Lauren Bradshaw

Lauren Bradshaw is an associate in the Orange County office of Messner Reeves LLP, where her practice focuses on defending non-profit organizations and private employers in labor and employment litigation and pre-litigation matters. She strives to provide comprehensive representation to her clients and achieve meaningful resolutions to their disputes. Prior to joining Messner Reeves, Lauren represented private employers, public entities, and government agencies in state and federal courts throughout California defending against claims of wrongful termination, constructive termination, discrimination, retaliation, hostile work environment, sexual harassment, childhood sexual assault, personal injury, and premises liability.

Lauren is experienced in every stage of civil litigation, from pre-litigation investigations and negotiations to drafting written discovery, conducting depositions, and preparing for trial. She has successfully resolved complex cases through mediation as well as direct negotiations and has successfully argued dispositive motions, including motions for summary judgment. Her litigation background includes extensive work defending school districts, counties, and public-sector clients facing employment and civil liability claims.

Before transitioning to civil defense, Lauren served as a Deputy Public Defender in both Orange County and Solano County, where she tried twelve jury trials to verdict, earning multiple acquittals and favorable outcomes for her clients. This early courtroom experience laid the foundation for her confident and pragmatic approach to defense litigation.

Lauren received her B.A. in Psychology, cum laude, from Pepperdine University. She earned her J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law, where she served as President of the La Raza Law Students Association and Co-President of the Immigration Justice Law Society. During law school, Lauren completed over 2,000 hours of pro bono legal work through the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office and community organizations such as the Pacific Beach Welcome Door Foundation. She previously served on the Board of Directors for Shanti OC, a non-profit organization that provides mental health and case management services. Lauren is admitted to practice in California.

Outside of her practice, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, gourmet cooking, snowboarding in Lake Tahoe, throwing pottery, and running with her two huskies.