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Diane E Aqui
also known as Diane Aqui
About Diane
Biography
Diane Aqui is the head of the Labor & Employment Division at Smith Dollar. Ms. Aqui counsels employers regarding employee related issues, wage-and-hour disputes, and provides state mandated training for sexual harassment and bullying. She has successfully defended discrimination and class action wage and hour suits in both State and Federal Court. And she represents employers before numerous federal and state administrative agencies such as the National Labor Relations Board, Workers Compensation Appeals Board, Department of Labor, Labor Commissioner, FEHA, EEOC and the EDD.
Diane serves as general counsel to many local businesses. In this role, she advises on business formation and transaction issues, reviews, revises, and negotiates contracts, and helps guide principals and decisionmakers when operational and financial concerns overlap with legal and fiduciary responsibilities.
Diane holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Marine Engineering from Maritime College, Fort Schuyler, New York and was also a licensed Third Assistant Engineer in the United States Coast Guard. Her background as an engineer performing risk evalutations and safety inspections of power and production plants lends a unique real world perspective to managing the risks employers face in today’s marketplace.
Practice Areas
10
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 375-475 per hour
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 24 years
State: California
Acquired: 2001
No misconduct found
Location
Smith Dollar PC
418 B Street, Fl 4, Santa Rosa, CA, 95401-6360
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Diane E Aqui's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
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Diane E Aqui's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse Ms. Aqui. She is knowledgeable and practical. Most importantly, she does a great job listening and empathizing with her clients. This quickly helps both sides to discern the goals of the representation, and set the course to ensure it can be efficiently achieved."
"Diane is a fierce and bold advocate for her clients."
Joseph Gruchawka
Employment and labor lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Northern California Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Northern California Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyer
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Women in Business, North Bay Business Journal
2001
Recognition of Valedictorian, California State Senate
2000
Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Constitutional Law, Witkin Legal Institute
2000
Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Wills, Witkin Legal Institute
1998
American Jurisprudence Award for Excellence in Torts, Empire College School of Law
1998
American Jurisprudence Award for Excellence in Contracts, Empire College School of Law
1998
Empire College School of Law, American Jurisprudence
1998
Corpus Juris Secundum Award, Outstanding Achievement, Torts, Empire College School of Law
1998
Corpus Juris Secundum Award, Outstanding Achievement, Contracts, Empire College School of Law
1998
Corpus Juris Secundum Award, Outstanding Achievement, Criminal, Empire College School of Law
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Partner, Smith Dollar PC
1900 - Present
Partner, Smith Dollar PC
2003 - 2014
Owner, Law Offices of Diane Aqui
Associations
2002 - Present
Sonoma County Bar AssociationMember
2002 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of CaliforniaMember
2002 - Present
United States District Court for the Northern District of CaliforniaMember
2002 - Present
Ninth Circuit, U.S. Court of AppealsMember
2002 - Present
Professional Association of Sonoma CountyMember
Education
2001
Empire College School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1986
State University of New York, Maritime College at Ft. Schuyler
BE - Bachelor of Engineering
Speaking Engagements
2023
Prevailing Wage Seminar
AB 1851 and Prevailing Wage
2022
2022 Law Update
New Employment Laws 2022
2020
Prevailing Wage Seminar
Prevailing Wage
2018
Seminar New Employment Laws
New Employment Laws 2018
2014
PDCC Annual Convention
Califoria Subcontract law
2013
PDCC Annual Meeting
California Labor Law
Languages
English