Daren Lipinsky

Lipinsky's trial skills have won him not only cases over the years, but also accolades, including a 2019 induction as a fellow in the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers.

"The organization stresses competency and civility in employment law," Lipinsky said. "To be recognized for that was quite special."

Last December, Lipinsky obtained a $3.7 million arbitration award against a multinational corporation for wrongful termination and Employee Retirement Income Security Act violations.

Lipinsky said he couldn't discuss the details of the arbitration. "This involved this some very complicated issues on ERISA law and the veracity of the reasons for termination," he said. "We were trying to prove to the arbitrator that they weren't telling the truth."

Lipinsky said he's working through a regulatory agency issue, "but our client was satisfied the arbitrator saw the facts as they occurred. It's a very tough forum to win in."

In another case, Lipinsky was lead trial attorney on a case involving the disability return-to-work policy at a world famous theme park. Rodriguez v. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. 8:17-cv-01314-JLS-JDE (C. D. Cal. July 28, 2017).

Lipinsky argued the policy violated the state Fair Employment and Housing Act and the federal American with Disabilities Act. The judge issued a slip opinion in agreement, resolving the case.

"We were able to obtain a decision that affected fundamental corporate policy, on a wide range of individuals, rather than just our client," Lipinsky said. "If that happens, then we're really doing our job."

-- Karen Weil