Introduction

As a Sacramento based trial attorney specializing in employment law for 37 years, Jeff has earned a reputation among his peers for being a sharp, fair, and respectful adversary and colleague in the legal community. As a result, he has been retained by employment and labor lawyers to serve as mediator and arbitrator in their cases.

In private practice, Jeff litigated, tried or mediated hundreds of employment cases in the State and Federal courts as well as before administrative agencies in cases involving discrimination, harassment, privacy, wage and hour as well as management/union relations including grievance proceedings, negotiating collective bargaining agreements and advising on rights and obligations under federal labor law. He has taught numerous classes to human resource professionals, employers and lawyers on various employment and workplace issues. He currently mediates for the Settlement department 59 in the Sacramento Superior Court and voluntary dispute resolution program in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.

His passion for serving as a neutral is evident, as many describe him as having a communicative, evaluative, and caring approach that gets results.

Specialties

• All types of Employment Disputes including PAGA, Class Action, Labor Law
• Business/Contractual

Hobbies & Interests

In his spare time, Jeff enjoys playing outdoor sports, hiking, cycling, and adventure travels.

Testimonials

Mr. Owensby did an excellent job of listening to my client, evaluating the case and what the other side was willing and not willing to do, and earning mine and my client’s trust. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
- Attorney on an Employment Wrongful Termination Dispute

Legal Career

• Neutral, Judicate West (Present)
• Partner, Kennaday Leavitt Owensby, PC (2016 - Present)
• Neutral, Voluntary Dispute Resolution Program, U.S. District Court - Eastern District of California, (2014-Present)
• MSC Judge Pro Tem, Department 59, Superior Court of Sacramento (2004 – Present)
• Partner, Rediger McHugh & Owensby LLP (2007-2016)
• Partner, Riegels Campos & Kenyon LLP (1999-2007)
• Attorney and Partner, Diepenbrock, Wulff, Plant & Hannegan (1982-1998)

Education & Professional Affiliations

• J.D., University of California Davis (1982)
• B.A., University of San Francisco (1979)
• Mediation Program, Strauss Institute, Pepperdine (2018)
• Sacramento County Bar Association, Labor & Employment Section (1982-Present)
• Sacramento County Bar Association, ADR Section (1982-Present)

Legal Experience

• All types of Employment Disputes including PAGA, Class Action, Labor Law
• Business/Contractual