California Labor & Employment Partner Jenica Maldonado Joins Hanson Bridgett

SAN FRANCISCO – March 9, 2026 – Hanson Bridgett LLP, a California-based full-service law firm headquartered in San Francisco with offices across the state, announced today that Jenica Maldonado has joined the firm as a partner in its Employer Services Section, adding to its deep bench of labor and employment attorneys and building on the firm’s continued growth across California.

Maldonado joins Hanson Bridgett from Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo. She previously served as a Deputy City Attorney in the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office, where she advised on employment and government law matters. She also began her legal career at Hanson Bridgett, making this a return to the firm.

“Jenica is a strategic, solutions-oriented advisor who understands how employment issues intersect with governance, policy, and public scrutiny,” said Kristina Lawson, Managing Partner. “Her experience guiding clients through high-impact matters — and particularly in the public sector, where we’re seeing demand boom — makes her an exceptional addition to our team and to the clients we serve across California.”

Maldonado advises clients across the full spectrum of employment law matters, including day-to-day advice and counsel, crisis management, labor relations, litigation, arbitration, and workplace investigations. She regularly handles complex issues involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, whistleblower claims, disability accommodation, leave laws, and First Amendment considerations, and has deep experience advising public safety agencies on matters involving sworn personnel.

In addition to her employment practice, Maldonado serves as General Counsel to multiple fire districts and advises public agencies on governance and compliance matters, including California’s open meeting laws, public records requirements, ethics obligations, and conflicts of interest. She serves as a trusted advisor to leadership teams navigating legal, operational, and reputational risk.

“California employers and public agencies are facing increasingly complex workplace and governance challenges,” said Maldonado. “I’m excited to return to Hanson Bridgett, a firm that is deeply rooted in California and known for helping clients navigate these issues with practical, thoughtful guidance, and to be a part of the firm’s continued momentum is exciting.”

Maldonado will be joined by Associate Abigail Mendez, who is also joining Hanson Bridgett from AALRR and starts today.

Maldonado’s addition follows the firm’s recent announcement that real estate partners Susan Daly and Tara Castro Narayanan joined Hanson Bridgett, along with Senior Associate Louise Dyble, with Associate Sam Brink expected to join in March.

About Hanson Bridgett

Hanson Bridgett LLP is an Am Law 200 law firm with more than 200 attorneys and offices across California. Rooted in California and well-versed in its complex legal landscape, the firm proudly serves clients nationwide. The firm is structured to support businesses, public agencies, nonprofits, and individuals spanning industries including: construction, corporate and risk management, government and transportation, employer services, health and senior care, wealth management, and real estate and environment. As the first law firm certified as a B Corp, Hanson Bridgett is deeply committed to public service, sustainability, and advancing the communities where we live and work – in California and beyond.

For media inquiries, contact:

Patrick L. Clos
Communications Manager
Hanson Bridgett LLP
415-995-5098
[email protected]