BoutinJones
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Sofia Schersei
Associate
Sofia Schersei advises employers on ways to stay compliant with California’s employment laws. A former Director of Operations who was responsible for Human Resources, Sofia brings the perspective of someone not only informed of employment laws but of someone who has been responsible for working directly with employees to enact policy in the workplace—something that sets her apart and allows her to support organizations on a practical level. Her experience as an employment lawyer also includes having worked as an Attorney Investigator to conduct workplace investigations in response to allegations raised by employees. Through her employment investigation work, she successfully resolved complex and sensitive workplace issues that contributed to a positive work environment for both public and private sector employers. She is also an employment litigator who is prepared to use litigation as a tool on behalf of employees when other strategies have been exhausted.
Sofia has dedicated much of her free time to improving the community and supporting Afghan-Americans, immigrants, and first-generation students who are looking for ways to contribute positively to the region and as professionals. She is the former Editor-in-Chief of the McGeorge Law Review, President of the Middle Eastern South Asian Association, a former Member of the McGeorge Unity Caucus, and a former Diversity Chair of the Student Bar Association. Through efforts she’s spearheaded, she has helped students enter law school, and receive tuition scholarships and assistance while studying for the bar. In addition, Sofia is fluent in both German and Dari.
“Legislation is year-round in California, so my job is to make sure employers are always up-to-date and stay ahead of any potential employment problems that will distract them from their business goals.”
“One of my favorite activities outside of work is dancing. People are always surprised to learn I was a competitive Bollywood and Hip Hop dancer and traveled nationally to compete. I love the fusion of classical Bollywood soundtracks with Hip Hop.”
Experience
Conducted thorough and neutral workplace investigations in response to allegations raised by employees involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, performance issues, and misconduct for the purpose of discovering whether misconduct occurred at the workplace.
Successfully resolved complex and sensitive investigations that contributed to a positive and inclusive work environment for private and public sector employers.
As a student attorney at the McGeorge Immigration Clinic, represented newly-arrived Afghans evacuated by the United States, and filing over 50 humanitarian parole matters with the United States Citizenships and Immigration Services (USCIS). Served as a translator at asylum and naturalization interviews. Filed numerous asylum cases on behalf of Afghan allies to the U.S. military and Afghan refugees.
Involvement
Professional Associations and Memberships
Member Sacramento County Bar, Employment Law Section
Former President and Current Alumni Advisor, Middle Eastern South Asian Association
Former Diversity Chair, Student Bar Association
Former Member, McGeorge Unity Caucus
Speaking Engagements and Publications
Knock Knock . . . Who’s there? California’s First Statewide Rent Cap and Eviction Tenant Protection Law, 52 U. Pac. L. Rev. 2 (2021)
Give Me a Fighting Chance: Why California Should Adopt the Lost Chance Doctrine, 53 U. Pac. L. Rev. 3 (2022)