Professional Qualifications

Ms. Bensalem defends employers in a wide range of cases, including those involving wage and hour disputes, labor code violations, including those arising under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), whistleblower claims, EEO claims (discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims), tort claims, trade secrets and contract disputes. She is experienced in preparing and responding to law and motion matters, written discovery, and in preparing mediation briefs and settlement agreements, and meet-and-confer letters.

In addition to her litigation matters, Ms. Bensalem supports clients through drafting employee handbooks as well as anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies, among other compliance and advisory work. 

Before joining RJO, Ms. Bensalem litigated labor and employment claims in Sacramento. She has negotiated numerous settlement agreements favorable to her clients, including a settlement with the Civil Rights Department. She has conducted numerous depositions to discover new evidence, ensure comprehensive trial preparation and evaluate witness credibility.

Ms. Bensalem earned her J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law and her B.S. in political science, Middle Eastern studies, and communication rhetorical studies from Syracuse University. While in law school, she earned the Dean’s Leadership Award and the CALI Excellence for Future Award in Criminal Procedure. She was a Law Faculty Scholar and participated in the High Tech Law Journal, Honors Moot Court and Entrepreneurs’ Law Clinic.

Outside of the office, Ms. Bensalem regularly attends theater programs and enjoys contemporary art, particularly surrealism. She is a proud Syracuse Orange supporter and speaks intermediate Arabic. 

Education

J.D., Santa Clara University School of Law

B.S., Syracuse University 

Bar Admissions

California

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California