Roya Ladan, Class of ’12

Roya Ladan ’12 is a Partner at Cohen Williams LLP in Los Angeles, specializing in employment law and advising on complex criminal and civil matters, including fraud, trade secret misappropriation, and business disputes. Her experience representing clients on both sides offers a well-rounded perspective on challenges and opportunities. She also serves on the board of the Employment Round Table of Southern California and the Pro Bono Council for Inner City Law Center.

At King Hall, Ladan served on the Moot Court Board, worked in the Civil Rights Clinic, and was Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Juvenile Law & Policy. She remains active in the UC Davis School of Law community by attending alumni events and mentoring students through the King Hall Mentorship Program.

What organizations were you involved with during law school and what impact did they have on you?

In law school, I was on Moot Court Board, worked in the Civil Rights Clinic, and served as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Juvenile Law & Policy. Moot Court sharpened my oral advocacy and confidence on my feet. The Civil Rights Clinic gave me real-world experience with clients and reminded me why I went to law school in the first place. And being Co-Editor-in-Chief taught me a ton about leadership, collaboration, and tackling issues that affect young people. Together, these experiences really shaped how I approach the law and the lawyer I’m striving to be.

Why did you choose to attend King Hall?

I chose King Hall for its strong pro bono focus and real commitment to public service. When I visited on Admitted Students Day, the warmth of the students made the community feel supportive and welcoming, and that stuck with me. I knew it was a place where I could grow as a lawyer and a person, surrounded by people who cared about doing meaningful work.

What is your favorite King Hall memory?

I have so many great King Hall memories, but one that really sticks out is arguing in front of the Ninth Circuit with Professor White in a Section 1983 civil rights case. Preparing for and presenting that argument was surreal and deeply meaningful, and we ended up with a published opinion—something I’m still proud of more than 13 years later. That experience really captured what I loved about King Hall: real advocacy, amazing mentorship, and work that truly mattered.

What advice do you have for current law students?

My advice to current law students is to follow what genuinely excites you, even if it’s not part of your original plan. Take on pro bono work or clinics early—you’ll learn more from real clients than any textbook. Build connections with professors and classmates; their support will carry you through the tough times. And don’t compare your path to anyone else’s—your law career is long, and the most meaningful opportunities usually come from following what feels right for you.

Of what are you proudest?

I consider my first trial a defining moment in my career. I was a second-year lawyer at the California Civil Rights Department (“CRD”). The CRD had brought the case on behalf of the people of California and a female employee who had been repeatedly passed over for promotion because of her sex and race. After waiting years for her day in court, the jury found in her favor on all claims, and we secured injunctive relief that ensured policy changes and that she received her long-overdue promotion. That outcome reinforced my belief that workplace fairness is a basic civil right and key to ensuring equality and dignity for all employees.

How did you become interested in your practice area?

I got into employment law because it lets me work with both employees and employers while tackling bigger systemic issues in the workplace. I love the mix of problem-solving, negotiation, and counseling, and getting to make a real difference in people’s professional lives. It’s the kind of work that’s both strategic and deeply meaningful, which keeps it challenging and rewarding every day.

What are some of the issues you encounter in your profession?

One of the issues receiving the most attention today is AI. AI is creating significant challenges in employment law, particularly when employers use it for hiring, evaluations, or workplace monitoring, practices that can result in biased or discriminatory outcomes. It also raises serious concerns about protecting employee data and maintaining confidentiality. Beyond the workplace, AI is complicating the legal field itself, as seen in well-known cases involving unreliable or incorrect legal citations.

What is the most interesting legal case you’ve worked on?

Last year, I won a jury trial on behalf of Jennifer Seetoo, a captain with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. During her 20 years of service to the county, Ms. Seetoo had earned a reputation as a competent, trustworthy leader. Recently, however, she had become the target of unlawful conduct from former Sheriff Alex Villanueva and his executive staff, who engaged in a wide-ranging campaign to tarnish her reputation and deny her a promotion. 

Sheriff Villanueva led the largest county sheriff’s agency in the United States during a four-year term that was marked by frequent allegations of misconduct, abuse, and corruption. The Guardian called him a “a scandal-plagued official,” someone who would be “remembered as the sheriff who went rogue, who operated as if he was above and outside of the law.’”

Katy Erskine, my partner at Cohen Williams LLP, and I represented Ms. Seetoo in her suit against Sheriff Villanueva and his staff. The case proceeded to trial, where we painted a vivid picture of the double standards and targeted mistreatment the client had suffered for over a year—mistreatment that amounted to gender discrimination and retaliation at the highest levels of the Sheriff’s Department. The jury ultimately rendered a verdict of almost $1 million on behalf of Ms. Seetoo. Katy and I were also awarded $2.6 million in attorneys’ fees.

While Ms. Seetoo is far from the first person to take on Sheriff Villanueva, I’m so proud that we were among the few who have been able to publicly defeat him. It’s critical that employees be protected from retaliation when they hold even their highest-ranking colleagues accountable for discriminatory behavior. I hope my client’s example gives women facing discrimination the courage to stand up for their rights against all odds.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law?

I didn’t really know what lawyers actually did until I joined the Pre-Law Society in college. Being part of that group showed me how legal work can make a real difference in people’s lives. That’s when I realized law was a field where I could challenge myself intellectually and do meaningful work.

How have you stayed involved with King Hall?

I have stayed connected to King Hall by going to alumni events and mentoring current and admitted students through the King Hall Mentorship Program. It’s been a great way to give back, support the next generation of lawyers, and stay connected to the community that shaped my career.