Constangy, Brooks, Smith and Prophete, LLP is pleased to announce the opening of a new office in San Diego, furthering its California presence and extending the national labor and employment law firm’s network to 29 offices across 17 states. The first partner to join the San Diego office is Cory King, who comes to Constangy after practicing at FordHarrison and Fine, Boggs & Perkins. Constangy also welcomes a new senior associate in the New York and Northern New Jersey offices. Timothy Barbetta has joined the firm, bringing five years of experience to the team. Barbetta joins from FordHarrison.

 Bringing more than 25 years of experience in employment law, King represents management in private arbitration and litigation claims before state and federal courts, as well as administrative proceedings before state and federal agencies. His extensive litigation experience includes defending wage/hour (including class action and PAGA claims), harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, whistleblower, breach of contract, unfair competition, and trade secret disputes. He also brings significant experience in working with automotive industry clients. King received his J.D. from the University of San Diego Law School.

Constangy’s presence in California has expanded rapidly since opening its first office in Los Angeles in 2016 and now includes 44 attorneys across offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange County and now San Diego. According to Ken Sulzer, who leads Constangy’s California practice, “California is on the leading edge of the evolving legal issues that today’s employers are facing, and we have built a strong reputation for handling complex matters of all kinds, including wage hour class and PAGA cases. Cory brings additional depth to the team and we are looking forward to growing our new San Diego presence.”

Barbetta previously practiced at FordHarrison and Kaufman, Borgeest & Ryan. He also served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Allison E. Accurso, J.A.D., of the New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division. Barbetta received his J.D. from the George Washington University Law School.

“We’re excited to continue our expansion in California and across the country and increase our ability to serve clients in key markets,” said Neil Wasser, chair of the firm’s executive committee. “As the market for legal talent remains competitive, we are proud that Constangy has built a reputation as a firm where skilled attorneys can thrive in a collaborative environment.”