Rachel Wenneker

Strategic litigator and appellate practitioner

Rachel Wenneker (née Beyda) is a litigator and experienced appellate advocate who represents corporations, individuals and public entities in state and federal courts. She has authored numerous high-stakes motions and appellate briefs, and has argued orally in the courts of appeal. Rachel’s areas of focus include:

• Appellate practice
• Constitutional and civil rights litigation
• Business disputes, including contract, trade secret and insurance issues
• Labor and employment matters
• General tort liability

Rachel’s approach is consistent: By combining thorough research, clear reasoning and creative storytelling, she persuasively advocates for her clients. She is known for her top-notch writing skills and her ability to transform complex ideas into compelling and easy-to-understand arguments.

Prior to joining Quarles, Rachel worked for a civil appellate firm based in Los Angeles. She also clerked for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, where she learned firsthand what judges find persuasive.

• Handles appeals from start to finish, including record review, legal research, argument development, brief drafting and oral argument.
• Authors trial-level motions and briefs, with the goal of resolving matters efficiently and favorably.

Appellate Matters

• Represented government officials in anti-SLAPP (strategic lawsuit against public participation) appeal and obtained favorable published opinion.
• Secured affirmance of favorable jury verdict for large insurance company in case involving $50 million of claimed damages.
• Successfully obtained reversal on behalf of a public entity and government official in appeal involving constitutional and civil rights.
• Represented large military contractor in summary judgment appeal and successfully obtained reversal.

Trial Court Matters

• Obtained dismissal on the pleadings on behalf of Fortune 500 company in shareholder derivative suit.
• Obtained dismissal on the pleadings on behalf of public entity faced with age discrimination suit.