Brett D. Szmanda

Senior Attorney

Brett Szmanda is a highly accomplished attorney renowned for his exceptional academic achievements and outstanding legal prowess. His journey to becoming a distinguished attorney with a passion for justice and advocacy was deeply influenced by his upbringing in Mukwonago, a quaint small town nestled in the heart of Wisconsin. Raised with Midwestern values that emphasized hard work, integrity, and community, Brett’s formative years instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility and compassion. Surrounded by the serene beauty of Wisconsin’s countryside, he developed a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life and the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.

Graduating magna cum laude from Whittier Law School in 2012 with a Certificate in International and Comparative Law., he distinguished himself by ranking 10th out of 175 students in his graduating class. During his time at Whittier Law School, Brett excelled both inside and outside the classroom. He showcased his exceptional oral advocacy skills by securing the Runner-Up position in the prestigious Susan E. McGuigan Oral Advocacy Competition in the Spring of 2010. Throughout his academic journey, Brett consistently demonstrated academic excellence, earning a spot on the Honors Roll and Dean’s List every semester. Brett’s academic excellence was further recognized with multiple CALI Awards, including those for achieving the top grade in various subjects such as Business Associations, Comparative Legal Systems, Constitutional Law, Employment Law, Honors Seminar, International Law and Rights of Publicity.

Brett’s commitment to legal scholarship extended beyond his academic achievements. He was an active member of Whittier’s Law Review and Moot Court, contributing his expertise to the academic discourse and honing his practical legal skills. He also served as a Judicial Extern for the Honorable James Di Cesare, Judge for the Superior Court of California for the County of Orange, gaining invaluable insights into the workings of the judicial system. Additionally, Brett worked as a research assistant for Professor Seval Yildirim, where he conducted complex legal research and prepared legal memoranda in the field of international law, further demonstrating his commitment to scholarly inquiry and rigorous analysis.

Brett’s remarkable career trajectory following law school showcases his unwavering commitment to legal excellence and advocacy for justice. Right out of law school, he founded the Szmanda Law Firm, embarking on a journey that would see him accumulate over 11 years of invaluable experience in the field of employment and labor law. At the Szmanda Law Firm, Brett specialized in litigating wage and hour class actions and representative actions under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) in both California state and federal courts. His expertise in this complex area of law earned him a reputation as a formidable advocate for employees seeking fair compensation and protection of their rights. Brett’s dedication to his clients extended beyond wage and hour disputes, as he also passionately advocated for individuals who had suffered wrongful discrimination and retaliation in the workplace.

Throughout his tenure at the Szmanda Law Firm, Brett demonstrated a steadfast commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness. His unwavering advocacy and meticulous approach to litigation resulted in numerous successful outcomes for his clients, earning him widespread recognition and respect within the legal community.

In joining the Lavi & Ebrahimian team, Brett Szmanda is thrilled to embark on the next chapter of his legal career. With a strong foundation rooted in Midwestern values and over a decade of experience litigating wage and hour disputes and advocating for the rights of employees, Brett is eager to contribute his expertise to the firm’s mission of championing justice and fairness. With his unwavering dedication to his clients and a passion for upholding the principles of integrity and equity, Brett looks forward to utilizing his skills and experience to continue advocating for the rights of employees alongside his esteemed colleagues at Lavi & Ebrahimian.