Marla, a veteran trial lawyer and high-stakes litigator, focuses her practice on representing employers in complex wage-and-hour disputes, class and collective actions, and discrimination claims under Title VII, the ADEA, the ADA, and state tort theories. She has led trial teams to victory in state, federal, and appellate courts around the country. Marla understands her clients’ business needs and is a highly respected advocate who develops winning strategies and represents her clients with dedication.
Outside of litigation, Marla leads high-profile investigations into employee misconduct and workplace culture and advises employers on avoiding litigation related to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage-and-hour issues, terminations, and reductions in force. Marla also routinely provides employment advice to firms across the state.
A significant portion of Marla’s practice is focused on representing Pittsburgh-area colleges and universities with third-party investigations, Title IX compliance, Title IX/Sexual Violence policies and procedures drafting, and training responsible persons, investigators, and hearing panels.
Prior to joining the firm, Marla was the office managing principal of the Pittsburgh office of a national law firm where she co-chaired the women’s initiative and served as a core member of the Trial, Restrictive Covenant, Class Action, and Higher Education Groups. She is active in several volunteer roles in the Pittsburgh community and is a former professor of Legal Research and Writing at the Thomas R. Kline School of Law. She has served as President of the Allegheny County Bar Association and held a number of leadership positions within the organization.
Marla earned her B.A. from the University of Mount Union and her J.D. from the Duquesne University School of Law, where she was recognized with the Lynette Norton Award for excellence in trial advocacy. Marla spends her time outside of work running, cycling, and playing ice hockey with the Pittsburgh Puffins.