V. James DeSimone

After 25 years practicing law, DeSimone opened his own firm to continue representing individuals and members of classes in matters of unfair working conditions, harassment and civil rights law.

In a recent case as lead trial counsel, DeSimone obtained a $2.4 million verdict plus $5 million in punitive damages on behalf of a client who was the victim of workplace violence and wrongful termination. Yang v. Company, 2:14-cv-00792-ABC (SH) (C.D. Cal. March 17, 2016).

Plaintiff Yowan Yang was attacked by a coworker after a workplace disagreement, and in response, the defendant fired both employees without performing an investigation. The defendant, a federal contractor providing services to the Federal Aviation Administration, claimed that Yang provoked the attack and that the FAA demanded Yang be taken off the contract. After being fired for cause, Yang was unable to find comparable employment.

DeSimone was able to get FAA special agents to testify in the case and corroborate Yang’s version of events. DeSimone identified contradictions in testimony by defense witnesses and demonstrated that the defendant was liable. Yang also prevailed on wrongful termination in violation of public policy and negligent infliction of emotional distress.

“Not only did he suffer the physical pain and humiliation of getting attacked at work, but his livelihood was taken away,” DeSimone said. “I’m proud of that case because it was a nice synergy of my practice areas, applying civil rights law to the employment arena to get justice.”

DeSimone is a frequent speaker on employment law topics, and has served as an instructor and presenter at the California Employment Lawyers Trial College each year since 2014. The three-day intensive course takes attorneys through hands-on training through all the stages of trial. He is also an active member of Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles, Consumer Attorneys of California, National Employment Lawyers Association, and Los Angeles Employment Lawyers Association. DeSimone is an honorary board member of Los Angeles Trial Lawyers’ Charities.

— Jennifer Chung Klam