Toni J. Jaramilla

Jaramilla isn't just a successful attorney who's tackled tough discrimination cases over the past 25 years - she considers herself an activist.

Even at a time when many despair over the COVID-19 pandemic and the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody, Jaramilla said her "tendency is always [to be] hopeful."

"I always look at situations, and believe there's a solution to every problem," said Jaramilla, who founded her own law firm.

She testified in favor of state Assembly Bill 9, which became effective this year and extends the time an employee has to file a charge of discrimination with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing to three years. That extension also protects those who allege sexual harassment.

"Because of the #MeToo movement, many women have been emboldened to come forward," Jaramilla said. "It's a huge game-changer, and incredible improvement."

Jaramilla has helped clients needing assistance and advice on returning to work during the pandemic.

The attorney said she recently discussed law enforcement reform and more transparency with Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore and county Sheriff Alex Villanueva.

The daughter of Filipino immigrants who attended UCLA, Jaramilla decided she could make a difference in the court. Employment law was the way to do that, as Jaramilla saw "first-hand how bad discrimination could be."

She represented an African American woman with a master's degree who alleged she made half the salary of her white male counterparts with less education. The case was settled confidentially on June 18.

-- Karen Weil