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Dolores Yvonne Leal

Employment and labor Attorney at Los Angeles, CA

5.0   28 reviews
Free consultation
Free consultation
  • Licensed for 35 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1988
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Dolores

Learn Dolores’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Discrimination
    25%
    A multitude of Federal, state and local statutes mandate that employers provide equal access and equal protection to all employees, customers, vendors and others. Discrimination, however, does not happen only in the workplace. Allred, Maroko & Goldberg has litigated numerous complex discrimination cases where individuals and institutions have failed to provide necessary protection.

    35 years

  2. Employment and labor
    25%
    Reports in national media recently might give you the impression that large settlements for California employment disputes are the norm rather than the exception. The real facts are that these types of cases are confusing, complex and difficult to resolve unless you have secured legal representation with the unique skills to investigate, negotiate and litigate claims of harassment, discrimination and other employment disputes.

    35 years

  3. Sexual harassment
    25%
    Sexual harassment in California differs from sexual discrimination in a very important way: discrimination refers to a denial of civil rights or job opportunities based on your gender while harassment is specifically related to inappropriate behavior in the workplace by owners, supervisors, coworkers or others.

    35 years

  4. Wrongful termination
    25%
    The Los Angeles employment law offices of Allred, Maroko & Goldberg receive numerous calls each day from individuals who have lost their job and feel that they have been fired unfairly. The immediate and natural reaction to file a complaint must be tempered with the fact that California is an “at will” employment state, meaning employees can generally be let go for any reason or no reason at all, even if the reason is dubious.

    35 years

Dolores Y. Leal, a partner in our firm, specializes in sexual harassment, employment discrimination, and wrongful termination cases.

 

Before joining our firm in 1991, Ms. Leal worked several years for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, handling cases of employment discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, and retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act ("ADEA"), and the Equal Pay Act. Ms. Leal held various positions while at the EEOC, including that of an investigator. Her last position was that of senior trial attorney.

 

As a senior trial attorney at the EEOC, Ms. Leal tried several Title VII and ADEA cases, including cases involving "English-only" policies, national-origin discrimination, gender discrimination/harassment, pregnancy discrimination, and age discrimination.

 

Ms. Leal has also tried numerous discrimination and wrongful termination cases at Allred, Maroko & Goldberg. Her most notable victory was in the case of Tylo v. Spelling Entertainment Group, Inc., in which she served as co-counsel representing actress Hunter Tylo in a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit. Ms. Tylo was awarded $4,894,601 in damages. Most important for other victims was a decision by the Court of Appeals, Hunter Tylo v. The Superior Court of Los Angeles County, 55 Cal. 1379, 64 731 (1997). Prior to trial, Ms. Leal appealed an unfavorable decision rendered by the trial court in the Tylo case, in which during Ms. Tylo's deposition the defendant sought to invade Ms. Tylo's constitutional right to privacy. The Court of Appeals agreed to stay the trial court's order and after review, ordered the trial court to reverse its order. Hunter Tylo v. The Superior Court of Los Angeles County, 55 Cal. 1379, 64 731 (1997). This was a significant victory for persons suing their employers; the Court of Appeals made it clear that it will not allow employers to engage in "fishing expeditions" during the discovery phase of litigation.

Ms. Leal is the author of Litigating Sexual Harassment and Sex Discrimination Cases, published by James Publishing in Costa Mesa, California. She is a frequent speaker before attorney groups and the EEOC and has taught torts, employment discrimination, and critical studies at Peoples College of Law. She has authored a number of articles on employment law.

 

Ms. Leal is also a member of the Executive Board and recent past president of the California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA), a statewide organization of attorneys who represent employees. In September 1999 Ms. Leal was honored by CELA as its "Employment Law Attorney of the Year."

 

Ms. Leal has also received an "AV" rating, the highest rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and was listed as one of the "Top 50 Women Lawyers in Los Angeles" by The Los Angeles Business Journal in February 1998.

 

Every year since 2004, Ms. Leal has been named one of Southern California's "SuperLawyers" by Law & Politics and Los Angeles Magazine. She was further honored by that group as one of the Top 50 Female Attorneys in Southern California. Ms. Leal, a native of Los Angeles, also speaks fluent Spanish.

