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Emilio G. Gonzalez
Partner
My goal is to provide exceptional service and to put clients in the strongest position to reach a just outcome.
Emilio Gonzalez's clients include major film and media companies, theme parks and resorts, international technology and software companies, banks and investment firms, hospitals, medical groups, telecommunication companies, and restaurants. He has received accolades for his work, including repeated recognition by the Daily Journal as one of California’s best labor and employment lawyers, The National Law Journal as a "Litigation Trailblazer," and Law 360 as a "legal lion."
Following a lifelong dedication to equal access to excellent public schools, Emilio serves as chair of the board of directors of Endeavor College Prep, a public charter school serving students in East Los Angeles. He has also served on the firm’s executive committee.
Practice Highlights
Trials
Successfully tried cases involving claims of sexual and religious harassment and claims of discrimination based on disability, age, gender, religion and race.
Summary judgments
Obtained summary judgment on discrimination, retaliation, and harassment claims in a large volume of cases.
Litigation project management
Developed a litigation coding, budgeting, and reporting platform that provides transparency and a higher level of predictability in the management of cases.
Trials
Arave v. Merrill Lynch
Represented employer against a former high-level executive claiming constructive discharge due to harassment based on his religion. Obtained a unanimous defense verdict after six-week jury trial. (Riv. Cnty. (Cal.) Sup. Ct. 2013)
Giron v. Walt Disney Pictures
Obtained unanimous defense verdict in a sexual harassment case after eight-day jury trial. Prior to trial, the Davis Wright Tremaine team secured summary judgment as to the corporate defendants as to all discrimination claims. (L.A. Cnty. (Cal.) Sup. Ct. 2012, 2013)
Jimenez v. Franklin
Obtained a verdict in favor of our pro bono client, a detainee who was beaten by deputies in the Los Angeles County Jail, after an 11-day jury trial. Subsequently represented Mr. Jimenez in a successful appeal regarding adjudication of disputed outstanding judgment amount, resulting in published opinion. 680 F.3d 1096 (9th Cir. 2012)
Campbell v. Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.
Represented defendants through trial in this single-plaintiff case initially asserting 10 causes of action related to alleged discrimination and retaliation on account of her sexual orientation, disability, gender, and having filed a workers' compensation claim. Prior to trial, the Davis Wright Tremaine team secured summary judgment on behalf of one of two defendants and summary adjudication on five of the 10 causes of action. After a 10-day trial, secured a complete defense verdict on all remaining causes of action. (2011)
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Matters Resolved Before Trial
Henard v. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., et al.
Won summary judgment in wrongful termination case involving, among others, claims of race, age, and disability discrimination; retaliation; failure to accommodate; and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Employee-plaintiff was let go after he exhibited poor judgment and misused confidential guest information, both of which violated the company’s written policies. The court found that all 15 of the employee-plaintiff’s claims failed as a matter of law. (2018)
Abad v. The Walt Disney Company
Defended Disney in a case alleging gender and pregnancy discrimination by a former marketing employee who resigned her employment and alleged constructive termination. Obtained summary judgment on behalf of the client. (2017)
Zuniga v. The Walt Disney Company
Defended Disney in a case alleging disability discrimination. A former employee alleged that she could no longer report to her supervisor due to stress and anxiety and requested a new position. Although she was given paid time to find a new job, she filed a lawsuit alleging failure to accommodate. Obtained summary judgment. (2017)
Astle v. Merrill Lynch
Female financial advisor claimed that her business practices were targeted for heightened scrutiny because of her gender and religion and that she was constructively discharged. Plaintiff dismissed her claims with prejudice following our motion for summary judgment. (2015)
Torres v. Cedars Sinai Medical Center
Lead defense counsel in action alleging race and national origin discrimination and harassment, wrongful discharge, and defamation. Obtained summary judgment as to all claims. (2014)
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Admitted to Practice
- California, 1998
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Central District of California
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
Education
- J.D., University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings), 1998
- Member; Associate Editor - Hastings International and Comparative Law Review
- National Champion, Best Team and Best Brief, Hispanic National Bar Association Moot Court Competition, Boston, MA (1998)
- Best Brief, Hispanic National Bar Association Moot Court Competition, Los Angeles, CA (1997)
- B.A., Columbia University, 1990
- Recipient, John Kluge Academic Scholarship, 1987-1990
- Dean's List
Languages
- Spanish
Memberships & Affiliations
- Executive Committee, Davis Wright Tremaine, 2017-2020
- Board of Governors, Association of Business Trial Lawyers
- Board Chair, Endeavor College Prep Public Charter School, Boyle Heights
- Hispanic National Bar Association
Professional Recognition
- Fellow, College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, 2022
- Selected to "Top Labor & Employment Lawyers," Los Angeles Daily Journal, 2018
- "Litigation Trailblazer," National Law Journal, 2015
- Selected to "California's 75 Top Labor and Employment Lawyers," Daily Journal, 2014
- Davis Wright Tremaine Heart of Justice Award, 2008
- Selected to "Super Lawyers - Rising Stars," Thomson Reuters, 2004-2007
Background
- Litigation Associate, Fenwick & West LLP, Palo Alto, Calif.
- Legal Writing Instructor, Hastings College of Law, University of California
- Teacher, Teach for America, Los Angeles Unified School District
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02.23.23
Presentations
Employment, Benefits & Immigration
Panelist, "So and So Said What (!!) to Whom (!!), Now What Do We Do? Designing a Crisis Strategy for Employment Emergencies," DOWNLOAD, Davis Wright Tremaine, Los Angeles
Publications
11.30.22
News
Three From Davis Wright Tremaine Elected to College of Labor & Employment Lawyers Read More contract and pen
02.22.2022
Insights
California
Blue Mountain Clarifies Scope of Business Sale Exception to Prohibition on Restrictive Covenants in Connection With Joint Ventures Read More Webinar
02.02.22
Webinars
Employment, Benefits & Immigration
"2022 California Labor & Employment Law Update," Davis Wright Tremaine Webinar Read More 09.29.21
Webinars
"Paths to Success: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month," Davis Wright Tremaine Webinar Read More Webinar
05.05.20
Webinars
Employment, Benefits & Immigration
"Reopening: Returning to the Workplace & Employment-Related Issues," Davis Wright Tremaine Webinar Read More Percentage sign
04.30.19
Insights
Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
The Legal Pitfalls of Using “Freelancers” In The Entertainment Industry After The Dynamex Decision Read More Presentation
02.07.19
Presentations
Employment, Benefits & Immigration
"Getting Back to the Basics of Avoiding Risk," Davis Wright Tremaine Seminar, Los Angeles Read More Publications
07.18.18
News
Employment, Benefits & Immigration
Daily Journal Names Emilio Gonzalez One of California’s Top Labor & Employment Lawyers Read More State of California
07.09.18
Insights
California
New California Regulations Provide Guidance on National Origin Discrimination Read More 11.12.17
Presentations
"Hiring Smart, Disciplining Effectively, and Knowing When to Fire," California Association of Health Facilities, Palm Springs, Calif.
Male and female restroom icons
09.14.17
Insights
Pay Equity
EEO-1 Pay Data Form Likely Dead, But Pay Equity Still A Hot Issue Read More
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