Cindy Elias is a seasoned trial attorney and labor law enforcement leader who has tried more than 40 jury trials to verdict.
Prior to joining the California Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO), she spent nearly 12 years as a San Francisco Deputy Public Defender, handling thousands of misdemeanor and felony cases.
Cindy joined the LCO in 2018 as a Bureau of Field Enforcement (BOFE) attorney, helping recover more than $8 million in unpaid wages and penalties for workers. She also served as a criminal advisor to the Criminal Investigative Unit (CIU), supporting criminal referrals and wage theft case development.
She currently serves as Special Counsel to Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower and Acting Chief Counsel for the LCO’s Legal Unit, where she leads the legal team and advances statewide labor law enforcement. Her work includes integrating restorative justice principles, developing a trauma-informed legal practice, strengthening labor law enforcement and litigation efforts, and fostering collaboration with local prosecutors across the state.
Cindy also serves on the San Francisco Police Commission, which sets policy and oversees discipline for the San Francisco Police Department.
Most importantly, she is the proud mother of a two-year-old daughter who keeps her both busy and humble.