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Dolores Yvonne Leal
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About Dolores
Biography
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
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Discrimination
25%
37 years
Employment and Labor
25%
37 years
Sexual Harassment
25%
37 years
Wrongful Termination
25%
37 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
40%-40%
Awards
2025 2024 2017
...
+
1
Licenses
Licensed in California for 37 years
State: California
Acquired: 1988
No misconduct found
Location
Allred, Maroko & Goldberg
6300 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1500, Los Angeles, CA, 90048
amglaw.com/Attorneys/Dolores-Y-Leal.shtmlDolores Yvonne Leal's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 39 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Simren | September 3, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent Lawyer and Compassionate Soul
Dolores has the credentials, experience, and acumen of the best in her field. However, her skills do not stop there. She channels a compassionate energy, which made me feel safe under her representation and also motivated me to dig deep to address the needs of my case. I'm very grateful for the s...
Posted by Isabella | August 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Dolores Leal was the best choice
Empathy, knowledge, experience, uncompromised values and principles. Working with Dolores was truly a healing experience. She's a true advocate.
Posted by anonymous | May 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Dolores Leal is a terrific attorney
I can't thank Dolores Leal enough for her compassion and understanding during this difficult time in my life. Dolores from the very first meeting made me feel heard, supported and respected. I highly recommend Dolores Leal.
Posted by anonymous | April 10, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Super helpful
I had a consultation call with Dolores, during which she listened patiently as I described my experience. She took the time to thoughtfully analyze the situation and provided clear, insightful advice.
Posted by Leonor | March 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best Attorney in Employment Law in California!!
Attorney Dolores Leal handled my case with the utmost professionalism and care, she was very proactive, responsive, sympathetic, she responded to my questions any time during day or night. She understands well the meaning of the word "Justice". I highly recommend Dolores to anyone seeking legal serv...
Dolores Yvonne Leal's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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"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."
"Dolores is a valued member of the community of lawyers representing employees in California. I endorse her work without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Terrific lawyer and person!"
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
One of the Top 50 Female Attorneys in Southern California, Law & Politics Magazine
2016
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2016
Southern California Super Lawyers, Law & Politics Magazine
2015
Joe Posner Award, California Employment Lawyers Association
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Mary V. Orozco Abriendo Caminos Award, Latina Lawyers Bar Association
2015
Southern California Super Lawyers, Law & Politics Magazine
2014
Southern California Super Lawyers, Law & Politics Magazine
2014
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Southern California Super Lawyers, Law & Politics Magazine
2012
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2012
Top 50 Los Angeles Women Lawyers, Law & Politics Magazine
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Southern California Super Lawyers, Law & Politics Magazine
2011
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
Southern California Super Lawyers, Law & Politics Magazine
2010
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
Southern California Super Lawyer, Law & Politics Magazine
2009
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2008
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2008
Southern California Super Lawyer, Law & Politics Magazine
2007
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2007
Southern California Super Lawyer, Law & Politics Magazine
2006
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2006
Southern California Super Lawyer, Law & Politics Magazine
2006
One of the Top 50 Female Attorneys in Southern California, Law & Politics Magazine
2005
Southern California Super Lawyer, Law & Politics Magazine
2005
One of the Top 50 Female Attorneys in Southern California, Law & Politics Magazine
2005
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2004
One of the Top 50 Female Attorneys in Southern California, Law & Politics Magazine
2004
Southern California Super Lawyer, Law & Politics Magazine
2004
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
1999
Employment Lawyer of the Year, California Employment Lawyers Association
1998
Top 50 Women Lawyers in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Business Journal
N/A
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
1991 - Present
Partner, Allred, Maroko & Goldberg
1988 - 1991
Staff Attorney, United States Equal Employment Commission (EEOC)
Associations
2008 - Present
College of Labor and Employment LawyersFellow
1991 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationMember, Labor & Employment Section
1991 - Present
National Employment Lawyers AssociationMember
1990 - Present
Mexican American Bar AssociationMember
1988 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
1988 - Present
United States District Court for the Central District of CaliforniaMember
1992 - 2009
California Employment Lawyers AssociationExecutive Committee, Past President
Sample of Legal Cases
Tylo v The Superior Court of Los Angeles, 55 Cal App.4th 1370: 64 Cal Rptr. 2d 731 (1997)
Education
1987
Western State Univ
Law
Publications
N/A
Litigating Sexual Harassment and Sex Discrimination Cases
Practice Guide
Languages
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers