About
Mr. Garrity’s expertise in labor and employment law, combined with his practical knowledge of Human Resources, enable him to provide pragmatic and effective advice to employers. He is convinced that client education, proactive employment and labor policies and early identification of potential problems can prevent the time and cost expenditures of most litigation. When litigation is necessary, he takes both an aggressive and a common sense approach to advocating his clients’ interests before state and federal courts and governmental agencies. He has effectively represented employers before a variety of Courts and Agencies including the Federal District Court of Appeals, numerous federal District Courts, State Superior Courts, State Courts of Appeal, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the California State Labor Commissioner divisions, the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, the federal Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board.
Since 1983, Mr. Garrity has offered comprehensive advice to companies on key labor and employment law matters, including wrongful termination, drug testing, plant closures, leave of absence requirements, discrimination, harassment, affirmative action, privacy issues, proprietary information, wage and hour matters, class action and PAGA cases, and union relations. He is recognized for his expertise in wrongful discharge prevention by helping companies to achieve managements’ objectives within a legal framework. Mr. Garrity also has been instrumental in advising corporations that have been the victims of threats of violence. His clients have ranged from small corporations to multi-national corporations.
Mr. Garrity knows the value of instituting sound employment practices in businesses and he has orchestrated the implementation process – including helping businesses write employee handbooks, draft communications to employees, preparing for governmental investigations and audits, and wage and hour compliance. He becomes part of the company’s team and is sensitive to the employer’s business needs.
In this continually changing area of law, Mr. Garrity is recognized within the profession for his ability to stay ahead of the issues. He has published articles on diverse topics such as the arbitration of employment claims and effective use of termination agreements, and is a frequent speaker to client and community groups. He has spoken to such groups as the American Management Association, H.R. Connect, Employer Resource Institute, the Tri-Valley Human Resources Association, the Northern California Human Resources Association, the California State Bar Association, and local Chambers of Commerce. Mr. Garrity has been voted a Northern California “Super Lawyer” by his peers for several years running and has been awarded a Rating of “AV Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell.
Speeches and Articles
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Litigation Percentage
50% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
50% of Practice Devoted to Prevention and Counseling
Bar Admissions
- California, 1983
- U.S. District Court Central District of California
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of California
- U.S. District Court Northern District of California
- U.S. District Court Southern District of California
- U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit
Education
- University of California at Los Angeles School of Law, Los Angeles, California
- J.D. – 1983
- University of California, Los Angeles, California
- B.A. – 1980
Professional Associations and Memberships
- San Mateo County Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section
- San Mateo County Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section, Past Chair
- State Bar of California, Labor and Employment Law Section
- American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section
- San Francisco Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section
- Northern California Human Resources Association
- Society for Human Resource Management
- Bay Area Human Resources Association, Past Director
- Tri Valley Human Resources Association, Past President, Board of Directors
- San Mateo Chamber of Commerce, Past Director
- French American International School/International High School, Former Vice President, Board of Directors
Past Employment Positions
- Carr McClellan, Partner, 1990 – 1995
- Cooley Godward, Associate, 1986 – 1990
- Thelan Marin, Associate, 1984 – 1986
Pro Bono Activities
- Volunteer, Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County
Fraternities/Sororities
- Alpha Epsilon Pi