Marilynn Mika Spencer

Employment and labor Attorney at San Diego, CA

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Ms. Spencer is Great!

Praise for both Mika Spencer and Avvo.com

About Marilynn Mika

Learn Marilynn Mika’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Employment and labor

50%

Representing working people & labor unions in – administrative law: licensing – collective bargaining & arbitration – discrimination, harassment & retaliation: sex, race, disability / reasonable accommodation, age, sexual orientation, religion, pregnancy & other areas – employee benefits: short-term & long-term disability appeals – wage and hour: unpaid overtime, rest and meal break denials, unpaid wages, misclassification & retaliation – wrongful termination
... Read more
33 years
Discrimination

20%

Representing private sector and government employees in discrimination based on sex, race, disability (including reasonable accommodation), age, sexual orientation, religion, pregnancy and other protected categories.
... Read more
33 years
Wrongful termination

20%

Representing plaintiffs in cases in involving whistleblowing, public policy violations, discrimination, wage and hour retaliation, family leave denials & all other areas of wrongful terminatgion
... Read more
33 years
Class action

10%

Representing wage and hour plaintiffs

23 years

Spencer Johnson LLP practices labor and employment law exclusively, representing clients in matters including: disability discrimination and reasonable accommodation; sex, race, religious, sexual orientation, age, and other discrimination; wage and hour claims such as unpaid overtime, missed meal and rest breaks, and unpaid commissions; union law on behalf of unions; sexual harassment; whistleblower retaliation; federal and other government employees; contract law; and intellectual property. Our attorneys appear in federal & state courts, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Public Employment Relations Board (PERB), Department of Fair Employment & Housing (DFEH), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Labor Commissioner, Department of Labor (DOL), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board (UIAB), Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and State Personnel Board (SPB).

Ms. Spencer is a recent past member of the Executive Board of the California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA) – the largest and most influential plaintiffs employment bar association in California. She served on the CELA Board for 12 years. She was the first chair of CELA's Education Committee, on which she served for 12 years. She is a former co-chair of CELA's Public Employment Committee.

In addition, Ms. Spencer is a co-chair of the San Diego affiliate of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA), the largest and most respected plaintiffs employment bar association in the country.

Ms. Spencer was a Member of the Executive Committee of the Labor and Employment Section of the California State Bar. Ms. Spencer was Chair of the Personnel Appeals Board for the City of La Mesa for two years and was a member of that Board for one year before.

Ms. Spencer has been recognized as a San Diego SuperLawyer (Employment & Labor; Employment Benefits).

Bar Admissions

Supreme Court of the State of California (1990)

United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit (1990)

United States Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit (1992)

United States District Court, Southern District, California (1990)

United States District Court, Central District, California (1998)

United States District Court, Northern District, California (2007)

Licensed for 32 years

State CA

Status Active

Acquired 1990

Updated 12/05/2022

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

Contact Marilynn Mika

Spencer Johnson LLP

2727 Camino Del Rio S

Ste 140

San Diego, CA, 92108

Message Get Directions

Reviews

Write A Review

4.8 / 5.0

23 customer reviews

5 Star

91%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Posted by Trobi126 | October 29, 2018

Ms. Spencer is Great!

Ms. Spencer provided great legal advice and assistance which provided me with great insight regarding my situation. She is thorough and very knowledgeable.

Response from Marilynn Mika Spencer November 14, 2018

Thank you! It was my pleasure to assist you. Marilynn Mika Spencer

Posted by Chris | May 15, 2018

Praise for both Mika Spencer and Avvo.com

I found a question someone posted here on Avvo.com that was similar to my own situation. What got my attention was how the answer Mika Spencer gave was valuable in and of itself, rather than purely an attempt to pitch a sale. So we communicated through this website, and I eventually hired her and her firm. All the preparation that went into the case seemed like a solid process, and let to a successful outcome.

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Posted by Cody mina | March 12, 2018

Employment

Marilynn took her time to read my case and she gave a well explained answer to my question

Posted by anonymous | December 21, 2017

star only review

This attorney was very knowledgeable and very through. I appreciate her insight and the time she took to explain and answer my questions.

Posted by Edna | October 6, 2017

She is a bad-ass lawyer!

Mika is my lawyer and we spent the last five days together as she conducted depositions regarding my case and was also by my side during my deposition. During my deposition I kept thinking how thankful I was that she was MY lawyer and she was not deposing me. Her words, "don't be scared, be strong" kept rolling through my head which kept me from becoming a nervous wreck. Her demeanor reminded me of President Obama's comments regarding the women's champion sport team, he called them "bad asses." Mika is a bad ass, to see her in action is like watching a fine, trained professional do their work, just awesome. She is a respectful, thorough, human rights fighter/advocate that protected me and had my back throughout this process. I recommend her to everyone that believes they have a case where they may have been beaten down, taken advantage of, discriminated against, harassed and/or made to feel, via your disability, that you are less than - call her immediately. As we parted yesterday, I thanked her for protecting me and causing the worst time of my life to be one of the best times of my life. I would give her a million stars, as she is definitely one in a million. Call her, you will not regret it.

