Profile Description

A San Francisco native, Chambord Benton-Hayes’ passion for the law was ignited at age ten when she met famed attorney Johnnie Cochran in Oakland, California. Mr. Cochran encouraged her to pursue a legal career as a litigator, and thereafter, Chambord worked towards this goal, graduating from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law at the age of twenty-four. 

Chambord finds enjoyment in zealously advocating for her clients because she loves protecting others and believes in holding companies accountable for their actions. She compassionately explains complex legal issues, empathizing with the discomfort often created by confusion and uncertainty.

Before launching Benton Employment Law Group, Chambord practiced law in the San Francisco office of an international law firm. During the Pandemic, she left “Big Law” and started representing individuals. Her ten years of experience defending some of the world’s largest corporations in employment matters and advising C-Suite leadership on litigation avoidance contributed to her astute insight on workplace dynamics.

Chambord takes great pleasure in oral advocacy. She has litigated cases from pre-litigation negotiations all the way through trial, and regularly represents clients in litigation and arbitration involving allegations of sexual harassment; discrimination based on gender, race, disability, and pregnancy; retaliation; wrongful termination; and harassment on both an individual and class basis. She also negotiates executive compensation and severance agreements. Whether a matter requires strategic negotiation or aggressive litigation, Chambord has the relevant experience.

Chambord has been recognized as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers (an honor awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys under the age of 40) and “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch” (awarded for outstanding professional excellence in private practice). Currently, she is the President of the Black Women Lawyers Association of Northern California (2020 - 2021).