Our Team

Empower clients through education and strategy
Deliver clarity in complex legal matters
Prioritize relationships over transactions
Managing partner

Alexis D. James

Alexis brings over 20 years of experience in California employment law, having worked on both the plaintiff and defense sides. She earned her B.A. in Public Policy from Duke University and her J.D., with honors, from Lewis & Clark Law School. Known as a calm and effective voice in high-conflict matters, Alexis represents employers in litigation and provides comprehensive guidance on compliance, workplace investigations, and employee relations.
A certified mediator, Alexis regularly speaks at HR and legal conferences and serves as Chair of the Employment Law Section of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association. She is also active with The Esquire Network and ProVisors. Outside the office, she enjoys travel, playing piano, and all things Italian with her husband and two children.
partner

Renee N. Noy

Renee is a seasoned employment attorney with more than 20 years of experience advocating for both plaintiffs and employers. She earned her B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of Colorado Boulder and her J.D. from UC Hastings. Renee draws on her years representing plaintiffs to help employers minimize risk, navigate compliance, and resolve complex workplace disputes with clarity and compassion.
She is also a certified mediator and a passionate educator, known for delivering practical legal advice that balances protection, fairness, and efficiency. Beyond employment law, Renee has helped over 500 birth mothers through the private adoption process. She plays violin with the San Fernando Valley Orchestra and enjoys reading, travel, and family time.
senior associate

George P. Albutt

George has over 20 years of experience litigating employment and labor law matters, including complex class actions in state and federal court. Educated at Cambridge and Oxford, he graduated first in his class from Ventura College of Law. George’s approach aligns with WorkWise Law’s mission: providing smart, practical, and cost-effective legal solutions to employment challenges.
Senior Counsel

Sandra L. Lepson

With over 30 years of experience, Sandra advises employers on the full spectrum of employment law and has a particular focus on growing businesses and startups. A USC Gould School of Law graduate, she has served clients from all sides—corporate, non-profit, union, and plaintiff—giving her unique insight into crafting tailored and balanced legal solutions.Sandra is a sought-after speaker on topics like harassment prevention, diversity and inclusion, and LGBTQ+ workplace awareness. She believes in building compliant, respectful workplaces that foster productivity and reduce risk.
Junior Associate

Gian A. Ryan

Gian earned her J.D. from UC Hastings after completing her B.A. at UC Santa Barbara. She began her legal career in high-stakes business litigation, working on securities and consumer class actions at a national law firm. At WorkWise Law, Gian focuses on fostering effective, compliant workplaces while also representing clients in litigation. She brings a balanced, proactive approach to problem-solving and client advocacy.
Junior Associate

Carlos Eduardo Soriano

Carlos holds a J.D. from Southwestern Law School and a B.A. from UC Berkeley. Prior to joining WorkWise Law, he served as a Law Clerk and Research Attorney for the Los Angeles Superior Court, where he authored over 1,300 tentative rulings across a broad range of civil matters. Carlos brings a deep understanding of judicial reasoning and litigation strategy to his practice. Outside of law, he enjoys time with family and is learning multiple instruments, including the saxophone, flute, and clarinet.
PARALEGAL

Lillian Jimenez

Lillian is a skilled litigation paralegal with a B.S. in Business Management and a Paralegal Certificate from Pasadena City College. She joined WorkWise Law in 2019 while initially pursuing a career in teaching but quickly found her passion in legal work. Known for her client-first approach, Lillian ensures that every client feels heard and supported. She enjoys concerts, cooking, and hiking with her dog, Tao.
Office Administrator

Nathalie Santamaria

Nathalie brings creativity and structure to her role as Office Administrator, combining her A.A. degrees in Studio Arts, Criminal Justice, and Social Sciences with a passion for graphic design. Known for her organizational savvy and warm approach, she also leads literacy and arts initiatives in her community. In her free time, Nathalie enjoys music, drawing, drumming, and spending time with her nephews.