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Posted by RN4KU | October 27, 2016

Very informative and really took the time to respond

I will be calling her to schedule a consultation.

Posted by Tony Munter | May 21, 2015

Professional and an outstanding colleague

I would highly recommend working with Ms. Spencer. She demonstrated a full understanding of complex legal issues and it was a pleasure to work with her. She is a powerful advocate for her clients and for working people in general.

Posted by David | December 1, 2014

Very competent

Even she does not take cases like mine, she took her time to give some advises and that, for me, show her character. I wish to have her as my representative.

Posted by letrikdude1972 | September 26, 2013

A women gives knowledge and hope for the american identity

I actually retained a lawyer in south bend Indiana he was good, tell u what he didn't go as deep as u. Thank u so much Marilynn. I appreciate the advice!!!!!!!

Posted by anonymous | July 6, 2013

Thank you Mika and Avvo

Mika Spencer settled my case and did a superb job. My employer was hard to deal with while I was still working there and after I left. His attorney was also hard to deal with. That is why I had to get legal representation. I found Mika on Avvo and I am glad. First I called two other lawyers but they never called me back. After Mika’s paralegal called me back and got my information, then Mika called me and we talked and then she made an office appointment for me. Then at the appointment she read my papers and asked questions then agreed to take my case. I loved that Mika sent me emails with copies of everything my boss sent her and his lawyers sent her and everything Mika sent to his attorney. I liked it that Mika kept me informed. I never had to ask what was going on. I am satisfied with Mika and how she represented me. I am glad the Avvo web-site listed her and I thank Avvo for providing this place for questions and answers. It is helpful to people like me who don’t know where to find good lawyers.

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Posted by Kazuko | April 24, 2013

She is great!

The Spencer Law Firm provides excellent client service! Mika is a very professional, reliable and knowledgeable lawyer; she takes really good care of her clients. The first time I talked to her, I was very nervous because of my poor English skills; however, she was very patient with and supportive of me! She kept me well informed and was very professional throughout the whole process. I am very satisfied with the results. She's honest, trustworthy and I would highly recommend her to anyone.

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Posted by milena garcia | December 19, 2012

she make me smile again

i am so glad marilynn responded to all the questions i have, her advise and responsibility to all questions she share with me help me go to the right way to start my cases, she give me hope my life back. i will recommend marilynn because she don't let you go down, i never got to met her, she give me the best advise and i am so glad she was with me even went my English was real bad in the question i was asking. again thanks for all you help i really depreciated. muy buena abogada se la recomiendo a cualquier persona que tenga problemas legales y no sepa en donde empesar, otra vez muchisimas gracias.

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Posted by Jose P. | May 4, 2012

superb lawyer!

Definitely a lawyer you want on your side, when I spoke the first time with her office, I knew she will be representing my rights without any greed. I highly recommend her office for all your labor issues, specially to the hardworking community. The only problem I see, is that the office is located in San Diego, where it was hard for me to find her when I need it the most.

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Posted by anonymous | April 21, 2012

Thank you to Marilynn Mika Spencer

I know alot of people complain about their lawyers but you won't hear that from me. I love my attorney! She saved my job which saved my marriage and saved my condo, car and everything else. I was in big trouble at work for a stupid mistake. Yes I made the mistake but after many years of working there I thought it wasn't fair to be fired. It was not on purpose. Mrs. Spencer worked hard to convince my job to keep me and I ended up with no penalty not even a write up. I didn't know lawyers were like this. I recomend Mrs. Spencer to anyone who needs a good and hardworking fair lawyer.

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Posted by anonymous | April 14, 2012

Excellent Attorney and Great Advice

I have received excellent advice from this attorney and it has helped me greatly in my situation. I would highly recommend

Posted by indeliblefem | March 6, 2012

Workmans Comp/General Information

I posted a few questions on avvo,as i was unaware of a few things such as my workmans comp.And she gave me rights as a employee.Wasn't so much on the workmans comp.But her information was defintely helpful.Also i needed some information on the criminal side for my BF also she directed me to the right place for it also posted my ques there so i could get the correct information.I defintely appreciate her help.

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Posted by John L. | December 7, 2011

Good lawyer

Ms. Mika Marilyn Spencer just finished my case. I am happy with the result. Ms. Spencer responded to all my questions and worries She made sure I understood the whole process. She also taught me alot about the law so I can stay out of trouble next time. Thank you Ms. Spencer. I will refer my friends to you.

