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Lawdragon: What is your mix of work like? Toni Jaramilla: Since 1994, I have represented hundreds of workers against discriminatory employers, achieving multiple millions of dollars in state and federal jury verdicts, settlements and arbitration awards. My cases are often followed by news media, such as my representation of five young women in the “take-down” of a well-known clothing company and the ousting of its founder and CEO for sexual assault. My employment law cases involve claims of discrimination and harassment from all protected categories – race, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy – as well as retaliation/whistle blower, wrongful termination and unpaid wages.
Toni Jaramilla LAW OFFICES OF TONI J. JARAMILLA (LOS ANGELES)
TONI JARAMILLA
My activism extends to litigating civil rights cases involving police brutality and shooting deaths, many of which have also been featured in the press. During the civil unrest following George Floyd’s murder and global #BLM protests, I was invited to meet with Los Angeles Chief of Police Michel Moore and County Sheriff Alex Villanueva to discuss the arrests and abuse of peaceful protestors. Along with other civil rights leaders, we advocated for greater transparency and accountability by law enforcement who abused their power. LD: What pushed you towards this type of career?
of life for Toni Jaramilla. Like many Lawdragon honorees, she has marched as many pathways as needed to improve equity in American society. The daughter of a Philippine immigrant who served in the U.S. Navy and was an agricultural worker in California, she is finely attuned to the disparities and hardships faced by workers. For that reason, you will see Jaramilla in court litigating high-profile individual discrimination and harassment claims as well as in the halls of the California State Capitol advocating for broader changes in the law that strengthen protections for workers.
TJ: I was a student activist at UCLA. In an Asian American Studies class, I was assigned to interview an Asian immigrant. I chose my father. My dad immigrated from the Philippines and served in the U.S. Navy. Despite his veteran status, he faced blatant bigotry due to his national origin. He found work in Northern California as an agricultural worker. He experienced the oppressive working conditions and poverty level wages, which led to the Delano grape strikes and boycotts. After settling in Los Angeles, he and my mother worked hard to provide me with lifechanging opportunities. As a result of their sacrifices, I am the first in my family to obtain a law degree. My career as a workers’ rights attorney is built on fighting discrimination and advocating for racial equality. My determination and success are inspired, in no small part, from experiences passed down by my father.
Not surprisingly, the Los Angeles-based trial lawyer and activist also boasts a long track record of service in nonprofit organizations with a focus on improving diversity in the legal profession. A member of Lawdragon’s guide to the top plaintiff employment lawyers, Jaramilla also represents victims of police brutality.
TJ: One of the most satisfying aspects of my work in employment and civil rights law is the heartfelt gratitude that my clients express towards me. In my employment law cases, my clients have lost their jobs. Whether my client is a low-wage earner or a high-level executive or professional, losing a job, particularly for
BY JOHN RYAN
THE LAW IS NOT MERELY A JOB BUT A WAY
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LAWDRAGON ISSUE 23 | WWW.LAWDRAGON.COM
LD: What do you find satisfying about your work?
PHOTO BY: ALFRED HAYMOND