Hill Farrer brings back labor and employment litigator Elissa Gysi

Hill, Farrer & Burrill LLP said Sept. 3, 2026, that Elissa Gysi has rejoined the firm as a partner in Los Angeles. The move bolsters the firm’s labor and employment practice as employers face continued litigation risk over harassment, retaliation, discrimination and wage claims.

Why it matters: - Elissa Gysi’s return adds senior labor and employment litigation experience to Hill, Farrer & Burrill LLP’s practice. - The hire strengthens the firm’s ability to advise employers on workplace policies, workforce management and litigation risk. - The move matters for clients facing claims involving harassment, retaliation, discrimination and wage-and-hour disputes.

What happened: - Hill, Farrer & Burrill LLP announced Sept. 3, 2026, that Elissa Gysi has rejoined the firm as a partner. - The firm said the hire further strengthens its labor and employment capabilities. - Gysi is based in Los Angeles.

The details: - Gysi advises employers on employment policies, workforce management and strategies to reduce litigation risk. - Gysi defends employment-related claims for clients ranging from closely held businesses to large national companies. - Her practice includes matters involving harassment, retaliation, discrimination, wage-and-hour violations and other workplace disputes. - Managing Attorney Dean Dennis said the firm was delighted to welcome Gysi back and cited her experience with sophisticated labor and employment matters for employers across the country. - Dennis also said the firm knew her skill, judgment and client commitment from working with her previously. - Gysi said returning to Hill Farrer feels like coming home and that she values the firm’s attorneys, culture and client focus. - Gysi earned a J.D. from Stanford Law School and a M.A. in political science from Columbia University.

Between the lines: - The rehire suggests Hill Farrer is leaning on known talent as employers continue to face active workplace litigation. - Bringing back a former lawyer can shorten ramp-up time and preserve institutional familiarity with the firm’s clients and approach. - The announcement also signals that labor and employment work remains a priority practice area for the firm.

What's next: - Gysi is expected to help expand the firm’s labor and employment bench and support existing and new employer clients. - Hill Farrer is likely to market the strengthened practice as workplace disputes and compliance issues continue to drive demand for defense counsel.

The bottom line: - Hill Farrer is betting that a familiar litigator with deep employer-side experience will sharpen one of the firm’s core practices.