Posted by anonymous | June 12, 2011

Mika Spencer is an All Star employment/labor/disability discrimination attorney.

Ms. Spencer handled my disability discrimination and failure to accommodate case from 2006 through settlement in 2011. My case was a difficult and complex situation within a California Community College. The CCC system used a team of lawyers and a "stall to death" tactic designed to bleed my resources dry, cost me my job, my health benefits and discredit my professional reputation. Atty Mika Spencer stuck by me for five years and a lot of complex problems. She saw my case through to an excellent resolution, was professional and kept me from losing hope and everything I had worked so hard to accomplish in my career. Mika worked hard for me and my small case. She interacted effectively with the employer's HR people, opposing counsel, my medical doctors and other professionals involved. Mika is a very sensitive professional and a friend who I know fights hard for what she believes is fair and just for people that experience the pain and despair of discrimination and unfair treatment in the workplace. I highly recommend Mika Marilyn Spencer to anyone who needs a highly competent labor attorney who understands what you are going through and can help you get past some really tough situations like your best friend.

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Posted by Karlee | February 26, 2011

She did a good job in my case

Attorney Spencer did a good job in my case. She won it for me and I was very scared before I talked to her. She sent me e-mail all the time with copys of everything she received from my ex employer and their lawyer. I didn't know how long these things take and I got frustrated with the other attorney on the other side. They kept doing things to stall. But Mika stuck by me and never got frustrated and kept on working until I won.

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Posted by Paul | September 11, 2010

Highly recommend

Typically my contact with Spencer was under intense crisis. I had worked with another office and had run aground. Ms. Spencer, though very busy with matters larger than my individual case immediately did a case triage with me. She brought my matter back into focus and took my case from a wreck to a satisfactory settlement. I highly recommend this office and Mika Spencer. Her expertise and years of experience made a decisive difference.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Managing Attorney
The Spencer Law Firm
1994 - Present

Chair
Personnel Appeals Board, City of La Mesa
2000 - 2003

Labor and Employment Law
Labor Studies Program, San Diego Community College District
1999 - 2003

Administrative Law and Procedure, Labor Agencies
Labor Studies Program, San Diego Community College District
1999 - 2003

Staff Attorney
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union 465
1995 - 1997

Secretary-Treasurer, Steward, Council Representative, Delegate
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Local 3235
1984 - 1987

View all work experience

Education

University of California at Los Angeles School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1990

University of California, Los Angeles
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1985

Legal Cases

Due Process and Property Rights Violations
Substantial financial settlement, clear record, reference letter.

Wrongful Termination / Disability Discrimination / Failure to Accommodate
Three years' pay, clean file, reference letter.

Discrimination
Successfully achieved promotion and back pay.

View all legal cases

Associations

State Bar of California, Litigation Section
Member
2011 - Present

California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA)
Board of Directors
2003 - Present

California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA)
Member
1995 - Present

National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA)
Member
1994 - Present

National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA)
Affiliate Leader
1993 - Present

AFL-CIO Lawyers Coordinating Committee
Member
1991 - Present

National Lawyers Guild
Member
1990 - Present

State Bar of California, Labor and Employment Law Section
Member
1990 - Present

National Lawyers Guild, Labor and Employment Committee
Member
1990 - Present

California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA)
Secretary
2009 - 2011

State Bar of California, Labor and Employment Law Section
Advisory Board
2004 - 2007

State Bar of California, Labor and Employment Law Section
Executive Committee
2001 - 2004

National Lawyers Guild, Labor and Employment Committee
Steering Committee
1992 - 2004

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Spanish

Honors and Awards

San Diego Top Lawyer
San Diego Best Lawyers / SD Metro
2012

Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2007

Publications

Union Member Guide to Labor and Employment Law
Workers With Disabilities: ADA and Other Laws
1996

Medical Trial Technique Quarterly
Who Owns the Test?
1992

Speaking Engagements

NAMI San Diego
Employment Disability Discrimination & Reasonable Accommodation
2014

20th Annual OCD Conference
Ask an Attorney! What Are my Rights on the Job?
2013

Teaching to Transgress
Using Disability Law: A Practical Toolkit
2012

San Diego County Bar Association
So You Think You've Got a Case? What Every Attorney Should Know about Employment Law
2012

California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA) 25th Annual Conference
Legislative and Arbitration Update (moderator)
2012

International Obsessive Compulsive Foundation Annual Conference
Employment Law and OCD Hooray for the ADA! Woo-Hoo for the FMLA!
2010

California Employment Lawyers Association Annual Conference
Mind over Matter: Mental Health Disabilities, Law and Practice Tips
2010