 

Areas of Practice: Sexual HarassmentEmployment DiscriminationWrongful TerminationPublished Works:Litigating Sexual Harassment and Sex Discrimination Cases, James Publishing, Costa Mesa, CaliforniaRepresentative Cases: Tylo v. Spelling Entertainment Group, Inc., (   )Hunter Tylo v. The Superior Court of Los Angeles County, 55 Cal. 1379; 64 Cal. Rptr. 2nd 731 (  1997)Dimaranan v. Pomona Valey Hospital Medical Center, 775 R. (C.D. Cal. 1991)Classes/Seminars Taught: Torts, Employment Discrimination and Critical Studies, Peoples College of LawSpeaker, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Labor & Employment SectionSpeaker, Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB)Speaker, Southern California Mediation AssnSpeaker, Latina Lawyers Bar Assn (LLBA)Speaker, California Applicants Attorneys Assn (CAAA)Speaker, California Employment Lawyers Assn (CELA)Speaker, National Employment Lawyers Assn (NELA)Speaker, California State Bar, Labor & Employment SectionHonors and Awards:Employment Law Attorney of the Year, CELA, 1999Top 50 Women Lawyers in Los Angeles, The Los Angeles Business Journal, 1998Southern California's SuperLawyers, Law & Politics and Los Angeles Magazine, 2004 - 2006One of the Top 50 Female Attorneys in Southern California, 2004 - 2006Professional Associations and Memberships:California Employment Lawyers AssociationMember, Executive BoardCalifornia Employment Lawyers AssociationPast PresidentNational Employment Lawyers AssociationLos Angeles County Bar Association, Labor & Employment SectionMexican/American Bar AssociationPast Employment Positions:U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Awards

Client's Choice 2017,2016
Client's Choice
2017 2016

Contact Dolores

Allred, Maroko & Goldberg
6300 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 1500
Los Angeles, CA, 90048

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  28 customer reviews
5 Star
 
96%
4 Star
 
4%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
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Client's Choice 2017
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Melissa | May 17, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommemd
I could not be happier with the service I received from AMG. Dolores Leal is clearly an expert in her field. She guided me through the whole process with warmth, intelligence and kindness. I will be forever grateful for the education she gave me on how to resolve a conflict with a difficult employer who terminated me without cause. I recommend her highly as she is wicked smart and knows every possible circumstance with regards to employment law.
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Posted by anonymous | April 1, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Intelligent, Experienced & Hard Working
I retained Ms. Leal to represent me in a wrongful termination case against a large Fortune 500 company, and I am very glad I did. As a fearless attorney, she was never intimidated by the opposing counsel's team. Throughout the case, Ms. Leal was consistently honest about the expectations at every step of the process. Additionally, she is a pleasant and compassionate lawyer who is genuinely passionate about securing justice and delivering results for her clients.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | January 23, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
OC Hick
One of the best in the business, and I should know. I'll put it this way: I've had Dolores as opposing counsel and as my attorney.
Posted by Grace | June 22, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exemplary Lawyer
Dolores is an exemplary lawyer who finds purpose in helping others, especially the underrepresented members of our society. I have worked for and with many lawyers, and it is rare to meet someone like her who does her job with deep empathy. Dolores listens and provides legal guidance without imposing what she thinks is best for you. She always ensures that you understand your options and are comfortable deciding. She goes beyond and above to support her clients. If you are looking for a lawyer to represent you, I highly recommend Dolores.
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Posted by Jair | June 21, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
She’s the Best
Extremely attentive and assertive in getting justice for her client. An absolute pleasure to work with. Highly recommended!
Posted by anonymous | March 3, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Rave Reviews!
Dolores was a pleasure to work with from beginning to end. She explained things very clearly so we understood the process and what to expect as I had never been through a mediation before. I felt as if I was in good hands throughout with all the endless questions we had for her. Her depth of knowledge and legal acumen and insight calmed my nerves and I was able to move through the work that needed to be done. I would highly recommend this firm!
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Posted by anonymous | May 30, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Highly Recommended
Dolores was referred to me when I was terminated under some questionable circumstances and after speaking with her, I understand why. She took the time to speak with me directly, ask questions, discuss the details regarding my termination and provide me with guidance and options. In the end I was able to work out a settlement with my previous employer without hiring an attorney. If the situation would have gone otherwise, without a doubt, I would have hired Dolores to represent me.
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Posted by anonymous | March 16, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Highly Recommended
Dolores is very professional and knowledgeable. She reviewed my case carefully and helped me understand some employment laws regarding my case along with discussing my options. If you are seeking an employment attorney, she is definitely the right person to contact.
Posted by anonymous | March 29, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Superb Attorney
I contacted Allred, Maroko & Goldberg 1 year ago in regard to a wrongful termination matter. I immediately knew Dolores Leal was the right attorney to represent me. She understood the situation clearly, she explained the pros & cons and options. The advice I received was realistic and sensible. Dolores is extremely knowledgeable in regard to employment law. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and constant communication was superb. She was very personable and comforting during stressful situations. She sincerely cared about getting me justice, and she fought relentlessly for my best interest. I could sense from the interactions with opposing attorneys and contacts during the process, that she is highly respected in the industry. I am profoundly appreciative for her commitment to my case and for her continuous support during the difficult process. Because of her diligent work and perseverance, justice prevailed. Dolores Leal has my highest recommendation.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | March 15, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Don't let her beauty fool you!
Her professional stature, elegance and beauty and can be intimidating. If you have her on your side though, consider yourself darn lucky. You get a sense that she wants to help you get justice. She is straight forward and tough but what more would you want in an attorney?
Posted by anonymous | October 23, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing, supportive, extremely knowledgeable and invested employment law attorney.
I hired Ms. Leal to represent me in a case regarding disability discrimination and retaliation. It was a sensitive situation that involved some complexities that were uncommon and required special legal navigation and address. During the entire process, I sought advice from Ms. Leal numerous times. She was always direct and honest with me, straightforward about my options, never sugarcoating anything, always explaining the realities, keeping me grounded from an expectation level and above all, genuinely and obviously invested in my best interests as her client. She is passionate about what she does and is a fierce defender of what is right. I not only admire her for being an excellent attorney, but also for being a wonderful human being and role model. I deeply appreciate and am grateful for her professional commitment, objective expertise and guidance during one of the most difficult times of my life. I highly recommend Dolores Leal to anyone seeking an outstanding employment law attorney.
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Posted by Jacquie | September 19, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The only choice for an attorney!
Working with Dolores Leal was truly a wonderful experience during a very difficult time. From the consultation forward she was professional, direct, supportive and informative. Her knowledge and expertise is extensive. And her experience is insurmountable. From day one I knew she was fully invested in not only my case but, in me as a client. She worked tirelessly and was 100% responsive to my questions and concerns no matter what time of day. It’s very apparent that she loves what she does and her passion does not go unnoticed. I was thrilled to find Dolores, an attorney who believes in protecting and defending the rights of others who can feel so alone in the process. Dolores is the perfect combination of tough as nails tenacity and professional grace. There is no other attorney who could have done what she did for me. Her entire team was A+. If you are looking for a powerhouse attorney who delivers incredible results look no further! Dolores Leal is the only choice.
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Posted by anonymous | June 7, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
An excellent attorney
When you need an attorney, Dolores is the attorney you want representing you. She is tough, honest and very professional. Dolores brings her years of experience to the table when discussing an issue and is able to give realistic guidance based on her personal work history. She came highly recommended from a former opposing counsel and it's clear that her diligence and professionalism are appreciated by the industry as a whole. She is also quick when responding to emails and phone calls, which is exactly what you need when dealing with an emotional legal issue. I hope to never need another attorney in the future, but if I do, Dolores will be the one I call. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
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Posted by anonymous | April 4, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fights for Injustice and Human Rights
I truly have gratitude for Dolores Leal and the other employees at this firm. She helped me have a voice when I felt like I had none. Ms. Leal and her team fight for people like me who are intimidated by their employeres and are afraid to take a stand. She empowered me to fight against the injustices that were happening in my work place. Dolores Leal is dedicated and works diligently to help people to be treated fairness and equality. She works hard helping people find the justice that they deserve. I am very grateful that Ms. Leal was willing to take my case. I highly recommend Dolores Leal. She is a great person and an incredible attorney.
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Posted by Edward | February 14, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Very Helpful and Professional
Ms. Leal took the time to hear my case and was very blunt and informative of the matter. Although she was the bearer of bad news in this matter, she taught me something new that day. Thank you Ms. Leal.
Posted by anonymous | January 12, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent
Dolores was successful in negotiating my 6-figure settlement for accusations of discrimination against a past employer. She is a tough negotiator, who cannot be bullied and refuses to give up. She is smart and has decades of experience in the field. I felt that she listened to my needs and always made sure that I was comfortable with any decision being made. She is responsive and reliable. I would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone seeking representation.
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Posted by Simone de Beauvoir | December 3, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
An Excellent and Compassionate Attorney
I am so grateful that Ms. Leal represented me. She is both an excellent attorney and wonderful person. She meet with me in person, I didn't have to go through a legal aid or some other screening process. She called me directly, she emailed me directly, and advised me directly. She didn't make me go through assistants like some other lawyers do. I really established a relationship with her as my attorney. I was going through an incredibly difficult period in my processional career, and Dolores did a great job of keeping me calm while giving me realistic expectations. She walked me through what I could except from the legal process. My legal battle went on for nearly 9 months, but Dolores was wonderful, and help me stay optimistic and patient through the whole ordeal. She has years of experience and is highly intelligent. I cannot say enough good things about her. She really is the best in her field. If you find yourself in the unhappy situation of needing an employment attorney, seek out Dolores.
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Posted by anonymous | November 10, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dolores renewed my faith in the legal system!
Dolores Leal answered the phone the first time I called, listened to what happened to me and accepted my case 20 minutes into the call! I was elated and confident that she was the right choice for me. The process was swift and she was a delight to deal with. I'm more than satisfied with the outcome and am truly grateful for her help!
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Posted by Mohamad | September 8, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent job by My attorney Dolores Leal
I highly recommend my attorney Dolores Leal. She did and outstanding job for me and got me settlement for my case with previous employer. She was persistent, got results and kept me informed throughout the process with her staff
Posted by anonymous | July 22, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Lawyer
Dolores Leal is a consummate professional. I was very happy with her guidance and counsel. She managed my expectations well, was responsive and got me the result that she anticipated. I would highly recommend her.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 20 minutes
  • Contingency 40%-40%

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Allred, Maroko & Goldberg
  • 1991 - Present
  • Staff Attorney
  • United States Equal Employment Commission (EEOC)
  • 1988 - 1991

Education

  • Western State Univ
  • Law
  • 1987

Legal Cases

  • Tylo v The Superior Court of Los Angeles, 55 Cal App.4th 1370: 64 Cal Rptr. 2d 731 (1997)

Associations

  • College of Labor and Employment Lawyers
  • Fellow
  • 2008 - Present
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association
  • Member, Labor & Employment Section
  • 1991 - Present
  • National Employment Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 1991 - Present
  • Mexican American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1990 - Present
  • State Bar of California
  • Member
  • 1988 - Present
  • United States District Court for the Central District of California
  • Member
  • 1988 - Present
  • California Employment Lawyers Association
  • Executive Committee, Past President
  • 1992 - 2009
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Southern California Super Lawyers
  • Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2016
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2016
  • One of the Top 50 Female Attorneys in Southern California
  • Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2016
  • Southern California Super Lawyers
  • Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2015
  • Joe Posner Award
  • California Employment Lawyers Association
  • 2015
  • Mary V. Orozco Abriendo Caminos Award
  • Latina Lawyers Bar Association
  • 2015
  • Southern California Super Lawyers
  • Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2014
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2014
  • Southern California Super Lawyers
  • Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2013
  • Top 50 Los Angeles Women Lawyers
  • Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2012
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2012
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2011
  • Southern California Super Lawyers
  • Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2011
  • Southern California Super Lawyers
  • Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2010
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2010
  • Southern California Super Lawyer
  • Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2009
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2009
  • Southern California Super Lawyer
  • Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2008
  • Southern California Super Lawyer
  • Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2007
  • Southern California Super Lawyer
  • Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2006
  • One of the Top 50 Female Attorneys in Southern California
  • Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2006
  • Southern California Super Lawyer
  • Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2005
  • One of the Top 50 Female Attorneys in Southern California
  • Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2005
  • Southern California Super Lawyer
  • Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2004
  • One of the Top 50 Female Attorneys in Southern California
  • Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2004
  • Employment Lawyer of the Year
  • California Employment Lawyers Association
  • 1999
  • Top 50 Women Lawyers in Los Angeles
  • Los Angeles Business Journal
  • 1998
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • N/A
View all awards

Publications

  • Litigating Sexual Harassment and Sex Discrimination Cases
  • Practice Guide
  • N/A

Attorney endorsements

Received (17)
Given (25)
Endorse Dolores
Employment and labor Attorney | Mar 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Dolores is recognized by her peers as an attorney with the highest level of skills and experience in advancing the civil rights of California workers. Her unwavering commitment and passionate quest for fairness and equality in the workplace make her a true warrior for justice."
Employment and labor Attorney | Aug 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Employment and labor Attorney | Feb 05
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Employment and labor Attorney | Oct 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Employment and labor Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Dolores Leal is a true star in the legal field. She pays close attention to the law and her clients' needs, and provides stellar services. She is dedicated to improving the knowledge base of the legal community."
Employment and labor Attorney | Mar 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Dolores is a valued member of the community of lawyers representing employees in California. I endorse her work without reservation."
Employment and labor Attorney | Sep 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Terrific lawyer and person!"
Employment and labor Attorney | Jul 17
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jul 10
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jul 10
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jul 07
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jun 30
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jun 30
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jun 24
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jun 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jun 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Employment and labor Attorney | Jun 08
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
View more endorsements
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Wrongful termination
Discrimination
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Civil rights
Discrimination
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Los Angeles Employment and labor Lawyer Dolores Yvonne Leal
Dolores Yvonne Leal
Employment and labor Attorney
Los Angeles, CA
Licensed for 35 years
Free Consultation