Carl has handled, and on multiple occasions, been deposed about complex and sensitive investigations involving diverse sets of allegations.  He regularly investigates claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, ethical and policy violations, workplace accidents/violence, substance abuse, various forms of fraud, embezzlement, malfeasance, and concerns specific to public safety contexts such as use-of-force cases.  His investigations in both the public and private sectors have involved allegations by and against line-level employees, management, chief/senior executives, and officials both elected and appointed.  The parties involved in Carl’s investigations have included Mayors, District Attorneys, City Managers, Human Resources Directors, Police and Fire Chiefs, Commissioners, and governing boards of directors.  Some of Carl’s more unique investigations have involved site inspections, surveillance, forensic evidence (both physical and electronic), and coordination with law enforcement regarding parallel criminal investigations.

From small tech start-ups to large public agencies, Carl employs a thoughtful, flexible and highly adaptive approach to each case.  Carl’s experience spans across many industries including agriculture, biotech, building trades, education, energy, environment, government, high-tech, investment, law enforcement, legal, manufacturing, medical, public safety, recreation, sales, social media, and public utilities.  He holds a certificate from the Association of Workplace Investigators Training Institute.

Prior to joining Van Dermyden Makus, Carl represented public and private labor unions in investigative and administrative proceedings, civil litigation, grievances, and other labor relations matters.  In that role, he specialized in representing public safety personnel in internal affairs investigations and fact-findings.  Carl also represented public safety officers in the context of officer-involved shootings, death-in-custody events, and other life-and-death critical incidents.  He is therefore well versed in the Public Safety Officers’ and Firefighters’ Procedural Bill of Rights Acts.  Carl also has prior experience defending employers in litigation involving complaints of discrimination, harassment, and wage and hour claims.  Additionally, Carl investigated and prosecuted civil rights complaints as a Civil Rights Fellow at the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (now known as the Department of Civil Rights). 

Originally a Bay Area native from Vallejo, Carl graduated from University of California Davis School of Law where he focused his studies on labor and employment law.  He also served on the Trial Practice Honors Board and was an editor on three law journals.  Prior to law school, Carl graduated summa cum laude from California State University, Sacramento. 

CA State Bar No. 301933