Brent Marlis
Partner / President
Brent founded The Work Justice Firm with the singular purpose of fighting for the rights of mistreated employees. Brent is an active member of the Labor and Employment Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, the California Employment Lawyers Association and has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a rising star. He has represented employees throughout California and focuses his practice on cases involving the state’s Fair Employment and Housing Act, the federal Equal Pay Act, the failures of employers to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled or pregnant employees, the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, the California Family Rights Act, hostile work environment, wrongful termination, discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, and other related employment law matters. He has represented countless employees at all levels of seniority, from minimum wage earners to executives at publicly traded companies. Brent received his law degree from Tulane University Law School and his Bachelor of Arts from Washington University in St. Louis.
Garen Nadir
Partner / Managing Attorney
Garen is the Managing Attorney at The Work Justice Firm. With over ten years of experience, Garen has an established track record for recovering millions of dollars for employees and litigating both state and federal cases involving discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, and wage and hour issues in the State of California. Garen has aggressively pursued claims against Fortune 500 companies in various industries and is dedicated to protecting the rights of employees. Garen is admitted to practice law before all courts in the State of California, including the United States District Courts (Central, Southern, Northern, and Eastern Districts of California), and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Garen earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and he earned his law degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles.
Randal Oakley
Attorney
Mr. Oakley practices in all areas of employment litigation including wage and hour violations, wrongful termination, and claims covered under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Mr. Oakley has been representing clients as both plaintiffs and defendants in civil litigation for over twenty years; predominantly in personal injury, employment and consumer fraud actions. Mr. Oakley is licensed to practice in all California state courts, as well as all federal district courts in California.
Jackson Scalia
Attorney
Jackson Scalia is an associate at The Work Justice Firm. He has experience representing employees in all aspects of employment litigation including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. Jackson is admitted to practice law in the State of California. Jackson received his law degree from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law in 2018. While at USC, Jackson was a teaching assistant for Securities Regulation as well as a Saks Scholar for The Saks Institute for Mental Health Law, Policy, and Ethics which supports wide-ranging research focusing on mental health. Prior to law school he graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in US History and Political Science with a focus on American Politics at UC San Diego. While an undergraduate, he was active in local politics. When not practicing law, Jackson is an avid NASCAR fan.
Kirstin Jensvold-Rumage
Attorney
Kirstin is a litigation associate at The Work Justice Firm. Kirstin received a dual Bachelor of Arts degree from Occidental College in Urban and Environmental Policy and Spanish Language, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of San Diego School of Law. She is admitted to practice law before all California courts, as well as the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Kirstin joined The Work Justice Firm with a background in intellectual property law and criminal law which give her an eye for detail and an edge that make her an aggressive and effective advocate for her clients. Before Kirstin was a lawyer, she was a community activist, and still enjoys staying engaged with social movements, local politics, and artistic organizations.
Troy Candiotti
Attorney
Troy Candiotti is an associate attorney at the Work Justice Firm. Mr. Candiotti has spent most of his five years as a litigator representing employees in harassment, discrimination, and retaliation cases. Mr. Candiotti has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Gettysburg College and earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School in 2019. While in law school, Mr. Candiotti received top-tier grades, including in Torts I and II, Civil Procedure, Environmental Law, Internet Law, and Appellate Advocacy. In addition to working on harassment, discrimination, and retaliation cases, Mr. Candiotti has developed expertise in wage and hour disputes pursuant to the California Domestic Worker Bill of Rights, which governs minimum wage and overtime for caregivers. Over the course of his career, Mr. Candiotti has earned millions in settlements for his clients. When not working, Mr. Candiotti enjoys traveling, playing music, and cooking.
Rachel Bravo
Attorney
Rachel Bravo is an experienced litigator and has successfully represented employees in federal and state court actions involving claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and other employment-related issues. Rachel has litigated employment matters to trial, arbitration, and/or mediation. Throughout her career, Rachel has developed creative solutions to effectively advocate for her clients’ best interests. Prior to joining The Work Justice firm, Rachel has largely worked at boutique litigation firms and has advised a wide-range of clients on corporate, commercial, real estate, employment, and general liability matters. Rachel received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Theory with a minor in Law and Society from University of California, San Diego and her Juris Doctorate degree from University of California Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings College of Law). Rachel was admitted to practice in the State of California in 2009. She is also admitted to practice in the U.S District Courts of California (Northern, Eastern and Central Districts of California).
