Employment
From the agency charge stage through jury trial, our employment practices team provides efficient, cost-effective, and skilled representation to employers of all sizes and their employees. We can accurately assess the value of an early settlement or the risk of going through trial because we have handled thousands of cases for all types of employers, including public entities, schools, universities, individually-owned businesses, and large companies.
Our record on dispositive motions and defense verdicts in trials showcases our expertise. If a matter is more suited to early resolution, we know how to make the best possible case for achieving an outcome that satisfies both sides.
We also provide employers with preventative counseling, representation at administrative hearings, and advice on responding to charges filed with the Department of Fair Employment & Housing and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Our Employment Litigation Unit’s Areas of Expertise
Harassment and discrimination
Retaliation
Whistleblowers
Failure to accommodate/failure to engage in the interactive process
CFRA/FMLA claims
Constructive termination
Wrongful termination
Defamation
Civil rights violations
Constitutional claims
Wage and hour issues
Title IX claims
Attorneys
Case Victories
The Ninth Circuit affirmed a summary judgment ruling in favor of the County of San Joaquin and its former Public Works Director in an employment discrimination and harassment case. Read more about this case.
Successfully obtained an early dismissal of an employment action filed against Sutter County after the Court sustained a Demurrer with prejudice on grounds that Plaintiffs’ case was barred by the doctrine of judicial estoppel. The Court agreed that plaintiff could not pursue the action based on allegations that contradicted an earlier lawsuit.
Firm obtained a defense verdict for the County of Nevada in a retaliation case. Plaintiffs, husband and wife, sued the Sheriff’s Department for violation of the Fair Employment and Housing Act. Read more about this case.
Shareholders Steve Horan, Will Camy, and Associate Matt Gross obtained summary judgment on behalf of the County of Butte against Plaintiff’s alleged Retaliation/PAGA claims brought pursuant to Labor Code Sections 98.6 and 1102.5…Read more about this case.
Shareholder Derek Haynes successfully defended a local county in the Third District Court of Appeal in a retaliation case under the Fair Employment and Housing Act. Read more about this case.
Won a motion for summary adjudication on a case involving claims of wrongful termination, pregnancy discrimination, retaliation and breach of an employee housing contract. Read more about this case.
Successfully disposed of claims asserted against a public entity employee through use of the Anti-SLAPP provision of the California Code of Civil Procedure resulting in an award of attorney’s fees to the public entity client.
Summary judgment granted on behalf of a county employer in a race discrimination, retaliation, and defamation case. Read more about this case.
Represented state agency in high-profile employment matter involving termination of former executive director. Read more about this case.
Won two motions for summary adjudication for an employer on race, national origin, and retaliation claims arising out of a researcher’s denial of a promotion at a major university. Read more about this case.
Summary judgment granted on behalf of a university in a wage discrimination case filed under the California Equal Pay Act and Fair Employment and Housing Act. Read more about this case.
Successfully obtained summary judgment in favor of the City of Gridley on a contentious employment action involving claims for whistleblower retaliation.
Obtained summary judgment on behalf of the County of Colusa in an employment discrimination and retaliation case brought under the Fair Employment & Housing Act and the ADA. Read more about this case.
Successfully defended the County of Nevada, its departments and employees in federal court against several section 1983 claims based on plaintiff’s arrest and prosecution. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the defense judgment on the basis of collateral estoppel under California law.
Defense verdict obtained in jury trial on behalf of local public utility. A former Sacramento Municipal Utility District employee resigned after thirty years of employment and sued for race discrimination, race harassment and retaliation. Read more about this case.
