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Heidi Machen

Heidi Machen

Machen Law Firm: Helping Everyday People
  • Employment Law, Gov & Administrative Law
  • California
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Biography

Heidi Machen has been an attorney since 1996 when she graduated from University of California Hastings College of the Law and passed the California Bar Exam. Prior to hanging her shingle as a sole practitioner in 2008, representing clients in matters of employment and regulatory law, Ms. Machen served in various policy and executive positions in local and Bay Area government.

Among her extracurricular activities, she is an avid cyclist, a Vegan cook, an amateur oil painter, has been known to contribute to theatrical productions on or off stage, and to participate in Democratic party doings. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University.

[For more information and sample representations, find me on LinkedIn or at MachenLaw.com]

Practice Areas
Employment Law
Employee Benefits, Employment Contracts, Employment Discrimination, ERISA, Overtime & Unpaid Wages, Sexual Harassment, Whistleblower, Wrongful Termination
Gov & Administrative Law
Administrative Law, Election Law, Government Contracts, Government Finance, Legislative & Government Affairs
Fees
  • Free Consultation
    Your problem may not always have a legal solution, but you should at least explore the possibility with someone who knows the right questions to ask.
  • Contingent Fees
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
California
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Professional Experience
Attorney
Machen Law Firm
- Current
Machen Law represents Bay Area employees who have suffered discrimination, harassment, retaliation, defamation and wrongful termination in the workplace. We also help licensed professionals who are in danger of revocation, require assistance in getting their licenses issued or renewed or who require defense against regulatory/disciplinary actions. As well, we assist small businesses to navigate permitting issues or when they run afoul of government regulators.
Director, Taxi Commission
City and County of San Francisco
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As the chief regulator of taxis, I oversaw more than 8,500 permits, including their issuance and taking disciplinary actions or defending those actions before the City's Board of Appeals. I developed policy, procedures, regulations and laws and advised and counseled elected and appointed officials. As well, I maintained a balanced $1.4 million budget, managed a five-person staff; and, built consensus among stakeholders and executed industry reform that included converting the entire fleet to fuel efficient vehicles.
Manager, Public Affairs
Bay Area Water Transit Authority
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Researched and wrote talking points and legislation for Bay Area politicians. Obtained support from policy-makers, grant funders and various community stakeholders for a wholesale expansion of the ferry transportation system. Vetted and handled media requests, pitched stories, wrote and placed articles, and acted as spokesperson. Developed and implemented outreach strategy including hiring and managing third-party vendors; and publicly presented plans and updates to Bay Area audiences including during legislative sessions.
Legislative Aid, Board of Supervisors
City and County of San Francisco
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Developed public policy and legislation in coordination with various stakeholders and government officials. Communicated Supervisor's positions, accomplishments and passage of municipal laws to a wide audience including press, advocates, public officials, community groups and leaders.
Education
University of California College of the Law, San Francisco
J.D. (1996) | LAW
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Activities: Member, Women's Law Journal - published Women’s Work: Attitudes, Regulation, and Lack of Power Within the Sex Industry, (1996) 7:1 Hastings Women’s L.J. 177.
University of California College of the Law, San Francisco Logo
California State University - San Francisco State University
B.A. (1990) | ART
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Awards
Presidential Award of Merit
Consumer Attorneys of California
Received peer recognition for advancing CAOC's grass roots efforts with elected officials.
Professional Associations
State Bar of California  # 184278
Member
Current
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Right on the Money: Tips on How to Get Your Client to Pay the Bill
ABA Journal
From Atticus to Vinny, Your Favorite Movies About the Law
Law 360
Litigators on Their Past Trial Blunders
Law 360
From Home Office to Office Home
San Francisco Recorder
Speaking Engagements
#MeTooLawyers - Sexual Harassment Experienced by Lawyers, MCLE - special credits for eliminating bias in the legal profession and for ethics, San Francisco Bar Association
AIDS Legal Referral Panel of the San Francisco Bay Area
Websites & Blogs
Website
Contact & Map
Machen Law Firm
345 Franklin Street, Ste. 204
San Francisco, CA 94102
Telephone: (415) 626-1140