Gilbert-Lurie Is Appointed to L.A. Civil Service Panel

Hidden Hills resident Leslie K. Gilbert-Lurie has been appointed to the Los Angeles County Civil Service Commission.

“Leslie will be a great asset to the commission in its work,” said Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, who made the appointment. “She’s sharp, savvy and experienced, and I have great regard for her ability to be objective and fair in dealing with these sensitive matters.”

The five-member panel hears appeals for employees’ allegations of job discrimination, wrongful termination and other employment matters. Gilbert-Lurie was once an associate with the West Los Angeles law firm of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips. Before that she was a clerk for the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Harry Pregerson.

She is well-qualified for the task, Joel Bellman, a spokesman for Yaroslavsky, said.

“Some of the stuff is extremely controversial,” Bellman said. “It requires a good understanding of the law, and these things can end up in litigation if they are not handled right.”

Gilbert-Lurie was out of town on business Tuesday and could not be reached for comment.

She is currently a screenwriter and consultant to the USA cable network. She has served on the board of directors for the Alliance for Children’s Rights, the American Jewish Congress and L.A. Works. She also has been a member of the Hollywood Women’s Political Committee and the Writers Guild of America.