Ryan Estes

Ryan Estes is an experienced litigator who has successfully defended over 300 depositions, drafted and argued dispositive motions, and prepared multiple appellate cases. Mr. Estes has broad experience defending employers and their management in wage and hour class action claims; Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and state equivalent violation claims; California Private Attorney General Act (PAGA) claims; wrongful termination and harassment, discrimination and retaliation employment claims; unfair business practice claims; and other employment-related litigation. Mr. Estes also litigates claims related to the Uniform Trade Secrets Act, common law trade secret misappropriation, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of contract.

Mr. Estes represents employers and management in state and federal courts and before administrative bodies throughout the United States. These include the California Labor Commissioner's Office, California Civil Rights Department, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He regularly counsels employers on OFCCP and EEOC compliance, employee discipline, employee hiring, wage and hour issues, protection of intellectual property, DEI initiatives, employee privacy matters, state and federal leave laws, internal investigations, and the creation and implementation of new and revised personnel policies. Mr. Estes also handles employee mobility issues that include negotiating executive compensation agreements and separation agreements.

Honors & Recognitions

• Veteran Task Force/Justice Seymour Simon Award, 2021 – 2022
• Los Angeles County Bar Association/Counsel for Justice Outstanding Service Award, 2020
• Super Lawyers, Southern California Rising Stars: 2016 – 2018, 2022 – 2023
• USC Law Shattuck Award: High Potential for Outstanding Service to the Legal Profession, 2013
• USC Order of Arete: Significant Depth and Scope of Responsibility in a Leadership Role, 2013

Practice Areas

Community & Professional

• Counsel for Justice, Chair of the Governance Committee/Board Member
• John M. Langston Bar Association, Lifetime Member
• Legal Services Corporation Veterans Task Force, Legal Issues Committee Member
• Los Angeles County Bar Association, Member