Jessica Golden Cortes

Jessica Golden Cortes is a partner at Davis+Gilbert LLP in New York, where she focuses her legal practice on labor and employment law. She advises employers ranging from startups to global corporations across sectors, including advertising, finance, architecture, nonprofit, and education. Her comprehensive counsel helps clients navigate evolving legal obligations while aligning with business goals.

Jessica earned her Juris Doctor from Fordham University School of Law in 2001 and graduated with high honors from Wesleyan University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts. Her academic background laid the groundwork for her career advising clients on complex workplace issues and delivering legally sound, business-conscious solutions.

Throughout her career, Jessica has provided day-to-day counsel on matters such as hiring, terminations, employee classification, wage and hour compliance, restrictive covenants, and leave laws. She crafts custom employment policies, drafts and negotiates agreements, and supports organizations in maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Jessica is also a skilled litigator and investigator. She represents clients before administrative agencies and in federal and state courts, arbitration, and mediation. Her litigation experience includes claims of discrimination, breach of contract, and wage-related disputes, where she has achieved favorable outcomes for her clients.

In addition to legal advocacy, Jessica is a trusted trainer for organizations nationwide. She leads sessions on respect in the workplace, unconscious bias, diversity and inclusion, and leadership best practices. She takes a preventive approach, helping clients foster healthy workplace cultures and minimize legal exposure through proactive policy design and training.

Jessica Golden Cortes has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, Legal 500 United States, and New York Metro Super Lawyers. Her practice reflects a commitment to clarity, risk management, and trusted advisory support in employment law.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Davis+Gilbert LLP
• Member, NYC Society for Human Resource Management
• Member, Wesleyan Lawyer’s Association

Licensed State

• New York

Education

• Fordham University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Wesleyan University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges