Partner Ruth Bond Recognized by the Daily Journal as Top Labor & Employment Lawyer

08.05.2025

Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo (AALRR) is pleased to announce that Partner Ruth Bond has been named on the Daily Journal’s list of the 2025 Top Labor and Employment Lawyers. This prestigious list recognizes leading California-based attorneys who have made significant contributions in the area of labor and employment law.

Partner Ruth Bond’s practice focuses on representing public entities in labor and employment matters as well as other areas of public law. Ms. Bond’s labor and employment matters include litigation in state and federal court, workplace investigations, arbitrations, labor relations, day-to-day advice regarding compliance with relevant statutes and regulation, handling charges filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the California Office of Civil Rights and the Public Employment Relations Board, and more.

One of Ms. Bond’s most notable recent cases involves her current work as co-lead counsel regarding union negotiations on behalf of a transit agency client. During negotiations for a successor contract, the union went on strike despite a no-strike clause in its contract. The client filed a legal complaint alleging breach of contract and moved for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and preliminary injunction to stop union members from violating the “no strike” clause on the grounds that the strike was causing irreparable injury to the agencies most vulnerable riders. The Court issued a preliminary injunction, requiring union members to stop striking and go back to work, finding that the agency had met its burden to show irreparable harm. The union filed a writ of mandate and request for stay with the Court of Appeal. The Court summarily denied the writ. Ms. Bond continues to represent the transit agency client in this other ongoing litigation.

Another of Ms. Bond’s notable recent cases involved victory of summary judgment on behalf of a City client. Plaintiff was a Fire Division Chief for the City and later a local fire authority of which the City was also a member. After he was fired from his position in 2022, Plaintiff sued the City, the fire authority, and the fire authority’s Fire Chief. (The latter two defendants had separate counsel). Plaintiff’s claims included First Amendment retaliation based on free speech and association, deprivation of procedural due process, as well as claims under the Firefighter Procedural Bill of Rights Act. The Court granted summary adjudication to the City on the constitutional claims finding that Plaintiff could not establish municipal liability under Monell v. Dep’t of Social Services of New York and granted summary adjudication of his state law claims as well.

“We are delighted to have Ruth honored with this richly deserved distinction by the Daily Journal,” commented Kevin Dale, AALRR’s Public Entity Labor and Employment Law Practice Group Leader. “This recognition is a testament to her unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence. Ruth is not only a tremendous asset to the Firm, but to the field of labor and employment law.”

Click here to read the Daily Journal’s profile on Ms. Bond. (Subscription may be required)

About Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo
With over 45 years of unwavering commitment to client service, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo (AALRR) is one of California’s leading law firms. Our diverse team brings a seasoned perspective to California’s complex legal landscape for public and private entities, with particular strength in the areas of education, labor and employment, construction, complex litigation, corporate, taxation, and water. AALRR’s public sector clients include more than 450 K-12 school districts, community college districts and universities, as well as cities, counties, and special districts. We also represent diverse business entities, from small, family-run businesses to publicly traded corporations. With more than 270 lawyers and growing, AALRR has nine offices in Cerritos, Fresno, Irvine, Marin, Pasadena, Pleasanton, Riverside, Sacramento, and San Diego to serve our clients throughout California.

###