
Tashayla “Shay” Billington
Partner
About Tashayla
Tashayla “Shay” Billington has a decade of experience handling labor and employment law matters, with a special focus in traditional labor. Billington has significant experience defending unfair labor practice charges before the National Labor Relations Board, which includes early dismissals and settlements. She advises and counsel negotiating union contracts, resolves grievances and handles arbitrations under collective bargaining agreements, and assists non-unionized employers in union campaigns and avoidance efforts. Prior to joining CDF, Billington’s breadth of experience representing public safety unions and hearings before the California Public Employment Relations Board gave her a unique and invaluable insight into labor relations.
Additionally, Billington provides defense and counsel to companies operating within California. Her work includes single-plaintiff claims involving discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful termination, employment-related torts, wage and hour class actions, and PAGA matters.
With a keen understanding of the importance of strategic legal maneuvers, Billington excels in conducting thorough discovery processes. This includes plaintiff and key witness depositions, witness deposition preparation and defense, and the effective handling of various discovery matters. Her track record consists of the successful filing, argumentation, and defense of motions across her caseload. Her proficiency also extends to employment mediation and arbitration settings, where she skillfully guides clients toward favorable outcomes.
Recognizing California employers' unique challenges, Billington is unwaveringly committed to protecting her clients' businesses and ensuring compliance with the state's dynamic landscape of employment laws. Devoted to providing comprehensive legal representation to California employers, she offers a distinctive blend of assertive and innovative strategies to adeptly navigate the complexities of the legal landscape.
Areas of Practice
- Traditional Labor Law Unions and the NLRB
- Wrongful Termination and Workplace Tort Litigation
- Wage and Hour Issues
- Class Actions
- PAGA Litigation
Education
University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, J.D., 2015
- Graduated Order of the Coif and Order of the Barristers
- Witkin Award – Global Lawyer Skills and Advanced Trial Advocacy
- Anthony M. Kennedy Scholarship (3 years)
- Best Oral Advocate Award – American Bar Association Moot Court Competition; Best Closing – 1L Mock Trial Competition; Mock Trial Honors Team, Spring 2014; Best Brief – Global
- Lawyering Skills II Competition; Final Four Oralist – Global Lawyering Skills II Competition
University of California at Berkeley, B.A., 2009
- National Society of Collegiate Scholars (recognition for academic achievement)
Presentations
Recognitions
Listed, Best Lawyers® "Ones to Watch" - Labor and Employment Law (Management), and Litigation (Labor and Employment), Sacramento, 2023 - 2025
Listed, Super Lawyers Northern California Rising Stars, 2021 - 2024
Mastagni Diversity Fellowship Representative, 2016 - 2019
Sacramento County Bar Foundation Member at Large, 2018 - 2020
