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]
Since 1996
2008 - Current
Machen Law Firm
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.
2005 - 2008
City and County of San Francisco
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.
2001 - 2005
Bay Area Water Transit Authority
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.
1997 - 2001
City and County of San Francisco
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.
1993 - 1996
J.D. (1996) | LAW
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.
1990
B.A. (1990) | ART
Consumer Attorneys of California
Employee Benefits, Employment Contracts, Employment Discrimination, ERISA, Overtime & Unpaid Wages, Sexual Harassment, Whistleblower, Wrongful Termination
Administrative Law, Election Law, Government Contracts, Government Finance, Legislative & Government Affairs