Octavio Velarde
Attorney
Octavio Velarde is a skilled attorney specializing in labor and employment law. Born and raised in Calexico, California, he brings a deep understanding of the challenges faced by workers and is dedicated to advocating for fair treatment in the workplace. Octavio completed his undergraduate studies at Pomona College in Claremont, CA, and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Irvine School of Law. During law school, he served as Lead Editor for the UC Irvine Law Review and externed with the Honorable Dean D. Pregerson in the Central District of California. He also co-drafted appellate briefs and successfully argued the Ninth Circuit decision, Martinez v. Barr, 941 F.3d 907 (9th Cir. 2019). With over a decade of experience working with labor unions, Octavio has focused his career on empowering workers through community engagement and worksite advocacy. His legal career includes representing plaintiffs in employment class actions and advocating for worker protections. Octavio was admitted to the California State Bar in December 2019 and is authorized to practice in the United States District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, Central, and Southern Districts of California. Today, he continues to focus exclusively on employment matters, advocating for his clients and ensuring their rights are protected in the workplace.
Jonathan Ramone
Chief of Staff
Jonathan has worked in the legal field for over 15 years, with the majority of his career focused on employment law. He received his Bachelor’s degree from California State University Northridge and Master’s degree from the University of Southern California. Jonathan is expected to complete his Juris Doctor degree in the fall of 2025.
Alex Alfaro
Hearing Representative
Alex manages the Workers' Compensation department at the Work Justice Firm. He is responsible for overseeing and managing cases related to workplace injuries, ensuring that injured workers receive fair and just compensation for their injuries.
With over 10 years of experience in the field, Alex has litigated numerous cases at the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board and Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs. This experience has allowed him to refine his skills and become a highly experienced advocate for injured workers. Alex advocates for employees who were injured on the job and fights for their rights to receive proper treatment and compensation.
Overall, with a combination of extensive experience and a strong advocacy background, Alex is well-equipped to handle complex Workers' Compensation cases and help injured workers navigate the legal process to secure the compensation they deserve.
Nanci Nieto
Administrator
Nanci’s journey in accounting began 3 years ago as an Accounts Receivable Specialist for Section 8 housing. This is where she found her passion for numbers and helping people. She later moved up in her career and secured a position as a Staff Accountant at a Fortune 500 company. Her time working in corporate has allowed Nanci to refine her skills in the accounting industry.
During her free time she likes to go hiking with her 3 dogs: Pepe, Phoenix, and Frankie. She is currently working towards finishing her Bachelor’s in Accounting.
Jackie Hernandez
Case Manager
Jackie graduated from the University of California, Irvine with two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Philosophy and Criminology, Law, and Society. Jackie obtained her Paralegal Certificate from Mt. San Antonio college in June 2020. Prior to joining this firm, Jackie worked at another firm where she gained significant experience in workers’ compensation. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Alexis Longoria
Staff Manager
Alexis possesses extensive expertise gained during her time at Plaintiff's employment law firms. Beginning her journey by providing administrative assistance, her persistent effort and unwavering dedication have propelled her into the position of our firm's adept bilingual legal assistant.
Marifer Garcia
Legal Assistant
Marifer received two associate degrees from Los Angeles Pierce College. She is seeking to expand her legal education by obtaining her paralegal certificate. Marifer is bilingual and worked as a legal assistant for a workers' compensation firm in Los Angeles.
Yaneli Garcia
Legal Assistant
Yaneli Garcia is a recent graduate from UCI where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in Political Science and Criminology, Law, and Society. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Bieni Cruz
Legal Assistant
Bieni graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a Bachelor’s in Sociology. She is bilingual and worked as a Legal Assistant at a firm in Los Angeles that specializes in Employment Law. Bieni obtained her Certificate of Achievement in Paralegal Studies from Los Angeles City College in June 2022.
Brandon Fabian
Legal Assistant
Brandon recently obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Law from USC and a master’s degree in Studies of Law from USC Gould School of Law. He is fluent in English and Spanish and has a passion for law.
Genesis Aguilera
Legal Assistant
Genesis is a dedicated bilingual Legal Assistant and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA.
Teresa Lopez
Reception/Legal Assistant
Teresa graduated from California State University, Northridge, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing along with a minor in Finance. She is proficient in both English and Spanish, making her bilingual. With her educational background and language skills, Teresa is keen on exploring opportunities in the field of law as she plans to pursue a career in this area.
Lesley Perez
Legal Assistant
Lesley Perez graduated recently from UCLA where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree. Her college coursework focused on Sociology. She is fluent in English and Spanish and also understands basic Korean.
Kimberly Rosas
Legal Assistant
Kimberly recently graduated from UCI where she earned a B.A. in Criminology, Law and Society, and also a B.A. in Social Ecology. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Jason Soberanis
Intake Coordinator
Prior to joining this firm, Jason worked at another firm where he gained significant experience in workers’ compensation and employment law. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from UCLA.
Alejandro Gomez
Intake Specialist
Alejandro is a recent graduate of UC Davis where he earned his degree in Political Science. Alejandro speaks both English and Spanish.
LEGAL ASSISTANTS
LAW CLERKS