Obsessive Compulsive Foundation Annual Conference
The Law Is Finally on Your Side! Recent Changes in the ADA Can Help You Stay Employed and Insured: What People with OCD Need to Know
2009

Obsessive Compulsive Foundation Annual Conference
OCD and the Law Getting: and Keeping a Job
2008

Not Another Moment Lost to Seizures
Know Your Rights! Employment and Epilepsy
2007

Navigating Narcolepsy: 2007 National Conference
Narcolepsy on the Job: Staying Employed & Staying Insured
2007

California Employment Lawyers Association Annual Conference
It's the Same but Different: Representing Federal Employoees
2006

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (81)

Given (68)

Endorse Marilynn Mika

Kael Briski

Discrimination Attorney | Feb 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Spencer on a case recently. What impressed me most was her tenaciousness when it came to obtaining compensation for her client. The case we worked on was one of disability discrimination, and although it appeared that there were some significant hurdles to overcome regarding the amount of damages, she pushed hard and was able to obtain a significant result for her client. Ms. Spencer has the knowledge, experience, and passion for representing workers that have suffered discrimination in the workplace. If you are looking for an attorney to represent you pertaining to a failure to accommodate a disability, wrongful termination, or other work-related discrimination, then you would do well to engage Ms. Spencer."

Edward Rutyna

Wrongful termination Attorney | Oct 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"From her detailed and thoughtful responses on the avvo.com web site, it is clear that attorney Marilyn Mika Spencer knows employment and discrimination law inside and out, and has the right stuff."

Stephen Jaffe

Employment and labor Attorney | Dec 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Judd Nemiro

Unknown Attorney | Oct 20
Relationship: Other

"When it comes to ethics and concern for clients, this attorney goes above and beyond, I highly endorse this attorney for legal representation. Not only are they a well respected member of their community but a respected member in the legal field."

John O'Brien

Employment and labor Attorney | Oct 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of her clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."

Hovanes Margarian

Employment and labor Attorney | Jul 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Ligia Parmenter

Unknown Attorney | Mar 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Marilynn Spencer is an experienced attorney whose participation and comments in Avvo show her commitment to serving clients very well. She is an excellent attorney that I recommend wholeheartedly."

Mary Shea

Employment and labor Attorney | Feb 25
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Mika stepped into cover a deposition for me on a very important matter. She was not only a quick study but she did a superb job. Her analysis of the matter was outstanding. Her grasp on how the deposition would impact my case was wholly impressive. Her works product was superb. I would highly recommend her"

Daniel Tam

Unknown Attorney | Feb 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. It is clear by reading the answers in the AVVO community that this lawyer is a top notch attorney who is highly respected in the legal community."

Jeannette Darrow

Unknown Attorney | Jan 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Marilynn Mika Spencer knows her stuff! If you need an employment law attorney, she's the one to call. There is a reason she's been named a Super Lawyer and San Diego Top Lawyer. Actually, there are many reasons! To name a few, she is helpful, straightforward, and genuinely likeable. I highly recommend Ms. Spencer."

Jonathan Weinman

Unknown Attorney | Jan 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Spencer is an excellent attorney and provides detailed, thorough and comprehensive responses to questions. I highly recommend her."

Eric Pitsch

Unknown Attorney | Oct 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Robin Mashal

Employment and labor Attorney | Aug 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Spender has made a substantial number of contributions on Avvo.com. I have looked over several of her contributions and have found them to be thoughtful, informative and practical. I endorse this lawyer's work."

T. Ritz

Wrongful termination Attorney | Apr 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Manbir Chowdhary

Employment and labor Attorney | Apr 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have the pleasure of knowing Ms. Spencer through our membership in the California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA). Ms. Spencer is a veteran advocate for workers' rights, and a highly respected member of the plaintiffs' employment bar."

John Kitta

Employment and labor Attorney | Feb 27
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer.For employment questions in the San Diego area she is one of the lawyers for clients to look to for the proper advisement. She provides specific and to the point answers that carefully address all issues raised by the inquiries received from the AVVO readers."

Albert Crosner

Employment and labor Attorney | Feb 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Spencer is a very experienced attorney in her field and is highly respected in her legal community. She has demonstrated depth of experience and knowledge with her long career of service to clients."

Brian Crockett

Wrongful termination Attorney | Feb 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Spencer is a knowledgeable lawyer who is generous with her time and expertise. I recommend her."

David Mallen

Employment and labor Attorney | Jan 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mika Spencer. She is a highly respected litigator and top labor and employment law contributor on AVVO, a tireless source of insight and legal citation, and a wonderful human being. Mika is a true friend to employees in need of fast answers on AVVO."