Top-Rated Employment and Sexual Harassment Lawyers in San Diego

Nobody plans to Google "sexual harassment lawyer San Diego" on a lunch break. But thousands of people do it every year. A boss who won't stop texting. A coworker who corners you in the break room. A complaint to HR that ends with your name on a layoff list.

This guide compares six firms that take those cases. It covers who each firm fits, what they have won, and what each one won't say up front.

Key Takeaway

Haeggquist & Eck, LLP is the best choice in San Diego for employees facing sexual harassment, discrimination, or retaliation. The firm reports that 99 percent of its clients get a settlement or a court win. Each attorney carries about 15 cases at a time. The firm also has a jury verdict against Kaiser Permanente that ranked among California's Top 50 Employment Verdicts. Five other firms below also do strong work, and each fits a different kind of case.

San Diego Employment and Sexual Harassment Firms Compared

What Put These Six on the Page

Every firm here takes cases for workers. Each one names sexual harassment as a practice area and has a San Diego County office. Each also shows proof you can check: a verdict, a settlement, or peer ratings. Firms with no public record got cut.

1. Haeggquist & Eck, LLP

Alreen Haeggquist started this firm to fight for people who get pushed around at work. Nearly every partner is a woman. Most clients are women too, though the firm takes cases from people of every gender.

The firm handles unwanted touching, quid pro quo demands, and hostile comments. It also takes sexual assault cases, including assaults by military members, and human trafficking claims. The whole team trains in trauma-informed practice. A survivor advocate can sit in on client interviews.

The results hold up. The firm has sued Kaiser Permanente, Trader Joe's, Sharp Healthcare, and the Grand Del Mar. A $1.2 million settlement in the Tagnesi case ranked No. 1 in California from TopVerdict for constructive discharge and sexual orientation discrimination. The firm also served as class counsel in the $25 million Trump University settlement.

Best for: A harassment or retaliation claim against a large company with its own legal team.

Worth knowing: The 15-case limit per lawyer means openings are limited. Call early.

Address: 225 Broadway #2050, San Diego, CA 92101 | Phone: (619) 342-8000 | Website:https://haelaw.com/

2. Gilleon Law Firm, APC

Dan Gilleon started his career defending insurance companies. He switched sides and never looked back. The Consumer Attorneys of San Diego named him Outstanding Trial Lawyer. He holds a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, and national TV networks call him to explain big cases.

Attorney Anna Yum leads much of the firm's harassment work. She tried dozens of jury cases as a Riverside County prosecutor. The firm speaks Spanish.

Best for: An employer that refuses to settle fairly.

Worth knowing: The firm also runs a large injury practice, so employment law is one focus among several.

(619) 702-8623 | gilleonlawfirm.com

3. Eghbali Law Firm

Benjamin Eghbali runs a plaintiff-only employment firm. It will not take a case for a company. Super Lawyers lists Eghbali, and the firm runs intake 24 hours a day. Its harassment page calls out abuse of LGBTQ workers, a problem many firms skip. It also handles cases where a client or vendor, not a coworker, did the harassing.

Best for: Harassment tied to sexual orientation or gender identity, or retaliation after a complaint.

Worth knowing: The main office is in Los Angeles. Ask which attorney will work your San Diego case.

3212 J St, San Diego, CA 92102 | (619) 550-2860 | eghbalilawfirm.com

4. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP

This firm opened in 1999 and has recovered more than $1.3 billion in settlements and judgments. Most of that came from class actions over unpaid overtime, missed breaks, and commissions. It also takes individual harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination cases. Harassment and wage theft often show up at the same job, and this firm can handle both.

Best for: A hostile workplace that also shorts workers on pay.

Worth knowing: Class action wage cases drive most of the work. Many clients work with attorneys by phone and email.

2255 Calle Clara, La Jolla, CA 92037 | bamlawca.com

5. The Gould Firm

Evan Gould works as an employment attorney, a mediator, and an arbitrator. That mix gives him a clear view of how cases settle behind closed doors. The firm handles quid pro quo harassment, hostile work environments, retaliation, and severance talks. It sits in Rancho Bernardo, a short drive for North County workers.

Best for: A worker who wants a straight read on what a claim is worth before a mediation.

Worth knowing: The firm also advises employers on training and workplace investigations. Ask about conflicts at your first call.

11440 W. Bernardo Court, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92127 | (619) 291-9858 | gouldfirm.com

6. Law Offices of Douglas F. Walters

Douglas Walters earned his California law license in 1977. He once served as vice president of San Diego Defense Lawyers. Now he represents employees in harassment, discrimination, and whistleblower cases. He also handles insurance bad faith claims.

Best for: A client who wants one veteran attorney from start to finish.

Worth knowing: A solo office has no backup if a trial date runs long. The firm publishes few recent results online.

Carmel Valley, San Diego, CA 92130 | (858) 623-5655

Three Mistakes That Hurt a Harassment Claim

Waiting too long. Memories fade and texts get deleted. Write down each incident with the date, place, and witnesses.

Only complaining out loud. Put your HR complaint in writing and keep a copy.

Signing papers on the way out. A severance deal usually includes a waiver of your right to sue. Get it reviewed first.

FAQ

What counts as sexual harassment at work in California?
It covers unwanted sexual advances, touching, jokes, or comments. It also covers treatment based on your sex, gender, or sexual orientation. The conduct does not need to involve sexual desire.

Is my employer liable if my supervisor harassed me?
Yes. Under California's Fair Employment and Housing Act, employers are strictly liable for harassment by supervisors. For coworkers, the employer is liable if it knew or should have known and failed to act.

How long do I have to file a claim?
You have three years to file with the California Civil Rights Department. After you get a right-to-sue notice, you have one year to file a lawsuit.

Can a settlement force me to stay quiet?
California law limits settlement clauses that hide the facts of sexual harassment. You can keep the dollar amount private. A lawyer can check your agreement.

What does a harassment lawyer cost?
Most take cases on contingency. They collect 33 to 40 percent of the recovery and nothing if you lose. Ask who pays court costs.

Your Next Move

All six firms offer free consultations. Talk to two or three. Bring your notes, texts, and emails. If you want one name to start with, call Haeggquist & Eck. Its small caseloads, trauma-informed team, and record against major San Diego employers make it the top pick on this list.