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Confessions of a Plaintiff's Attorney - How I Can Beat Your Arbitration Agreement (And How To Make Sure I Can't)
October 21, 2026
7:30 am - 9:00 am
Topic Description:
An arbitration agreement is only as strong as the process behind it. This session takes attendees beyond the basics to explore how California courts scrutinize arbitration agreements, the common drafting and onboarding mistakes that can undermine enforceability, and the critical role HR plays in the signing process. Using real-world examples, attendees will gain practical strategies to strengthen their agreements, improve onboarding practices, maintain essential records, and identify potential problems before a dispute arises.
| Speaker: | Andrew Pletcher |
| Date: | Wednesday, October 21st, 2026 |
| Program: | In-Person Networking / Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Zoom Webinar: 7:55 a.m. Program Begins: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
| Location: | In-Person: Los Robles Greens Banquet Center, 299 Moorpark Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91361 Webinar: This event will also be presented live virtually via Zoom. The Zoom link will be emailed the evening before the event. Recorded: All attendees will receive a link to the event recording, valid for 30 days after the event. |
Speaker Information:
Andrew S. “Drew” Pletcher is a California employment litigator and founder of Pletcher Law, APC, a boutique appellate and law-and-motion practice in Westlake Village. For more than a decade, he has represented employees in workplace disputes and handled complex motions and appeals throughout California. His background also includes serving as a Deputy City Attorney, small business owner, and board member of the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Drew brings firsthand experience challenging employer arbitration agreements and identifying the weaknesses that can make them unenforceable. He is counsel in four published appellate decisions, including Velarde v. Monroe Operations, LLC (2025) 111 Cal.App.5th 1009, and has twice argued before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In this presentation, he shares the plaintiff’s attorney perspective to help employers and HR professionals strengthen their arbitration agreements and practices.
The East Ventura County Employer Advisory Council (EAC) is composed of employer volunteers representing a cross-section of businesses and industries. Its commitment is to assist employers in conducting their business more effectively and efficiently, to provide information on employment-related issues, and to enhance communication in the private sector. This presentation is provided for educational and informational purposes only; it does not constitute an endorsement of the curriculum or speakers by the East Ventura County EAC. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the materials provided during this event.
Special requests for accommodation need to be made two weeks before the event by emailing info@eastventuraeac.org or by calling (805) 288-8231
Venue: Los Robles Greens/Zoom
Venue Phone: 805.495.6421
Venue Website: https://www.losroblesgreens.com
Address: