Jemma E. Dunn

Personal Injury/ Sexual Assault

Los Angeles & Orange County

Jemma Dunn joined Greenberg Gross's personal injury and sexual assault practice three years ago. Before that, she spent the first dozen years of her career on the defense side of the bar, in big law and government work.

"With young kids at home, I felt compelled to focus my career on areas of law I am passionate about, particularly representing survivors of sexual assault," Dunn said. "It was a challenge at first, but I am certain this is what I was meant to do."

Her approach of empathizing with her clients and forging personal connections has led to significant victories for those she represents, including individuals who have endured the long-lasting effects of sexual assault, some dating back to the 1970s, as well as young children facing current challenges.

One of Dunn's notable successes involved a case that spanned more than a quarter of a century, where she represented Yara Brighton Wilde and Jane Doe in their pursuit of justice against a substitute teacher accused of inappropriate conduct at Mission Viejo High School. Yara Brighton Wilde and Jane Doe 7026 v. Saddleback Unified School District, 30-2022-01246808-CU-PO-CJC (O.C. Sup. Ct., filed Feb. 24, 2022).

Despite years of reports being dismissed or inadequately addressed due to the teacher's marital connection to a staff member, Dunn's relentless efforts culminated in a resolution just before trial, securing over $2 million for her clients.

"Finally, Ms. Wilde and Jane Doe were able to close this chapter of their lives, having accomplished what they set out to do decades ago," she said.

A separate matter involved Madera Unified School District and former teacher Ruben Castrejon.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Castrejon engaged in predatory behavior, particularly targeting female students who were Spanish speakers. Dunn represented Maria Elena Garcia, one of the groomed victims, who suffered abuse both during and after her time as a student. She eventually became pregnant and after he forced her to have an abortion, she found the strength to leave, Dunn said.

"Castrejon remained employed for many years and multiple students complained of his behavior. The case resolved for $1.8 million, allowing Ms. Garcia to obtain a sense of justice in holding the district responsible, and the ability to move forward in her life," Dunn said.

In sexual assault cases, she said the main obstacle is proving entity liability for an assault that by its nature, occurs in secret. However, the standard for liability does not require that the entities charged with caring for children actually observe sexual assaults taking place.

"Rather, they are required to notice and prevent sexual assaults in the first place," Dunn said. "Additionally, since the passage of AB 218 opening the statute of limitations for three years, we have a significant number of cases with allegations dating back to the 1970s and 1980s. The age of the allegations, lack of evidence, and lack of witnesses are a significant obstacle to litigation."