending insureds against personal injury and property damage claims.   Ms. Koumas has represented the interests of the following carriers and their insured: Interinsurance Exchange of the Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA), Coast National Insurance Company, Farmers Insurance Exchange, Progressive Insurance Company, Lloyds of London, AIG, Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company, Summit Risk, Chartis Insurance.

Associations: Ms. Koumas has served as Judge Pro Tem and Arbitrator for the San Diego Municipal and Superior Courts, commencing in 1997. She is a member of the Labor and Employment Law Sections of both the California State Bar and the San Diego County Bar Associations.  Her business associations have included the California Restaurant Association, San Diego Insurance Adjusters Association, San Diego Barristers Club, William B. Enright Inn of Court, San Diego Inn of Court, San Diego Lawyers Club, and the California Teachers Association.  She has served as an instructor for the San Diego Regional Occupation Program, a volunteer for Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla SDCBA Law Week Children at Risk Committee, and more recently Momma’s Kitchen. As a result of her achievements, Ms. Koumas was nominated to San Diego Business Journal’s “San Diego Women Who Mean Business 2005.”  In 2016, Ms. Koumas was included as one of the top legal professionals recognized in The Best of The Bar, which was published in the San Diego Business Journal (March).

In addition, she regularly serves as a frequent keynote speaker and publishes articles on important issues relating to her areas of practice.   For more information, please visit the firm’s Articles and Presentations page.  Ms. Koumas‘ practice has been featured in the premier edition of San Diego’s Attorney Journal (2011). Click to view