Sacramento, CA — April 2, 2026 — Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation (VM Law), a nationally recognized leader in workplace and campus investigations and Title IX adjudications, today announced a significant ownership transition effective April 1, 2026.

Since its founding, VM Law has remained focused on creating a sustainable, evergreen business to ensure it serves its clients for years to come with independent investigation and adjudication services. To ensure VM Law’s enduring future, Founding Partner Sue Ann Van Dermyden has transferred her full ownership interest in the Firm, with three longstanding partners: Liz DeChellis, Jennifer Doughty, and Erich Knorr, purchasing the majority of her shares.

We’re excited to share that Partner Erich Knorr will be taking the stage at Courageous Conversations — a dynamic, hands-on experience designed for HR professionals ready to elevate how they lead, communicate, and investigate.

Van Dermyden Makus is thrilled to celebrate an incredible achievement—Sue Ann Van Dermyden has been named to the 2026 San Diego Super Lawyers list!

We're thrilled to announce that Eli Makus will join a powerhouse panel for a timely and essential session on one of the most contested areas in employment law today at the ABA ERR Committee Midwinter Meeting & National Symposium on Technology in Labor & Employment Law.

Lexi Weyrick spoke at the Labor and Employment Law Section of the California Lawyers Association's 2026 New Employment Practitioner Conference on Thursday, February 5th.

We're thrilled to announce that Sue Ann Van Dermyden will take the stage as moderator for a cutting-edge session exploring the future of employment law practice at the ABA ERR Committee Midwinter Meeting & National Symposium on Technology in Labor & Employment Law.

VM is pleased to announce that Eli Makus will be presenting at the 2026 National Labor and Employment Law Symposium, alongside Liz Rita of the Investigations Law Group.

Their session, “Workplace Investigations: Lessons from the Trenches,” is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. and will focus on practical insights drawn from real-world investigative experience.

NEW YORK, NY – December 2, 2025 – HR Acuity, the category leader in employee relations case management and investigations software, today announced its strategic partnership with Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation, an investigations law firm recognized nationally for its deep expertise in conducting neutral workplace investigations.

CALPELRA's 2025 Annual Training Conference, the 50th annual CALPELRA conference will be held in beautiful Monterey, California, the week of November 18-21.

Senior Partners Eli Makus and Sue Ann Van Dermyden are presenting at the 2025 AWI Virtual Training Institute for Workplace Investigators. Sue Ann will lead a session on “Report Writing” on October 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM PDT. Eli will present on “Evidence” on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM PDT.

Eli Makus and Matthew Rose will present “As If: Managing Complaints Made Against Local Officials” at the 30th Annual California JPIA Risk Management Educational Forum, taking place at the Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, California, on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 10:14 AM.

Senior Partner Eli Makus presented virtually at the 2025 AWI Australia & New Zealand Conference on Thursday, September 4, at 9:00 AM, delivering his session titled “Navigating the Impact of AI on Workplace Investigations: Speaking from Experience.

VM’s Managing Partner Eli Makus and Alex Travin will present the AWI Workplace Investigations Credibility Workshop, a three-hour interactive online program focused on assessing credibility in workplace investigations. The workshop includes in-depth discussions on credibility factors and hands-on practice with realistic evidence scenarios in small group breakout sessions.

Addressing complaints against high-level executives and C-suite members presents unique challenges for in-house counsel, from managing intense scrutiny and power imbalances to preserving privilege.  This one-hour virtual presentation provides counsel with practical guidance on conducting and overseeing these high-stakes investigations, including selecting the appropriate investigator, managing conflicts of interest, maintaining confidentiality, and determining interim measures.  Attendees will gain insights on protecting the organization while ensuring fairness for all involved, with an emphasis on minimizing legal exposure and preserving the integrity of the investigation.