Employment Law

Our employment law attorneys handle employment disputes in court and in administrative proceedings before the California Labor Commissioner, Department of Labor Standards Enforcement, and in various arbitration tribunals, including numerous high profile cases before the Financial Services Industry Regulatory Authority (or “FINRA”), which governs employment disputes between Registered Representatives and the brokerage firms employing them.  Our Firm’s employment attorneys have tried numerous employment cases, resulting in substantial awards in favor of our clients.  We also advise clients regarding compliance with employment laws, and provide regular updates concerning important changes in the law applicable to our clients’ businesses. 

Some examples of the employment disputes our attorneys have handled over the years include the following matters:

  • Employment Attorney Representative Case #1: Representation of a start-up events staffing agency in a lawsuit brought against the agency by the principal’s former employer, alleging unfair competition, breaches of non-compete and confidentiality agreements, and related claims arising out of the parties’ former employment relationship.  After months of discovery-intensive litigation, we successfully defended our client and prevented the former employer from obtaining a court-imposed injunction which would have ended our client’s new business venture.  Immediately after we successfully defeated the former employer's "bet the ranch" monition for an injunction against our client, we negotiated a settlement that required the dismissal and general release of all claims against our client in exchange for $0.
  • Employment Attorney Representative Case #2: Representation of a highly compensated employee in an administrative proceeding against his former employer for substantial unpaid commissions before the California Labor Commissioner, Department of Labor Standards Enforcement (“DSLE”).  The employer filed a parallel lawsuit in State Court against the employee for unfair competition and related claims arising out of the employment relationship, and also challenged the jurisdiction of the DSLE over the case.  After trial before the DSLE, we obtained a substantial award against the employer, including waiting time penalties and interest.   After the employer unsuccessfully appealed the DSLE award, the parallel cases settled on terms favorable to our client.
  • Employment Attorney Representative Case #3: Successful representation of employers and employees in high stakes litigation regarding unfair competition and related claims upon an employee’s separation from an employer.
  • Employment Attorney Representative Case #4: Successful representation of employers and employees in lawsuits arising out of discrimination and sexual harassment.

In today’s highly competitive employment marketplace, where talented employees dictate the success of an employer, employment separations often result in sue or be sued quandaries for those involved in contentious separations. Before any employment separation, it is important to develop a comprehensive strategy with experienced counsel to avoid unjustly being named as a defendant in a lawsuit that could be avoided or otherwise filed affirmatively as a plaintiff.

Our experienced employment attorneys can provide you with sound advice and a tailored strategy when considering an employment separation. For an honest, objective perspective on your specific employment separation, or to discuss potential or actual claims arising out of an existing employment relationship, call or contact one of our attorneys for a consultation by calling our local San Diego office at 619-822-1740, or contact us online.